Sermon Study Guide | Series: Sound Mind | Sermon: Living With Fear
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23:4
Date: May 25, 2025

CONNECT - “A Personal Reflection”

This section is designed to help you relate personally to the theme of the sermon. It encourages you to reflect on your own life experiences and how they connect to the message.

We all wear masks. Sometimes we wear them out of habit, sometimes out of fear. Think about a time when you were hiding something you were struggling with—maybe emotionally, mentally, or spiritually. What finally helped you bring it into the light? How did God meet you in that moment of vulnerability, and what healing began because of it? Share with your group.

ENGAGE - “Exploring the Scripture”

This section invites you to dive into the biblical passage, discuss its meaning, and apply it to your life through thoughtful questions.

Read 2 Timothy 1:7; Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 23:4 together and discuss:

• Read 2 Timothy 1:7 What does it mean that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind? How do you see those qualities playing out—or not—in your life right now?
  
  
• Psalm 23:4 This verse speaks of God’s presence with us in the darkest valleys. What is a “valley” you have walked through (or are walking through), and how has God’s presence brought comfort or courage?
  
  
• Isaiah 41:10 Reflect on the idea that fear itself isn’t the enemy—but misplaced fear is. What is a misplaced fear in your life? How can you learn to live with fear in a way that leads you closer to God rather than farther from Him?
  
  
• Who do you know that is living with misplaced fear right now? What is one way you could help them as an Unhurried Friend?

APPLY - “Putting the Scriptures into Action”

This section challenges us to take what we’ve learned and implement it in practical ways in our daily lives.

1. Acknowledge the issues: What is one area of your life where you’ve been putting on “a fresh coat of paint” instead of addressing the deeper issues? What’s one small step you could take this week to begin real healing? Remember: God’s healing starts when our hiding stops.
   
   
2. Map it out: Commit to a journal entry or plotting out where you are on the emotions wheel this week. What feelings are most frequent for you right now? Which ones are you tempted to ignore? What needs the most prayer right now?
   
   
3. Who is FOR you? Who in your life could be a safe, secure, and soothing presence—a wise counselor, friend, or mentor? What step can you take to build or strengthen that relationship?
   
   
4. Who are you FOR? Invite a friend, especially one who may be struggling, to join you for next week’s message. Your invitation could be the open door they need.

PRAY - “Seeking God’s Guidance”

This section offers a short prayer to help us center our hearts and invite God to work in our lives through his scripture.

God, thank you that you don’t ask us to pretend we’re okay. You invite us to bring our whole selves—our wounds, our fears, our doubts—into your healing presence. Help us to stop hiding and start healing. Give us the courage to be honest with you and others. Fill us with the power, love, and sound mind that your Spirit offers. Lead us through the valleys with confidence that you are near. And make us the kind of people who create safe places for others to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

GOING DEEPER - “Further Study & Reflection”

[STEP ONE: You are with me – Read Psalm 23]
Spend time meditating daily on Psalm 23 and commit it to memory.

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[STEP TWO: Where am I?]

Print out a copy of the emotions wheel and plot out where you are, every morning when you wake and every evening before sleep, for 1 week. Then share it with a trusted friend and talk about what you learned?

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[STEP THREE: Who do you know in need?]

Who is one person in your life that could use the presence of an Unhurried Friend? Reach out. Check in. Be with them.
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