We're assuming you've already worked through the 40 Days study and have also given each of the preceding topics it's week's worth of attention. If so, let's do some intentional preparation for future fruit bearing.

Week 7 : Fear

Where we left off... 40 Days - Day 7:

When startled, sheep flock to those they trust. They trust the shepherd and follow where he leads. Out of this trust they expect good things when they hear his call. Fear subsides when we are focused on the shepherd.

What you should learn this week:

• Fear is an undervalued and intentional part of our design because it drives us to worship.

• Our response to fear is either to worship God or create idols in His place.

• Recognize the "Fear of the Lord" as our starting place.

Your "Faith in Action" challenge this week:

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Still Working on This Week...

Video 1. A secular perspective of the value of fear.

Study Tool to Explore

Jordan Peterson is a philosopher and psychologist who has long defended the value of Biblical narratives and their analogical significance for daily life. Intellectually, he understands the profound implications of "believing in God" and identifying as a follower of Christ, which may explain his reluctance to make such a personal claims.

He speaks on diverse topics, some with more or less theological significance. Nevertheless, his arguments for futility of life without God and what a reasonable response to Him would be, are worthy of exploration.

Inspirational Focus on YouTube @WordToTheWise

Some Thoughts for Group Discussion

Show your progress on the memory verse, discuss what you learned from the Faith in Action challenge, and discuss your observations in the reading schedule.

The entirety of the Exodus narrative is preserved for us as an analogy of what Christ has done for us (1 Cor 10:1-22). Some connections and warnings for us today:

• (Rom 6:1-18, Ex 1:8-14) Before Christ, we are slaves to sin and the condemnation of the law.

• (1 Cor 10:1-2, Rom 6:3-4) Baptism into Christ is the beginning of new growth and a new walk just as it was for those crossing the Red Sea.

• (1 Cor 10:1-22) Flee from idolatry and pagan indulgence.

• (John 1:29, 1 Cor 5:7, Rev 5:6,12) Christ is the true Passover Lamb.

• (Ex 12:1-7, Heb 9:11-14,22) The blood of the Passover Lamb on the doorpost represents the blood of Christ that allows wrath and judgement to "pass over" us.

• (Fear of the Lord) Discuss the state of the Hebrews in Ex 14:31 and Prov 1:7, 9:10, Psalm 111:10.