A Bible Study on Faith in the God of Israel
1 Samuel 17:1–54
Paul J. Bucknell
B. Strengthening Our Faith in God (1 Sam 17:26-54)
26. And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach of Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”...32. And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” …36. Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37. And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
42. And when the Philistine saw David he disdained him, for he was but a youth, ruddy and handsome in appearance. 43. And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44. The Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45. Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47. and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.” 48. When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.”
- How did David handle the reproach from Goliath (17:42-47)?
- How do you personally deal with disregard from others? Do people’s attitudes or words toward you influence how you manage a situation or relationship?
- How did Goliath’s unbelief in the living God affect his life and words?
- How could David trust the slingshot? David’s seeming weakness became the very way God strengthened Him.
- Was this more a physical battle or a spiritual battle? Explain.
- “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.”
- What weaknesses do we have in our marriage, parenting, ministry, and work that we can use to show off God’s glory? How does it practically work?
- What are some things that must be dealt with that would hinder you from living by a vibrant faith (Ridge Orr)?
A relationship that left you with hurt or bitter feelings inside …
A temptation that caught you unprepared to deal with it …
A disappointment that depleted your strength …
A deep-seated regret that never seems to go completely away.
Conclusion
Life presents many challenges. We all face them, but not everyone experiences them in the same way. Some are caught off guard, while others give up. We can all find encouragement in David’s faith here, trusting God for grace to overcome every challenge we encounter, even the great battles that hinder others’ faith.