Hello Fear

Main Point of Discussion: Life can bring us many reasons to be fearful, but Christians have the promise that God is our Abba Father who gives us love, and because of this reality, we can live fear-free.

The Music Video:
Kirk Franklin is a relatively big name in Christian music. Famous for tunes such as Revolution and Stomp, Franklin has been a powerhouse for the musical genre known as Christian Hip Hop. He’s also been an outspoken voice for men’s ministry, and has always modeled the faithful values he sings about. Hello Fear is just another truthful message from a Christian trying to keep it real when it comes to following Jesus. You and your students will appreciate his bluntness and honesty of this song.

Introducing the Song:
The discussion we are having tonight is based on a song by contemporary gospel artist Kirk Franklin, the man behind Christian hits such as Revolution and Stomp. His latest release ‘Hello Fear’ debuted in the #1 position on Billboards’ gospel sales chart and #5 on the Billboard Top 200. This is the title song from the CD that addresses an emotion that is very prevalent these days. Let’s take a listen to what he has to say about fear.

LEADERS:
You can download the song or play this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHf6b8LUYCw

Song Lyrics: Hello Fear

Hello Fear
Before you sit down there’s something I need to explain
Since you’re here
I think I should tell you since we last talked things have changed
See I’m tired of being broken-hearted
So I made a list and you’re on it
All my hopes and my dreams You took from me
I want those back before you leave

Hello Fear
I knew I would see you, You have a hard time letting go
See these tears, Take a good look cuz, soon they won’t fall anymore
God’s healing my hurtful places
That seat that was yours now is taken
I’m no longer afraid, See I’m better this way
And one more thing before you leave

[Chorus]
Never again will I love you
My heart it refuses to be your home
No longer your prisoner
Today I remember
Apart from you is where I belong

And never again will I trust you
I’m tired of fighting it’s been way too long
No longer your prisoner
Today I remember
Who I was and now it’s gone
They’re gone
Hello Fear
Da da da da da, da da da da da

Farewell Goodbye So long [3X]

Hello Grace
It feels like forever, I thought my chance with you was gone
See your face, it reminds me of mercy
And please let me say I was wrong
Never knew your touch was endless
How you never run dry of forgiveness
Didn’t know how bad it was, was afraid just because
Sorry fear, grace took your place

[Chorus]

Farewell Goodbye So long [8X]

Hello Fear
Before you sit down there’s something I need to explain

Divide into Small Groups:
Let’s go ahead and split up into our discussion groups, and then afterward we’ll come back together for a final word.

CLICK HERE for a quick training article on how to maximize your small groups using our small group format—a great resource to equip your small group leaders.

Discussion Questions:

1. AROUND THE CIRCLE: As we get started, let’s all take a second to share our names and one fear you had as a child.


2. AROUND THE CIRCLE: What helped you overcome that fear?


3. ASK SOMEONE: What was the message Kirk Franklin had for the fear in his life? (Leaders – He was kissing it goodbye!)


4. ASK A FEW: What are some things that cause us to be afraid today?


5. ASK A FEW: Do our fears steal our ‘hopes and dreams’? If so, how?


6. ASK A FEW: Why do we allow our fears to take us prisoner?

Read the following passage from the Bible:

Romans 8:15-16
You didn’t receive a spirit of slavery to lead you back again into fear, but you received a Spirit that shows you are adopted as his children. With this Spirit, we cry, “Abba, Father.” The same Spirit agrees with our spirit, that we are God’s children.


7. ASK A FEW: What do these verses and the song have in common? (Leaders – Both revolved around the fact that fear makes us slaves and prisoners. Both also claim God as the solution to our fear.)


8. ASK A FEW: How could knowing that we are God’s children help us deal with our fears?


9. ASK A FEW: The term ‘Abba’ is an Aramaic word that was used as an affectionate term for one’s dad – the closest expression we have in our language is probably ‘papa’ or ‘daddy.’ Do you think our heavenly ‘Daddy’ wants us to bring our fears to Him? Why or why not?


10. ASK A FEW: How does knowing that the all-powerful God of the universe is also your perfect ‘Papa’ bring a new perspective to the fears you face?

Read the following passage from the Bible:

1 John 4:13-18
We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 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.


11. ASK A FEW: What does it look like to experience God’s perfect love?


12. ASK A FEW: How can perfect love expel all fear?


13. ASK A FEW: In the song, Kirk sang about “hello grace.” What do you think he meant by that?


14. ASK A FEW: What is the connection between God’s grace and God’s love?


15. ASK A FEW: How would you define God’s grace?


16. AROUND THE CIRCLE: How are you going to let God’s grace replace your fears this week?

Wrap Up:
Pass out the list below that gives many of the truths that enter our lives when we trust Christ and enter into God’s grace as His child. Give students a few moments to look them over, then jot down which promises will help them deal with the fears they are currently facing.

I am accepted…
I am God’s child.
As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ.
I have been justified.
I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
I am a member of Christ’s body.
I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins.
I am complete in Christ.
I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure…
I am free from condemnation.
I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God.
I have been established, anointed and sealed by God.
I am hidden with Christ in God.
I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me.
I am a citizen of heaven.
I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind.
I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant…
I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
I am God’s temple.
I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
I am God’s workmanship.
I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

Close in Prayer:
Take some time for students to share what was helpful for them, then close in a prayer that gives students a chance to trust Christ, and ask God to remind us to take time each day to say good bye to fear and hello to God’s love and grace.

Written by Lane Palmer