The Fear of God: Does My Sin Cost Others?

We exist to Fill the City with Jesus. 

We empower the willing to come fully alive in God’s presence for the renewal of our cities.

  Imagine a group of people in an authentic community, loving each other honestly, covering each other’s sins with forgiveness, prayer, confession, and encouragement, and serving and supporting each other genuinely. It’s in spaces like these where we begin to see the supernatural work of God within our relationships. 

Use this guide with your community, in concert with the Field Journal, as you Strengthen Yourself in the Lord, Manage Your Household, and Fill the City with Jesus.

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Strengthen Yourself in the Lord

Sermon Summary

We often forget that we serve a Holy God by emphasizing His love over His holiness. Fearing God is not living in terror, but existing in such awe of His holiness that we hate what separates us from Him—sin. When we lose this fear, we minimize sin and mistake His patience for permission. Our sin is never private; it always costs others, impacting families and future generations. Achan’s hidden sin cost Israel thirty-six warriors and an important battle. While Saul feared public opinion, David owned his sin and repented. True biblical repentance means falling forward in humble accountability. Ultimately, God’s holiness demands justice, but His love provides Christ. The Cross is where justice and mercy meet, inviting us to encounter His holiness, receive grace, and fulfill our true divine calling.

Scripture References from the Sermon

1 Chronicles 12:32   |   Isaiah 6:3-5   |   Proverbs 9:10   |   Jeremiah 31:1   |   Exodus 34:7   |   Ezekiel 18:4   |   Romans 2:4   |   2 Peter 3:9-10   |   Ecclesiastes 8:11   |   Luke 12:4-5   |   Hebrews 12:28-29   |   Ecclesiastes 12:13-14   |   Psalms 31:19   |   Exodus 20:5-6   |   Numbers 32:23   |   Joshua 7:18-21   |   1 Chronicles 10:13-14   |   2 Samuel 12:13   |   Proverbs 24:16   |   Malachi 4:6   |   Luke 1:17

Discussion Questions

• Reflect on what truth impacted you most about God’s holiness and share it with others.
• How would you explain the fear of the Lord?
• Why does losing the fear of God lead to minimizing sin?
• What biblical example challenged you the most? Why?
• How can one person’s hidden sin affect an entire family or church?
• Compare Saul’s response to sin with David’s. What is the difference?
• Is there an area where God is calling you to repent?
• What practical step of obedience will you take this week?
• What legacy do you want to leave for your family?

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Manage Your Household 

Practical spiritual activities:

• Worship together – Dedicate time each week to worship with those in your household.
• Pray together – Dedicate time each day for listening to and speaking with the Lord individually, and as a household. Record ongoing prayer requests into your journal or Field Journal.
• Intercede for one another – Ask those in your household what is on their heart, then pray for one another. Refer to “Prayer Requests From Our Community” below and prayer recorded in your Field Journal and pray together for your city.
• Read together – Spend time together reading God’s Word. Consider the Bible reading guide on our website.
• Journal & Share – Share insight from what you’ve been hearing from the Lord and capturing in your journal weekly.
• Take communion together – For those who are followers of Jesus, consider taking the elements together. There is a communion guide on our website.

Event Highlight 

• At the Groups Fair, Jul 30 – Aug 9, you’ll have the chance to discover connection opportunities, explore open groups, meet leaders, and ask questions. No matter your schedule or stage of life, there is a community just for you.
• For more, visit gracechurchsp.org/events 

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Fill Your City

Prayer Requests From Our Community

• Pray for those facing homelessness to find God’s love, safe shelter, peace, and true belonging in Christ.
• Pray for those with dementia to find peace, and for their families and caregivers to receive strength, comfort, and renewal in God’s grace.
• Pray for Our Savior Lutheran Church and Pastor Frank Waugh.

Serve Opportunities 

• In the Church – Volunteer with gKids (6wks–5th grade)! From classroom to behind-the-scenes, we have a role suited to your unique talents and schedule.
• In the City – Aug 15 is Grace in the Park Back to School event which is part of an ongoing partnership with the town of Robbins, NC designed to share the love of Jesus in a practical way with its residents.
• For more, visit gracechurchsp.org/serve 

Your City

• There are six areas of the city: family, health & wellness, business, education, government, and media. What are ways you can serve in your city?
• Share Your Story about what God is doing in your life and your city here: https://gracechurchsp.org/story/