1. Read Genesis 3:8–10. What is the first fear in Scripture — and what caused it?

2. Fear entered at the moment of separation from God. What does that say about the nature of fear?

3. What is the relationship between shame and fear in your own experience?

1. What are you most afraid of right now? Be precise.

2. What does that fear believe about the future? About God? About your ability to cope?

3. What is this fear protecting you from — what loss or harm is it trying to prevent?

1. Find three "do not fear" passages in Scripture. What reason does God give in each one?

2. The reason is always the same: "for I am with you," "for I am your God." What does God's presence have to do with fear?

3. Why does knowing the facts of faith not automatically eliminate fear? What else is needed?

1. Read 1 John 4:18. What is the relationship between love and fear?

2. Fear has to do with punishment, John says. What are you afraid of being punished for?

3. What would it mean to be so convinced of God's love that the fear lost its grip?

1. Courage is not the absence of fear — it is acting faithfully in its presence. What act of courage does your faith require of you this week?

2. What practices — prayer, Scripture, community, worship — have been most helpful in reducing fear's power in your life?

3. Write a personal declaration: "I will not fear _____ because _____." Base the second part on Scripture.