Sunday School Lesson Outlines

Christians Are Not Immune To Fear

We often think because we’re Christians and God is on our side, that He will take care of it all. He didn’t actually promise that till he comes back the second time to take us home – then there will be no fear, etc... But here in this imperfect world, with our finite minds, we will experience fear. Other people are watching how we handle it. So let’s see if we can get some ground rules for our emotions in advance.

Saul

He was a war hero. A real super hero in his time. He was relentless in his pursuits and war. But one day, the Philistines were winning. They had just killed his sons on Mount Gilboa.

1 Samuel 31:3-6 "And the battle went heavily against Saul, and the archers hit him; and he was badly wounded by the archers. Then Saul said to his armor bearer, 'Draw your sword and pierce me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and pierce me through and make sport of me.' But his armor bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took his sword and fell on it. And when his armor bearer saw that Saul was dead, he also fell on his sword and died with him. Thus Saul died with his three sons, his armor bearer, and all his men on that day together." NASB

Now this man had conversations with God, but at this point in time he was so afraid that he committed the first suicide mentioned in the Bible. He was someone his men looked up to – followed his example - and they all died.

David

He was patient man, and a Godly man. He had already been told at a young age that he would be king after Saul. It would be years later until he even got close to the king. Before king Saul committed suicide, David was obeying God’s command not to fight the Philistines. He came across the towns Ziklag and Negev and they had been attacked and burnt to the ground. It was destroyed and their wives and children were taken captive. The men wept.

1 Samuel 30:6-8 "Moreover David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, for all the people were embittered, each one because of his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. Then David said to Abiathar the priest, the son of Ahimelech, 'Please bring me the ephod.' So Abiathar brought the ephod to David. And David inquired of the Lord, saying, 'Shall I pursue this band? Shall I overtake them?' And He said to him, 'Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them, and you shall surely rescue all.'" NASB

Do you see the difference in how the two men reacted to the fear? Do you see the outcome not only for themselves but for the others around them? David found his strength in the Lord, prayed first, and waited for an answer. Regardless of the grumbling around him, and the grief and fear within in, he still knew that God could handle it. And it was to be handled God’s way. Saul on the other hand, had given up on faith by then. After several years of battles and governing the people, he probably didn’t even think about praying in such a desperate situation. But if we are in the habit of praying insistently, then that will be the first thing that we do all the time. And remember, your children are watching how you handle fear. Teach them well the way that they should go.

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