Five Smooth Stones

Five Smooth Stones

July 17, 2011 Evening Service

Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK

Rick Boyne

Message Point: God works through our faith to accomplish much.

Focus Passage: I Samuel 17:31-54

Supplemental Passage: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:10-12 NASB)

Introduction: Relate the story of the armed bandits coming to our house in Cote d’Ivoire and Sally facing them “alone”

I. Giants of Life

a. Goliath was a champion and intended to win on size and strength

b. We face different giants in our own lives (drugs, immorality, gossip, gluttony, bitterness, grudges, etc)

II. Preparing for Giants

a. The worlds way (stuff)

i. For David, King Saul gave him his armor. It was too big and would only get in the way.

ii. The world says “more is better” or “moderation in everything”.

iii. The world isn’t on our side; it doesn’t have our best interest, or God’s interest, in mind.

b. God’s way (faith)

i. in faith, David took 5 stones; one for the giant and one each for his four brothers

ii. we must realize that we aren’t facing a battle only in the physical world, but a spiritual battle meant to demoralize and beat us. Like David, we must say, “the battle is the Lord’s!”

III. Defeating Giants

a. David had confidence because of past experience

b. David didn’t compare himself to the giant; he compared the giant to God

Invitation: