WEEKLY SERMON
SERMON RESPONSE GUIDE
"The Fears that Sit Beside Us"
1 John 4:18
KEY POINTS:
1. Nature of Fear: Fear is a natural human emotion, but unchecked, it can prevent us from fully embracing God's love and purpose for our lives.
2. God's Perfect Love: God's love is not merely an emotion but a transformative power that drives out fear and brings healing and freedom.
3. Engaging with Fear: Acknowledging our fears and bringing them before God is the first step towards experiencing His love that dispels those fears.
4. Community's Role: As believers, we play an essential role in helping one another confront and overcome our fears, building a community grounded in love and trust.
5. Living in Love: Embracing God's love daily shields us from the paralyzing effects of fear, enabling us to live fully in His purpose
MEMORY VERSE:
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." - 1 John 4:18 (NIV)
KEY QUESTIONS:
1. What specific fears have you allowed to sit beside you, perhaps even for years, that you need to confront with God's love?
2. How can you tangibly experience and embrace God's perfect love in your daily life?
3. In what ways can we as a community help each other to address and overcome the fears we carry?
4. How has fear hindered your relationship with God or with others? How might God's love change that dynamic?
5. What practical steps can you take this week to let God's love permeate areas of fear in your life?
PRAYER:
"Gracious God, we acknowledge the fears that often sit beside us, casting shadows over our faith and trust in You. Yet, we also recognize the boundless power of Your perfect love. Help us, O Lord, to immerse ourselves fully in that love, allowing it to drive out every fear and uncertainty. Strengthen our community, that we may support and uplift each other, confronting our fears with the assurance of Your love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."