Fearless Week 1 – Discussion Guide
Getting Started
Main Idea:
We are called to be fearless sharers of the real love of Jesus Christ to everyone around us.
Discussion Starter:
What is one of your biggest fears?
Introduction:
Fearless courage is inspiring, especially when it comes to saving a life or many lives. We saw a great example of this September 11, 2001. In the same vein, we are called to be first responders for Jesus. Sadly, only 2% of practicing Christians ever invite their friends to church. Fewer than that will ever share the gospel with anyone. Why are we so afraid?
Beginning this weekend, we will live out one of our values: We tell them of Him. We will tell everyone–our family, friends, coworkers, and classmates–about Jesus and how He has transformed our souls and our lives. Let’s become fearless in sharing Jesus with those around us.
Are you fearful or fearless?
Encounter God
Primary Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:7-9 and Matthew 28:18-20
Discussion Questions:
Read the two primary scriptures.
- In today’s politically correct culture, how do you understand and apply Paul’s words from 2 Timothy in your life?
- Matthew 28:19-20 is commonly known as the Great Commission. Unfortunately, many Christ-followers have turned it into the great omission. We simply do not share our faith often, if at all. First, discuss what fears keep us from sharing our faith. Second, think of ways to overcome these fears.
- One common fear is the fear of pushing others away when sharing our faith. Discuss how engaging others and building relationships opens doors for us to tell others what Jesus has been doing in our lives.
- Jesus gave a directive to GO. Go where? To all the nations–this means to everyone. He wants us to do several things as we go–make disciples, baptize them, and teach them to observe everything He has commanded. Spend some time fleshing out how we can obey this command today. Be specific about what actions you plan to take.
- Reread the very first sentence and the very last sentence of Matthew 28:18-20. How does this empower us to move from fearful to fearless?
Discovery Bible Method:
For deeper study, as an alternative to the questions above, read 2 Timothy 1:7-9 or Matthew 28:18-20, and use the Discovery Bible Method to explore the passage.
Embrace Others
Suggestion: Consider breaking the group into dyads or triads for this section.
This week our focus has been on overcoming fear of speaking to others about our faith. How can we help each other to become bolder in sharing what Jesus has been doing in our lives this week?
Engage the World Around Us
Engaging at Faith Promise: As a church family we all walk together along the path of life. Each of us has different fears. Pray together asking God to give boldness to empower and encourage each other to face and overcome those fears.
Engaging in Community and the World: One of the best ways to overcome our fear of sharing Christ with others is to share Christ with others. Just do it! Don’t allow Satan to paralyze you with the fear of what ifs. What if I offend them, what if I lose a friend, what if they laugh at me, what if…We have power to become fearless and courageous if we allow God to work through us.
Expand God’s Kingdom
The fear of offending someone or being thought of as a Jesus freak can keep us silent. If we truly believe Jesus promise to never leave us nor forsake us, then we will be able to draw strength from that promise. He didn’t suggest we go to everyone and share about Him, He commanded we go. This week pray for God to remove fear and replace it with boldness. Ask Him to remove the blinders that hide the lost and dying from your eyes, and to let you see others the way He sees them.
Leader’s Notes
ALL groups at Faith Promise should follow Jesus Christ and lead others to do the same. Below are the marks of a growing follower and disciple of Jesus.
– A follower of Jesus desires to encounter God through the deeper study and application of God’s Word.
– A follower of Jesus embraces people and values relationships on a deeper level so everyone can grow together.
– A follower of Jesus engages and serves the world around them and in their community, through local partners or God-directed opportunities.
– A follower of Jesus expands God’s Kingdom through development and multiplication of disciple-makers, possibly to lead more groups at Faith Promise.
