Forgotten God by Francis Chan

Week 5: Chapter 4 — Afraid of the Spirit?

Read Chapter 4 of Forgotten God by Francis Chan. Key Scripture: Luke 11:11–13; 2 Timothy 1:7.

Chan names the unspoken fear that keeps many sincere Christians from fully opening themselves to the Spirit — and he argues that this fear, not theological precision, is often the real reason the Spirit is forgotten.

Discussion Questions

7 questions

1.Chan identifies several fears that keep Christians at a safe distance from the Holy Spirit — fear of emotion, fear of losing control, fear of being weird, fear of what He might ask us to do. Which of these fears is most alive in you? Be specific.

2.Jesus uses the image of a good father who gives good gifts to his children (Luke 11:11–13), promising that our heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit to those who ask. How does Jesus' argument here directly address the fear that opening ourselves to the Spirit is somehow dangerous or unpredictable?

3.Chan distinguishes between legitimate discernment (testing the spirits, as 1 John 4 commands) and a fear-based avoidance that dresses up as discernment. How can you tell the difference in your own heart between wise caution and spiritual cowardice?

4.Chan points to churches and individuals who have been burned by charismatic excess or manipulation and now want nothing to do with the Spirit's experiential work. Is that kind of overcorrection understandable? What does it cost the church — and the individual — to live in that overcorrection long-term?

5.2 Timothy 1:7 says God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. How does this verse speak directly to the fear-based avoidance of the Spirit that Chan describes? What would 'power, love, and a sound mind' actually look like in your engagement with the Spirit?

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Closing Prayer

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Lord, we admit it — we are afraid. Afraid of looking foolish, afraid of losing control, afraid of what You might ask of us, afraid that nothing will happen and our hope will be disappointed again. You know every fear by name. But Your Word says You have not given us a spirit of fear. Forgive us for dressing up our fear as discernment, and for keeping You at a safe distance in the name of theology. You are a good Father who gives good gifts. Help us open our hands, and then our hearts. Lead us gently — but lead us. Amen.

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