We begin today revisiting the famous story of David against Goliath.
Since it is not stated in Scriptures, Bible Scholars guess that David was fairly tall but probably no taller than 7 feet. How tall was Goliath??
Goliath was a giant; Goliath would be a hero for March Madness; Goliath wouldn’t have to jump to dunk a basketball!!
Because there is so much to learn from this story of David and Goliath, we will spend at least 3 weeks on it. We will read 1 Samuel 17:1-37 today but we will focus on v1-20 highlighting the right things and the wrong things to do as one prepares for battle! Open your bibles to 1 Samuel 17 and read along with me…..
As we had noted earlier in the book of 1 Samuel, the Philistines have been God’s enemy since the beginning of the nation of Israel. And so the battle continues here in 1 Samuel 17; we note in v1-3: the battle lines were set between Israel and the Philistines.
v4-10: enter Goliath!! (show pic) Yes, Goliath was an enemy of Israel, but what did Goliath do right for battle?
v5? wore protective equipment!
v6? had a ready weapon!
v7? had a helper
v8-10? challenged his enemies
Goliath, the enemy of God’s people, got ready for battle!
but what do we note about god’s people in v11?? God’s people were dismayed and terrified for battle!
Think about this for a moment, At this point (to v11), Israel already lost the battle! Goliath couldn’t be beaten; the Israelites were scared!
But here’s the good news, Israel is God’s Chosen People! And because Israel is God’s Chosen People, although lost, God protects a remnant! This of course is a lesson for us. As Christians, never see yourselves defeated! God’s handling of Israel, his Chosen People, is an example for Christians. Jesus won it all for you as a Christian; As a Christian, never see yourself defeated!
And so v12-15: enter David! A couple of questions from this passage:
a. Why did David go back and forth from Saul to Jesse??
b. Did David know there was a war??
And so, what can we say about David based on these truths? Obviously, although there was a war, King Saul allowed David to go back and forth to home. As resources were available, David obeyed the authorities, both his father and his king, without sinning!
Now in V16: How long was Goliath making a fool of the Israelites??
Isn’t it interesting; the Israelites had no answer to Goliath! Why didn’t the giant and his army just attacked the Israelites?
What did we learn last week for 1 Samuel 16? God orchestrates, people are to participate! God allowed the mocking for over a month because God was orchestrating! And how did God get David to the front line to hear Goliath’s mocking?
v17-19: God used Jesse’s concern for his sons to get David in the battle lines! Concern for family during war is a right thing to do!
We will end our lesson for today with v20…
What 2 right things did David do as he went to the battle line??
a. found someone to take care of responsibility at home
b. followed his father’s instructions
We will pause here from this David against Goliath story. Next week we will focus on the eternal blessing of Christ’s resurrection and Lord willing come back to the Goliath story on April 12. What biblical principles can we apply to our lives from this passage in 1 Samuel 17?
Just like God’s Chosen People had an enemy and they were in constant battle,
1. Christians must always note that they are in a constant spiritual battle, till taken to heaven.
Christians are told in Ephesians 6:12…. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
And again, God empowers and orchestrates, Christians are called to participate. Jesus Christ already won the battle for us Christians but He wants us to experience that victory; and so God will allow us to be tempted but as stated in 1 Corinthians 10:13…… No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.
How can Christians experience victory?
2. Know and put on the full armor of God! (Ephesians 6:11)
God’s enemy Goliath did the right thing for battle by putting on his armor and having the right weapons. Ever wonder about our enemy satan and his demons if they are prepared for battle against us? Satan and his demons are so ready to battle against us that he is always scheming and always looking for someone to devour! How disciplined are we in always putting on the full armor of God? Satan is always ready, are we?
And we must not be like the Israelites of old who were dismayed and terrified because of their enemy. Romans 8:31b – If God is for us, who can be against us? Because of what Jesus Christ has done for us, no tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword can separate us from God’s perfect love!
David understood God’s love; therefore, in spite of knowing there was a battle going on, with his available resources and abilities, David did what he needed to do without sinning by obeying those in authority over him.
And so, let us close with this last principle for us, which can be summarized with a familiar, but misused Bible verse, our Scripture of the Week: Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This verse is used by many Christians out of context. The verse is actually about contentment with Jesus Christ not a magic potion to give one supernatural powers. Here’s what the prior verses state…. Philippians 4:11-12 - Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.
Christians can only be victorious with Christ, but Christians must always be in Christ. A true victorious Christian is in Christ! The first thing we must always put on is the Belt of Truth.
3. Like a belt, always have Jesus Christ wrap around you and hold you together!
