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Fear can creep in when our circumstances shake us, but what if God offers us something better? This week’s song, “No Fear” by Jon Reddick, leads us to explore the very first mention of fear in Scripture and how God’s perfect love casts it out. Together we’ll trace fear from the Garden of Eden to John’s letter of assurance, discovering how to rest in the confidence of God’s unshakable love.
Key Points
- The first mention of fear in the Bible and what it reveals (Genesis 3)
- What Adam’s relationship with God looked like before fear entered the story
- Why context matters when studying familiar passages
- How perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18)
- Why confidence in salvation is the foundation for overcoming all other fears
- How God’s perfect love—not our striving—sets us free
Scripture References
- Genesis 1–3 – God’s creation, Adam and Eve’s relationship with Him, sin entering the world, and the first appearance of fear.
- Genesis 3:6–10 – Adam and Eve eat the fruit, recognize their nakedness, hide from God, and respond with fear.
- Genesis 2:25 – Before sin, Adam and Eve were naked but felt no shame.
- 1 John 4:17–18 – Perfect love gives us confidence in the day of judgment and casts out fear.
- Psalm 119:18 – A prayer to see wonderful truths in God’s Word.
- Ephesians 1:16–19 – Paul prays for spiritual wisdom and for believers’ hearts to be enlightened.
- Romans 8:35–39 – Nothing—not trouble, danger, or even nakedness—can separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus.
Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs) Used
- Read in context – Take in the surrounding chapters so you don’t misunderstand or misapply a single verse.
- Read Scripture aloud – Slows you down and helps you notice details you might otherwise skim over.
- Meditate on Scripture – Instead of emptying your mind, fill it with God’s Word and turn it over like a diamond to see its many facets.
- Make a list – Organize your observations (like Adam’s God-given gifts and purpose) to see patterns and truths more clearly.
- Pray Scripture – Turn God’s Word into your personal prayer, asking Him to open your eyes and transform your heart.
Additional Resources
This Week's Challenge
Read Genesis 1-3, making note of details that may hint at Adam and God’s “history” and relationship with one another. How do those details inform how Adam responded with the first mention of fear in the Bible? Read 1 John — the whole letter — and then focus in on 1 John 4 where John teaches us that perfect love casts out fear. As you meditate on Scripture, seek to answer these questions: What is the source of perfect love? Is it possible for our love to be perfected? Then note what areas of your life are
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