Fear Less
November 16, 2025
In a world ruled by fear and fueled by endless headlines, God’s people are called to live differently. When the kings of the earth trembled, Isaiah heard a counter-cultural command: “Do not fear what they fear. The Lord Almighty is the One you are to regard as holy.” In this message, Pastor Gary Webber shows how faith in the face of fear becomes a declaration of hope in a despairing world—and how trusting the holiness of God can steady us amid cultural panic and personal anxiety.
Passage
Isaiah 8:11-18
Principle
##Faith## in the face of ##fear## is a declaration of ##hope## in a world of ##despair##.
Practice
Three ways to overcome fear and increase Faith:
- Don’t fall for ##conspiracy## ##theories##
- Regard ##God## as ##Holy##
- Bind His ##Word## to your ##heart##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couples or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What’s something that used to scare you when you were younger but doesn’t anymore? What changed your perspective?
HEAR
Read Matthew 10:26-31
- Why do you think Jesus repeats the phrase “Do not be afraid” three times in these verses?
- According to Jesus, what are the kinds of things we shouldn’t fear—and what should we fear instead?
- How does knowing God’s intimate care for us, like “even the hairs of your head are numbered,” help us conquer fear?
Read Matthew 10:32-33
- What does it mean to “acknowledge” or “confess” Jesus in front of others?
- Why might fear drive us to hide or deny our faith?
- Share a time when you felt courage or fear while representing Jesus in public—at work, school, or with family.
Read Matthew 10:34-39
- Why do you think Jesus said He came to bring “a sword” instead of peace? What does this metaphor mean?
- How can following Jesus sometimes lead to conflict, even with those we love most?
- What does it really mean to “take up your cross” and “lose your life” for Christ’s sake today?
HUDDLE
Where is fear preventing you from fully obeying Christ? What might it look like this week to “fear less” by trusting Him more? Talk about it, seek accountability, and pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, ask: What does this teach me about fear, faith, and trust in God’s care? Invite the Holy Spirit to show you how to walk fearlessly in obedience.
- Day 1: Isaiah 7:1-9
- Day 2: Isaiah 8:11-18
- Day 3: Matthew 10:16-25
- Day 4: Matthew 10:26-39
- Day 5: Psalm 27
- Day 6: 2 Timothy 1:6-12
- Day 7: 1 John 4:16-21
Passage to Memorize: Isaiah 7:9b
Think Deeper
- What fears most often shape your reactions, decisions, or conversations?
- How does a proper fear of God free us from the fears that dominate our culture?
- What would trusting God more boldly look like for you this week—in your home, work, or witness?
Suggested Resources
Isaiah for Everyone, by John Goldingay
The Gospel According to Isaiah 53, by Darrell Bock & Mitch Glaser
Simply Christian by N.T. Wright
Broken Signposts, by N.T. Wright
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.