Replacing Fear with Faith

Trait# 4

1 Samuel 17

Example of Fear

F - Focused on the problems (vv. 4-10)

E - Expected to be defeated (v. 11)

A - Attitude of self-protection (vv. 23-24)

R - Ran from the problem (v. 24)

Fear (Hebrew - yare) is divided into five general categories. Our focus will be centered on the “emotion of fear” Typical examples of fearing as an emotional reaction are the Jews’ fear of the fires on Mount Sinai (Deut. 5:5) and the fear of Jews at Mizpah when they heard of the Philistine mobilization (1 Samuel 7:7). The negative command not to fear as a comforting phrase or a greeting (e.g. Genesis 50: 19-20). In such cases, yare is often used parallel to one or more synonyms (e.g. hatat “to be demoralized”; aras “to be terrified”).

*Fear thrives in divided and unsettled hearts. (1 Sam 7 and 1 Sam 17)

Observation: Verse 11 sets the stage for David’s replacement of Saul due to Saul’s fear and timidity in facing the Philistine giant.

When you are gripped with fear, it can cause you to be jaded toward persons who are walking by faith and loyal to Christ. (see Eliab’s language to David in vv. 28). Maybe Eliab’s envy has been stirring since David’s anointing (See 1 Samuel 16:6, 12-13).

Perhaps, Eliab mocked David’s pastoral ministry...” those few sheep”.

Eliab presumed to know David’s heart.

Example of Faith

F - Focused on God (v. 26)

A - Anticipated God’s Help (vv. 45-46)

I - Insisted on being involved (vv. 28-32)

T - Took time to prepare (vv 38-42)

H - Had an impact on everyone around him (vv. 51-52)

Verse 11 sets the stage for David’s replacement of Saul due to Saul’s fear and timidity in facing the Philistine giant.

Verse 24-27 - Clearly, David was operating in a mode of faith and bravery when he inquired about the rewards for the person who would beset the giant. If you are enveloped in fear, you are not seeking to know the details of rewards, you are seeking ways to exit.

The Israelites of the 17th chapter was gripped with the same fear (Heb. yare) of the 4th chapter.