Fear Not | Discussion Guide

Published June 29, 2026
Sermon graphic with a blue background. On the left, text reads 'Fear Not, Matthew 14:22-33'. On the right is a church steeple with a cross against clouds.

Summary

This sermon explores the topic of fear and what it means to walk faithfully with Jesus without being bound by it. The pastor distinguishes between two types of fear found in Scripture: a righteous fear of God that draws us closer to Him, and a sinful fear that keeps us from fully surrendering to Christ. Using the familiar account of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14, the sermon challenges listeners to examine whether they are truly walking "all in" with Jesus or holding back because of fear. Through four key truths drawn from the passage, the pastor shows that Jesus sends us into difficult circumstances knowingly, sees us in our struggle, speaks to us in the storm, and saves us when we cry out to Him. Just as Peter stepped out of the boat in full surrender and then cried out when he began to sink, every believer faces the daily choice of whether to keep their eyes on Christ or be overwhelmed by the storms of life. The call of the sermon is to full surrender, releasing all fear, worry, and anxiety to Jesus because He is the great I Am who is present, powerful, and faithful.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask that You would quiet the noise of our fears and worries. Open our hearts and minds to what You want to speak to each of us through Your Word and through one another. Help us to be honest about the fears we carry, and give us the courage to lay them at Your feet. May this time together draw us closer to You and to each other. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What is one thing you were afraid of as a child that you no longer fear today, and what changed for you?

Key Verses

  • Matthew 14:22-33
  • John 16:33
  • Mark 6:48
  • Psalm 56:8
  • Exodus 3:14

Questions

  • The pastor described two types of fear: a righteous fear of God and a sinful fear that keeps us from walking closely with Christ. Which type of fear do you find yourself dealing with most often, and how does it show up in your daily life?
  • Jesus sent the disciples into the boat knowing a storm was coming. Has there been a time in your life when you felt God led you into a difficult situation? How did that experience shape your faith?
  • The sermon pointed out that 67% of Americans identify with crippling anxiety. Why do you think fear and anxiety are so widespread even in a time of great comfort, technology, and security?
  • The pastor said, 'You have no courage in life where you have no vision of Christ.' What are some practical ways you keep your vision of Christ clear, especially during difficult seasons?
  • When Jesus walked toward the disciples on the water, Mark 6:48 says He 'meant to pass them by,' which is a way of revealing His glory. How does recognizing the glory and character of Jesus change the way you respond to fear? 
  • Peter stepped out of the boat in full surrender but then took his eyes off Jesus and began to sink. Can you relate to a moment when you started strong in faith but then let fear pull your focus away? What happened?
  • Jesus said in John 16:33 that we will have both His peace and suffering in this world at the same time. How do you hold those two realities together in your own faith journey?
  • The sermon ended with a call to full surrender, giving all fear, worry, and anxiety to Jesus. What is one specific fear or area of your life that you have been holding back from fully surrendering to God?

Life Application

This week, identify one fear or area of worry that has been keeping you from walking fully with Jesus. Write it down, pray over it specifically each day, and take one concrete step of faith in that area. Whether it is a conversation you have been avoiding, a decision you have been delaying, or a habit you need to surrender, choose to step out of the boat and keep your eyes on Christ rather than on the storm around you.

Key Takeaways

  • Jesus sends us into difficult circumstances on purpose. He is all-knowing and fully aware of the storms we will face, and He uses those moments to grow our faith rather than to harm us.
  • Jesus sees us in our struggle. He knows every tear we have cried and every burden we carry, and He responds to our pain with compassion by coming toward us.
  • Jesus speaks to us in the storm. When He says 'It is I,' He is declaring His identity as the great I Am, the eternal and self-sufficient God who is present with us in every trial.
  • Jesus saves us when we cry out to Him. Just as He immediately reached out and caught Peter, He is ready and able to rescue us the moment we turn to Him in faith.
  • Fear magnifies the storm and minimizes Christ. The antidote to fear is not better circumstances but a clearer vision of who Jesus is and a daily choice to surrender fully to Him.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time together and for the truth of Your Word. We confess that fear has too often kept us from walking fully with You. We thank You that You are the great I Am, that You see every struggle we face, that You come toward us in compassion, and that You save us when we cry out to You. As we leave today, help us to keep our eyes fixed on You rather than on the waves around us. Give us the courage to step out of the boat in full surrender, trusting that Your peace is greater than any storm we will ever face. In the name of Jesus, amen.