Being Courageous and Removing the Giants in Our Lives
VBS Promotion Sermon 2006
Thematic Text: Joshua 1:1-9
Actual Text: 1 Samuel 17:38-51
Courage is defined in many ways through the definition of the Hebrew word “amats”. To be of good courage means to be steadfastly minded and strong willed. It also means to be alert at all times. Another definition leads us to believe that courage is simply fearlessness in the face of danger. Regardless of the true definition, courage is displayed in God’s Word by many characters. Today, we look briefly at our VBS theme text in Joshua 1 – then we transfer over to a very familiar Bible story which truly displays “fearlessness in the face of danger” – David vs. Goliath.
In life, it takes courage to live! There will be tough times. There will be good times. There will be times of joy. There will be times of sadness. There will be times of peace. There will be times of joy. It takes courage to live in this world. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to step up to the plate and say “I am a Christ-following believer”. Today, there are giants in each one of our lives that prevent us from living 110% for Christ. Let’s evaluate Joshua and David and see how they removed the Giants in their lives by being courageous.
Joshua Text 1:1-9
I. The ability to be strong and courageous does not come from man
a. Strength to fight the race comes directly from God and God alone
i. Deuteronomy 31:23 tells us to “Be strong and of good courage … for I will be with thee”
b. That gives me hope for my life. When I struggle – I can look directly to God. When I succeed – I can give God all the glory.
c. When you and I are in the midst of God’s will – In the good times and the bad times, He will be there with you
II. There will be challenges to face each and every day
a. Our journey that we face every day is a daunting task. We face people from all walks of life. Believers and non-believers crowd our world every day. Each word and action that we partake in is meticulously watched and followed. If we fail, we’re known as a hypocrite. If we succeed, someone is just hoping that we will fail.
b. We must have courage to face the challenge of every day life.
c. Imagine these challenges:
i. Moses faced the Red Sea
ii. Joseph ended up in jail
iii. Daniel faced a lion
iv. John the Baptist was beheaded
v. Peter was executed for sharing the Gospel
d. Romans 1:17 says: “God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith”
e. Expect these challenges to your faith daily – don’t run from them.
f. Be strong and courageous and endure!
Remember the words of David in Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear?”
Absolute truth!
However, obstacles that seem unbeatable come our way from time to time. It may be a sin that just keeps on creeping up, a co-worker that just seems like they’re out to get you, a spousal relationship issue, or just a plain ole problem that just seems totally impossible to face – much less solve.
These are the issues that we must show courage in removing from our lives. The “Giants” if you will.
TEXT 1 Samuel 17:38-51
David was the underdog in this battle, armed with a sling-slot and pebbles – facing a mighty large man, armed with the finest armor available and weapons galore. It was an impossible situation – but God had a plan, He used David to execute the plan, through David – He gives us the opportunity to use the plan to eliminate Giants from our lives.
I. Where is our faith?
a. David, you’re too small – you’re gonna get killed.
i. The eyes and words of man sometimes cut us to the bone – but they’re absolutely worthless.
ii. The words of a Godly man focused supremely on God overtake any naysayer’s word.
iii. See: v 37
1. “The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, will deliver me out of the hand of the Philistine.”
b. David had Supreme faith
i. Hebrews 11:32-34
1. “And what shall I more say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephtah, or David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight.
c. Beautiful passage on Supreme faith
i. Isaiah 40:26-31
1. God is all wise, all knowing, all powerful.
2. God is capable of leading us through anything – if we will just allow Him to!
II. Where is your courage David?
a. In the hands of a mighty God
i. V. 47
1. The battle is the Lords and He will give you into our hands
III. Where is your reward David?
a. V 50
i. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him, but there was no sword in the hand of David.
Where is our faith to combat the Giants in our lives?
Where is our courage to confront these issues?
Where is our courage to remove these Giants?
What reward is our goal in life?
God told Joshua to “Be strong and of good courage”
God told David – “I’ll be with you”
God tells you and I that “I love you”
How can I remove the giants in my life?
Be courageous and ask God for help!
Each person in this room today who has given their life to Christ is nothing but a good for nothing, low down rotten to the core sinner who by the grace of God has been rescued by faith in believing in Jesus Christ.
It takes courage and strength to follow God.
Remember however – we must trust Him – He will provide us the strength to go each and every day.
