OPENING PRAYER: Father, please give me the courage I need to deal with fear.

BIBLE PASSAGE: Isaiah 41:10-14

MEMORY VERSE: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” 1John 4:18.

LESSON INTRODUCTION: The Bible mentions two specific types of fear. First is the ‘fear of the Lord’ which is beneficial and is to be encouraged (Josh.24:14; Ps.111:10). It is a reverential awe of God, a reverence for His power and glory. It is also a proper respect for His wrath and anger. The second type is harmful and is to be overcome (1John.4:18). It is to be afraid of something or someone. The focus of this lesson is to learn how to deal with the detrimental type of fear.

TEXT REVIEW: Isaiah 41:10-14.

A God sent a message to Israel assuring them of His almightiness. He told then that:

They should not be afraid because He is with them. -v10a.

They should not be dismayed because He is their God. -v10b.

He will strengthen them. -v10c.

LESSON OUTLINES

LESSON OUTLINE 1: BASIC CONSTITUENTS OF DETRIMENTAL FEAR

A. Usually, the devil capitalises on our limited knowledge of the word of God and what the future holds for us (Jer.29:10-11).

B. The constituents of fear vary but usually include:

Wild or negative imaginations (2Kgs.6:15).

Remembrance of a painful past event (Genesis 50:15-18).

A threat of harm (Gen.20:9-11).

C. Fear is common among humans:

The fear of criticism (Matt.26:69-73).

The fear of losses (Job 3:25).

The fear of old age (Ps.71:9).

The fear ofill-health/death (1Kgs.19:2-3).

The fear of loneliness (Matt.26:29).

The fear of rejection (Gen.32:3-8).

The fear of failure/success (Prov.30:7-9).

The fear of defeat (1Sam.17:4, 10-11).

D. The Bible also reveals the close associates of fear:

(i) Discouragement (Deut.1:21; Josh.1:9)

(ii) Anxiety (Phil.4:6);

(iii) Worry (Matt.6:25-34);

(iv) Panic (Deut.20:3-4); etc.

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Class should mention those things that usually bring fear to their hearts.

LESSON OUTLINE 2: CONSEQUENCES OF FEAR AND HOW TO OVERCOME

A. Teacher should allow the class discuss and then emphasise the consequences of detrimental fear in that:

When people live in constant fear, whether from physical danger in their environment or perceived threats, they can become incapacitated.

Fear can cause emotional shock which is injurious to our health and can lead to death (Gen.32:7; 1Sam.4:13-18).

Medically, fear can weaken our immune system and can also cause cardio-vascular damages.

It can cause gastrointestinal problems such as ulcer, irritable bowel, syndrome and decreased fertility. It can lead to accelerated ageing and pre-mature death.

Spiritually, fear stifles our thinking and actions (Matthew 25:25).

It creates indecisiveness that results in stagnation (Exodus 14:10-133).

It puts its victims in perpetual bondage and torments (Romans 8:15; 1John.4:18).

Fear may lead to failure, pain and destruction of destiny (Genesis 3:6-10; Num.14:1-4).

Fear creates doubt, blocks blessings and hinders prayer (James 1:6-8).

B. Teacher should stimulate the class to think and suggest what one can do to overcome harmful fear. He should then guide the class through the following points:

i. You must be sure of your salvation and stand firm in the faith (2Cor.5:17; Gal.5:1).

ii. Put your trust in the Lord and rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit always.(Ps.125:1-3; Prov.3:5-6).

iii. You need to confront your fears and refuse to be intimidated by the enemy, unfavourable situations or negative circumstances. (Ps.27:1, 3;56:11).

iv. Above all, constantly apply the word of God, engage in spiritual exercises and visualise the way out and solution through the lens of the word of God (John 5:39; Colossian 3:16).

v. Finally, strive to resist fear and break its hold over your heart (James 4:7; Rev.12:11).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Class should discuss other practical steps to take to overcome fear.

SUMMARY: Fear is not a positive emotion. It has grave consequences but you can overcome it as a child of God.

CONCLUSION: Fear cannot solve or improve but complicate a situation. Reject every seed of fear and receive the spirit of courage and boldness

(Prov. 28:1).

EVALUATION: Teacher should ask the students to mention the consequences of fear and the way out.

CLOSING PRAYER: Father, please give me the power to overcome fear.

ASSIGNMENT: Identify people living in fear in your neighbourhood and with your new understanding take steps to help them overcome it.