Part 2 – Fear of Man
Discussion Guide
Jesus said, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” There is a cost to following Jesus. The Gospel is not only useful for improving our lives. The larger purpose of the gospels is to inspire us by introducing a God who is not only all-powerful and all-knowing but also extravagantly faithful and loving. This world is full of traps that can keep us from knowing God better or having a saving faith. Fear of man is one such trap that takes us away from the wisdom God provides. We may want to fit in with the people around us. However, when we acknowledge and submit to God’s greater authority we please Him, become more like Jesus, and His holiness shines through us – a light in the darkness.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. When have you made a good decision by choosing not to follow the crowd?
2. Read Matthew 10:28-33. What activities or monetary contributions am I committed to with the motivation of fitting in? What activities or monetary contributions am I committed to because I want to honor God?
3. Read Matthew 10:34-39. In what ways has our fear of the Lord been minimized by our fear of what people will think? Why might Jesus (who never was a soldier and didn’t carry or wield a sword) say “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword” (Matthew 10:34b, ESV)?
4. Read John 15:18-19. Consider areas of your life where you tend to be more concerned with fitting in rather than following Jesus. Do you feel hated or pressure to conform in any way? In what areas might you choose to change focus and why?
5. Read Matthew 10:16. How can sheep protect themselves from wolves? How can we become wise and innocent (opposite traits) at the same time? Why would Jesus instruct us to be wise like a serpent? Innocent like a dove?
6. Action Steps:
Ask God for wisdom like a serpent - what traps do you need to avoid even if most people don’t think there is anything wrong with them?
Ask God for innocence like a dove – what godly actions do you need to continue even if they are unpopular?
Deeper
Read Proverbs 29:25.
Read Jeremiah 17:5-6.
Read Galatians 1:10 and 1 Corinthians 4:1-4.
Read Proverbs 14:27.