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“The Contrast Between Fear and Faith”

1 Samuel 17

 

I.  Scene 1--The Threat to Israel (1-11)

    A.  By the Philistines (1-3)

    B.  By Goliath (4-11)

        1.  His defiance:  "I defy..." (10)

        2.  Israel 's dismay:  "they were dismayed..." (11)

 

II.  Scene 2--David's Family (12-18)

    A.  The Older Brothers in the Army (12-13)

    B.  David was an unknown.

        1.  Caring for the sheep (14-15)

        2.  Taking sack lunched to his brothers (17-18)

 

III.  Scene 3--David at the Battlefront (19-39)

    A.  David learns about Goliath (23).

    B.  David grasps the real problem:

        1.  "Who is this Philistine that he should defy the...

                Living God?" (26)

        2.  "Is there not a cause?" (29)

    C.  David brought before Saul (31).

        1.  Reports what God has done for him in the past

            (34-35, 37)

        2.  Realizes that God's Reputation is at stake (36)

        3.  Refuses the armor (39)

 

IV.  Scene 4--The Showdown (40-54)

 

V.  Scene 5--The Results (55-58)

    A.  David is honored.

    B.  God is glorified.

 

Lessons:

1.  Little is much when God is in it!

 

2.  The mark of a true leader is not physical appearance, nor personality charm, but conviction—the type of conviction that above all desires to see God honored and His will accomplished.

 

3.  A man of faith takes action when God's reputation is slandered.

 

4.  Courage is linked to having a Big view of God.