RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 3 January 2021 – Lesson 18
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TOPIC: The Spirit Of Fear [RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 3 January 2021]
MEMORY VERSE: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Also See: Open Heaven 3 January 2021 – If Only You Knew
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 3:6-10 KJV (RCCG Sunday School STUDENT Manual 3 January 2021)
6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
8 And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.
9 And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?
10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
INTRODUCTION: Generally, fear can be described as a strong uncontrollable, unpleasant emotion caused by actual or perceived danger threat. It is a basic survival mechanism that signals our body to respond to danger with a fight or flight response. The key word for fear in Greek language is ‘phobos’ from which the common word ‘phobia’ originates. People have phobia from different things and for different reasons. Some people are said to be ‘aquaphobic’ -fear of water, ‘acrophobic’-fear of height, ‘nyctophctic’-fear of darkness, ‘gerascophobic’-fear of ageing, ‘anthropophobic-fear of insects, etc. What does the Bible say about fear? What are the common causes of fear? Getting answers to these questions and many more shall be the focus of this study.
LESSON OUTLINES
- What Does The Bible Say About Fear?
- Biblical Instances of The ‘Spirit Of Fear In Action.
1. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FEAR?
Scriptures clearly reveal that fear is a spirit (2 Timothy 1:7). It is a spirit that puts people in bondage and torment (Romans 8:15; 1 John 4:18). Believers are sometimes tempted to fear (Psalm 55:5) but are delivered from it (Proverbs 1:33; Isaiah 14:3) by trusting in God (Psalm 27:1). A guilty conscience leads to fear (Genesis 3:8,10; Psalm 53:5; Proverbs 28:1). Fear seizes the wicked (Job 15:24; 18:11) and characterises the wicked (Revelation 21:8). Fear is the consequential opposite of faith (Matthew 14:28-31). One can also be a victim of his fears (Job 3:25).
For the righteous, the Bible admonishes that they should fear not’ (KJV) in several passages and for seven key reasons. This is to assure them of the blessings in the journey of life (Genesis 26:24); supplies in Famine (1 Kings 17:13) protection in peril (2 Kings 6:16); strength in weakness (Isaiah 41:10) companionship in trial (Isaiah 43:1-3); overshadowing care (Matthew 10:30-31); and life beyond the grave (Revelation 1:17-18).
2. BIBLICAL INSTANCES OF THE ‘SPIRIT OF FEAR’ IN ACTION
There are instances in the Bible where the spirit of fear operated in or through the lives of some characters. Adam, in hiding from God and attempting to shift responsibility for his sin upon Eve (Genesis 3:8-12). Abraham, in calling his wife his Sister (Genesis 12:11-19; 20:2-12). The Israelites, when Pharaoh and his host pursued in the wilderness before the red sea (Exodus 12:10). Aaron, in yielding to the Israelites, when they demanded an idol (Exodus 32:22-24). The ten spies, in dissuading the Israelites from entering the Promised Land (Numbers 13:28, 31-33). The Israelites, in the battle against Goliath (1Samuel 17:24). David, in fleeing from Absalom (2Samuel 15:13-17). Parents of the blind man, who sight restored to (John 9:22). The disciples, during the storm at sea (Luke 8:25), When they saw Jesus walking on the sea (Matthew 14:25-26) and when Jesus was apprehended (Matthew 26:56). Pilate, in condemning Jesus, through fear of the people (John 19:12-16). Peter and other Christians, at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14).
If you are truly a believer, resist any attempt at being a victim of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
CONCLUSION: Fear is not a component of the fruit of the Holy Spirit, therefore refuse to entertain fear in your life.
QUESTIONS
- What does the Bible say about fear?
- Mention scriptural instances where the spirit of fear manifested.
FURTHER READING:
Monday: Proverbs 3:24-26
Tuesday: Psalm 91:4-6
Wednesday: 1 Peter 3:12-14
Thursday: Hebrews 2:14-15
Friday: Luke 12:32,
Saturday: Isaiah 41:13
Sunday: 2 Timothy 1:7
ASSIGNMENT: Students should list five areas of life where they experienced fear.
RCCG Sunday School HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
