LifeGroup Notes - February 14, 2010 Fearless Series
Fearless Freedom
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Opening Prayer, Confession of Faith & Worship
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
OVERVIEW: Think about that passage of scripture for moment. Do you notice anything about the ease by which each spirit is manifest? Notice that the spirit of fear and timidity are reactionary. They are easy to slip into. In stark contrast, the attributes of the Spirit God has given us are proactive: power, love and self-discipline. Rather than being reactionary, these are initiated by faith and some determination. In our LifeGroups this week, let’s talk about these three characteristics which the Apostle Paul identifies as qualities of the Spirit God has given to his children.
DISCUSSION POINTS
ONE: You have the power to confront your fears.
In his message last weekend, Pastor Terry noted that there are 365 statements in the Bible that say “fear not” or “do not be afraid.” That’s one for every day of the year. The Bible reveals how we can live above our circumstances through Christ.
Read 1 John 4:4 and talk about the powerful impact it can have if we get a hold of and appropriate this truth in our lives. Discuss how this realization gives us power in our everyday lives.
Read Jeremiah 17:7-8 and talk about what powerful action is revealed in verse 7 that releases the fearlessness we see in verse 8. Talk about your personal experience with this truth.
TWO: You have a love that calms your fears.
Read Galatians 5:6 and discuss the symbiotic relationship between faith and love.
Read John 4:18 and discuss how perfect love can only come from God. How does a realization of God’s “perfect” unconditional love toward his children release us to trust him and conquer our fear of serving him with all our heart?
THREE: You have a sound mind that takes captive your fears.
According to Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, the word for “self-discipline” in 1 Timothy 1:7 is – Sophronismos – meaning literally a “saving of the mind.” This is interesting in that it reveals that instead having our minds imprisoned by fear, God gives us a spirit that “saves” and releases our minds from bondage.
Read 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Talk about this proactive exercise the Apostle Paul is encouraging here in order for us to “save our minds.”
Read Philippians 4:8-9. Talk about how this passage requires the spirit of self-discipline and a sound mind. Talk about the benefit of exercising this passage. How does it benefit us? How does it benefit the people around us?
TAKING ACTION: Take three consecutive days this week to meditate on and apply the truth found in 2 Timothy 1:7.
Day One: do a Bible Study on the power of God (use your concordance).
Day Two: Determine from the time you get up in the morning until bedtime, to go out of your way to love the people in your life (get creative, don’t forget the strangers you meet that day)
Day Three: Read Philippians 4:8-9 again. Spend your entire day putting it into practice and watch the difference in your soul and in the people around you.
Ministry Time