CONQUERING THE FEAR OF DEATH

Lifegroup Teaching 39 - (14th October - 19th November 2011)

 

In this lesson you will learn that the root of all fear is the fear of death and how to conquer that fear.

I. Fear of death.

Hebrews 9:27 – "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."

II. Every person has an appointment with death one day or the rapture.

You have to get away from voices that are producing fear in your life.
You have to decide whose voice you are going to listen to.

III. Jesus didn't do away with death.

He destroyed the power of death holding people in fear. For the believer we don't have to be afraid of death – we know we will live forever and immediately go to be in God's presence in heaven.
Hebrews 2:14-15 – "…He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." (Also see Proverbs 15:11, 16:25.)

IV. The root of all fear is the fear of death.

People put a lot of planning into a short trip, but make little effort preparing for where they'll spend eternity.
You are not ready to live until you're ready to die.

V. Many people don't want to talk about death:

• Because it's an unknown realm to them.
• They know they're not right with God or ready to die.
• They are so focused on this world that they're afraid they will miss what's here if they leave.
• They want to ignore it and hope it never comes.

VI. Warn people that heaven and hell are real places – Ezekiel 3:20.

• Matthew 22:1-14 – Wedding feast.
• Matthew 7:21 – Not everyone will enter the Kingdom of God.
• Luke 16:19-31 – Rich man and Lazarus.
• Matthew 7:13-14 – Enter by the narrow gate.
• John 14:1-6 – A place in heaven is being prepared for the believer.
• Hebrews 2:1-3, 1 Timothy 4:1-2 – Don't neglect and depart from faith.

 

DISCUSION QUESTIONS
- How has the fear of death affected your life?
- How did you conquer the fear of death?
- Share how you are warning others that heaven and hell are real places.

BE A DOER OF THE WORD
This week read and meditate on the scriptures in this lesson and begin to warn others of the importance of getting their lives right with God.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE
Hebrews 9:27 – "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment."