Champions Of God

Champions of God

Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 18:6-18 [New American Bible]

1 Samuel 18:6-19 At the approach of Saul and David (on David’s return after slaying the Philistine), women came out from each of the cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, joyful songs, and sistrums. [7] The women played and sang: "Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands." [8] Saul was very angry and resentful of the song, for he thought: "They give David ten thousands, but only thousands to me. All that remains for him is the kingship." [9] (And from that day on, Saul was jealous of David. [10] (The next day an evil spirit from God came over Saul, and he raged in his house. David was in attendance, playing the harp as at other times, while Saul was holding his

spear. [11] Saul poised the spear, thinking to nail David to the wall, but twice David escaped him.) [12] Saul then began to fear David, (because the LORD was with him, but had departed from Saul himself.) [13] Accordingly, Saul removed him from his presence by

appointing him a field officer. So David led the people on their military expeditions, [14]and prospered in all his enterprises, for the LORD was with him. [15] Seeing how successful he was, Saul conceived a fear of David: [16] on the other hand, all Israel and Judah loved him, since he led them on their expeditions. [17] (Saul said to David, "There is my older daughter, Merob, whom I will give you in marriage if you become my champion and fight the battles of the LORD." Saul had in mind, "I shall not touch him; let the Philistines strike him." [18] But David answered Saul: "Who am I? And who are my kin or my father’s clan in Israel that I should become the king’s son-in-law?" [19] However, when it was time for Saul’s daughter Merob to be given to David, she was given in marriage to Adriel the Meholathite instead.)

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 18:17

1 Samuel 18:17 (Saul said to David,"There is my older daughter, Merob, whom I will give you in marriage if you become my champion and fight the battles of the LORD."

Introduction:

Saul recognized David’s potential as a warrior and immediately made him a promise that he could be son-in-law to the king if he would “become my champion and fight the battles of the Lord.”

As we enter into a new year, the Lord is looking for people who will accept the challenge to be a “champion for God”. Unlike king Saul, however, God’s promises are true and faithful. Further, God does not promise to make us His son-in-law or daughter-in-law, but His sons and daughters if we are willing to step out by faith and obey His command to serve Him faithfully in these evil times (2 Cor. 6:17-18).

2 Cor. 6:17-18 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

I. What Is A Champion?

A. (Webster) - 1. A person who fights for or defends any person or cause: 2. A fighter or warrior. 3. To act as champion of; defend; support.

B. When today’s society thinks of“champion”, they think of people such as:

1. Mohammed Ali (Cassius Clay) -Boxing Champion.

2. Gen. Swartzcopf (Desert Storm) -Military Champion.

3. Dr. Peter Salk (Polio Vaccine) -Medical Champion.

4. Mark McGuire (Home Run King) -Sports Champion.

5. Bill Gates (Microsoft) -Business Champion.

6. Betsy Ross (American Flag) -Revolutionary Champion.

7. Corrie ten Boom (WWII) -Holocaust Champion.

8. Mother Teresa (Leper Colony) -Compassion Champion.

C. These all pale in comparison to the “champions” of God’s Word.

1. Abraham -Champion of Faith.

Romans 4:18-21 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. [19] And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: [20] He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; [21] And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

a. Christ is looking for “champions of faith” who will be willing to risk all to be obedient to Him and do His work.

Illustrations: “Beware of worshipping Jesus as the Son of God and professing your faith in Him as the Savior of the world, while you blaspheme Him by the complete evidence in your daily life that He is powerless to do anything in and through you.” (Oswald Chambers 1874-1917)