Series: David - A Man After God¡¦s Own Heart: Part 4: How To Face Your Giants (1, 2, 3)
1 Samuel 17: 40 And David took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine came on and drew near unto David; and the man that bare the shield went before him. 42 And when the Philistine looked about, and saw David, he disdained him: for he was but a youth, and ruddy, and of a fair countenance. 43 And the Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves? And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, Come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, and to the beasts of the field. 45 Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the Lord deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcasses of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hands. 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came, and drew nigh to meet David, that David hastened, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth. 50 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. 51 Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. 53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they spoiled their tents. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but he put his armor in his tent.
INTRODUCTION: A Man After God¡¦s Own Heart: Pt. 4 How To Face Your Giants (Part 3)
Illustration: Story of Benny Hinn: In 2015 he had heart attack and was taken to the hospital for heart surgery. While in the hospital he had a dream and found himself in a long queue at the gate of heaven and everyone was dressed in white garment. At the gate was Jesus dressed in a shiny sparkling white garment different from everyone. Beside him Pastor Benny Hinn saw a woman that was playing a piano. Jesus would nod his head in signal as to whether a person was accepted or denied to enter. If it was a yes, the pianist would play glorious melodies and the gates would automatically open. But if it was a denial the pianist would play horrible melodies and demons would come to take the person away to hell. He says, out of the whole queue only 20% entered but 80 percent were denied. They were all Christians and full of pastors. He says everyone was trembling as they were waiting in the queue. Eventually his turn came and the pianist knew Pastor Benny and smiled at him in admiration of his record on earth. But when Jesus looked at Benny Hinn, his look could tell that he was not impressed with Benny Hinn. Pastor Hinn says his trembling and fear increased knowing that he would not make it through that gate. When Jesus was about to make his decision, then he woke up and God said to him: "Don't blow up this time, this is your second chance." Pastor Benny Hinn then explained something that every long-serving Christian needs to take note of. He said all through his ministry he had two ministry duties: First, was to serve the people with the gift that God has given him - preaching and performing miracles. The second was his personal walk with God on a daily basis. He says, but from 2010 as he passed through a divorce, his relationship with God became dead and God was far away. He says through the divorce he lost about 7 million dollars and his house and his relationship with God was gone totally. The amazing thing is that when he knew that he was no longer with God that was when he saw many miracles in his ministry. He says that, because he is a great pretender, so he pretended before the people as if he was with God and yet he was not. (Remember the gifts of God are without repentance - that is to say whether you are with God or not, the gift will still work. But to enter the Heaven will be your relationship and right standing with God through Jesus Christ)." Not Benny Hinn alone, but many long serving Christians are living on pretense ¡V relationships with God is non-existent. Pastor Benny Hinn now condemns the selling of anointing oils and holy waters and anything of God that contemporary pastors sell in churches to make money. He says since God has given him a second chance, his focus is no longer on the crowds and their opinions but on his personal relationship with God. If Pastor Benny Hinn was trembling and sweating at the gate in fear that he would not make it, what about you or us? Philippians 2:12: Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. God has not given Pastor Benny Hinn alone this second chance but the whole body of Christ. Let¡¦s seek repentance before God. Stop seeking man¡¦s recognition and seek God's mercy.
INTRODUCTION: Today, Use God¡¦s Words. That Was David¡¦s Weapon.
Words Have The Potential To Produce Positive Or Negative Consequences. They have the power to give life through encouragement and honesty or to crush and kill through lies and gossip. Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 12:18 There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Matthew 12:36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak. Proverbs 16:24 Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Psalm 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Proverbs 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.
Illustration: Bring David¡¦s Staff, Bag, Stones & Compare With Goliath¡¦s Weapons.
WHERE WE ARE IN DAVID¡¦S LIFE.
With God All Things Are Possible. David is simply a man of faith who believes in the God he serves. 1 Samuel 16:13 The spirit of the Lord came mightily upon David from that day forward." While the Spirit of God comes on David, He moves out of Saul and an evil spirit from God (not Satan) afflicts Saul. We think evil spirits are always the sign of Satan at work but God is in control of everything that happens in his world ¡V He permits. But this evil spirit is the means by which David is introduced to Saul¡¦s court. How Do You Soothe Someone Who¡¦s Afflicted By An Evil Spirit? Not pills. Spiritually, give them the Word and good music. Because David is a gifted musician, Spirit-filled and courageous, he is recommended to Saul for his insanity. The Philistines also heard and tried to use the vacuum in leadership to afflict Israel. The two armies confront each other on opposite sides of the Elah Valley (Ravine) ¡V about 9 miles from Bethlehem. The invasion is spearheaded by a champion, Goliath of Gath, 9 feet 9 inches of pure fighting machinery - armor weighs 126 lbs, spear 20 lbs. David must pass through Goliath To Go To The Next Level.
SOME THINGS ABOUT GIANTS WE MUST KNOW.
1. What Is A Giant? Anything that Stands between us and God¡¦s plan for us. Giants Seem bigger than us and our desire to serve God. Giants are Stronger than us and cannot be faced alone.
2. The Truth Is That All Of Us Have Giants. Giants are Ambassadors of Satan to impede us. But Giants are Ambassadors of God to expose or strengthen us.
3. The Trouble With Giants In Our Lives: Giants Steal The Peace Of God¡¦s People (12 Spies, Saul¡¦s Army). Giants Stop The Progress Of God¡¦s People. Giants Seize our Possessions.
HAVE YOU EVER FACED GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE?
1. If You Are Born Of God, His Desire For You Is To Experience Overcoming Victory: Relationship Problems (Marriage, Parenting, Friends, Co-Workers), Health Issues (Sickness, Disease, Pain), Financial Issues (No Job, Not Enough Money), Emotions (Worries, Fears, Doubts, Anxieties, Grief, Depression, Discouragement, Stresses), Addictions (Drugs, Alcohol, Sexual Addictions), Disappointments (Unemployment, Debt, Abandonment, Abuse, Tragedy, Weaknesses, Inability, Discrimination, Fear, Past Failures.
2. Sometimes We Hear The Giants Shouting: You Are Not Qualified! You Are Not Good Enough! You Can¡¦t Save Your Marriage! You Are Losing Your Kids! You Cannot Stop Your Habits! You Can¡¦t Refuse Pornography! You Can¡¦t Shake Your Past Failures. Your Life Is A Mistake!
WHAT ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR GIANT CALLED GOLIATH?
Goliath Is Well-Armed Enemy: Bronze helmet, armor, javelin, boots, sword and a spear. He had a shield bearer. He had 6 different things to protect him - 6 is the number of man. Goliath¡¦s name means splendor. The world respected Goliath and gave him a place of honor. He cursed God twice a day for 40 days (16). He moves in and out of Israel¡¦s territory in defiance. He was Tall (4), Strong (5-7), Cocky (8-11), Intimidating, Profane, Mocking, Persistent, Defiant, etc. His challenge did have a demoralizing effect on Israel¡¦s army (v. 11).
PRINCIPLES FOR OVERCOMING GIANTS FROM THE PASSAGE
1. There Will Always Be Giants. Matthew 5:45 ¡§That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. Giants of fear, worry, testing, temptation, debt, tragedy, addiction, anger, rejection, failure. These giants shout a lot. 1 Sam. 16:43 Goliath said, ¡§Am I a dog that you come at me with a stick?¡¨ David, Benny Hinn, Duncan Williams, Chrys Oyakhilome, etc.
2. Giants Do Not Make Or Break Us; They Simply Show Who We Already Are. David did not become a hero the day he killed Goliath. The hero was simply exposed - storms, trials, etc.
3. Don¡¦t Go Looking For Goliaths, But Be Ready When They Show Up. David¡¦s motive for going to the Valley was simply to carry food to his brothers who were in the army. David wasn¡¦t searching for trouble; he was just trying to serve his brothers and others.
4. Victories Are First Won In The Training Room Not On The Field. It¡¦s foolish to believe that you can prepare to fight a giant at the last moment without having prepared ahead of time.
5. Everyone Who¡¦s Never Killed A Giant Will Say It Can¡¦t Be Done ¡V You Will Face Opposition. When David began asking about this giant, the first opposition he met wasn¡¦t the enemy but his own family - Eliab who was rejected by God. Even Saul.
6. Never Adopt The Enemy¡¦s Methods ¡V What Works For Saul Will Not Work For David. King Saul dressed him in his own armor to prepare him for battle. David refused to fight the battle with the enemy¡¦s methods thus he had a great chance to be a witness of God¡¦s amazing power. David took off human weapons and put on god¡¦s weapons.
7. Focus On The Size Of Your God, Not The Size Of Your Problems. The Israelites were afraid because they were comparing Goliath¡¦s size to their own size. But David was comparing Goliath¡¦s size with God¡¦s size. David made only two observations about Goliath: Uncircumcised & Disgrace. Focus on giants ¡V you stumble. Focus on God ¡V your giants tumble.
8. Victory Has Nothing To Do With Experience But With God. It did not matter how young David was or how experienced Goliath was - the key is that God¡¦s favor brings victory.
9. Just Because You Won Yesterday Does Not Mean You Will Win Today. Every day brings its own battles. King Saul who had once led Israel in killing 40,000 Philistines in one day now sits trembling in weakness while this one soldier Goliath held the entire Israelite Army in Check.
10. Remember Past Victories And Give God Credit For Them. That is why testimonies are so important. Do you remember what God did in the past? Were you grateful? David¡¦s testimony is that the same God who delivers from the bear and lion will deliver him.
11. Know Who Your Real Enemy Is And His Strengths (28-33): Not David¡¦s Brothers, Not Saul. Not your family, not circumstances. The real enemy is the Devil. David could have focused his attacks on his family who did not believe in him. Or the authority (King Saul) who stated that he was too young and inexperienced. No, he saw this as between God and the enemy, not him.
12. Verbalize Your Confidence In God Before The Battle. Goliath¡¦s words: 1 Sam. 17:44 "Am I a dog, that you come at me with a stick?¡¦ And he cursed David by the names of his gods. Come over here, and I¡¦ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!" David¡¦s reply. 45-47 ¡§You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord Almighty - the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. And everyone will know that the Lord does not need weapons to rescue his people. It is his battle, not ours. The Lord will give you to us!¡¨
13. You May Forget Your Enemy, But Your Enemy Never Forgets You: 1 Samuel 17:1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle, and were gathered together at Shochoh, which belongeth to Judah, and pitched between Shochoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim. Ephesdammin - boundary of blood-drops. Goliath never attacked Israel or David first because he remembered that he could not cross the bloodline. Maybe in the past, then at Calvary. God has set a limit for your enemies ¡V they cannot cross that boundary. My life is not in anyone¡¦s hand.
14. As You Go To Fight Today¡¦s Battles, Remember That There Are Other Battles Ahead. Why did David take 5 stones? 2 Samuel 21:16-22 ¡V Goliath was not the only giant living in the land of the Philistines. He had 4 brothers. David knew that families stick together and that Goliath¡¦s brothers would either come to Goliath¡¦s aid to avenge him or he knew that he would have to face them in future battles, which he eventually did. Each stone had a name on it.
ľ The Stone Of The Past: 1 Samuel 17:37 The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.
ƒæ The Stone Of Prayer: Psalm 57:1 Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. Psalms 27:1 The Lord is my light and my salvation¡K
ƒæ Stone Of Problem Solving: Problems are God¡¦s chance to show His power. Sin is God¡¦s opportunity to showcase His grace. 1 Sam. 17:46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I¡¦ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord¡¦s, and he will give all of you into our hands.¡¨
ľ The Stone Of Passion: 1 Samuel 17:48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew near to meet David, that David hurried, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. David had a passion to do what God had called him to do. We allow problems to distract us from a calling in the church. Every ministry in the church is problematic. If God called you to that gifting, His grace will make you determined to serve in spite of whom. Luke 9:51 Jesus face was set toward Jerusalem though the disciples tried to persuade him.
ƒæ The Stone Of Persistence: But David never gave up. One prayer might not be enough. One apology might not do it. You may get knocked down a time or two¡Kbut don¡¦t quit. Keep loading the rocks. Keep swinging the sling. Genesis 32:26 And he said, Let me go, for the day breaks. And he said, I will not let you go, except you bless me.
15. The Enemy Knows The Value Of Words ¡V We Should Also. As Goliath is threatening David and moving towards him, David is also doing the same and running towards the enemy. The devil is a bully. 1 Peter 5: 7 Casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith.
16. When Your Victory Comes, Everyone Will Partake In The Plunder Including Those Who Thought Less Of You. Negative, critical, envious, jealous, arrogant people will side with victory even if they don¡¦t like you. But don¡¦t always expect that collaboration to last.
SUMMARY: SO HOW DO YOU OVERCOME GIANTS OR STORMS IN YOUR LIFE
1 Samuel 17 Gives Us A Formula For Defeating The Giants In Our Lives.
1. Ignore Criticism: Ignore the criticism and the unbelief of others. 1 Samuel 17:33 And Saul said to David, 'You are not able to go to fight against this Philistine. You are only an adolescent, and he has been a warrior from his youth.'" David told King Saul that God would do it.
2. Remember Victories: Remember the past victories God has given you. When you get in a tight spot, look back at what God has already brought you through and delivered you from.
3. Speak The Word Of Faith And Not Words Of Defeat. David tells Goliath exactly how he's going to defeat him. 1 Samuel 17:46-47 "This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will smite you and cut off your head¡K"
CONCLUSION: WHAT KIND OF GIANT DO YOU FACE TODAY?
Your Goliath May Be Some Obstacle, Some Stumbling Block, Some Sin, Some Setback¡K Anything that stops your progress and growth in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Anything that that stops you from coming to church. Anything that stops you from joining the church. Anything that stops you from worshipping God. Anything that keeps you stagnant, that has you going backwards. Anything that keeps families from loving each other. God is bigger and stronger than any giant. He has given us the power to be victorious over the giants that you are facing in this life. Whenever you find yourself facing a Goliath in your life, you ought to remember these scriptures in the Word of God. Isaiah 54:17 No weapon formed against me shall prosper. Romans 8:37 We are more than conquerors through Christ, who loved us. 2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. I John 4:4 Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world. 1 John 5:4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith.
CHALLENGE: David Spoke Victory Despite Goliath - Prophesy Victories In People.
1. Can God Lie? Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?
2. Will God Keep His Promises To You? 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.
3. Can I Be Healed Of Illnesses? Isaiah 53:5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we are healed.
4. What About Your Enemies? Isaiah 49:25 For I will contend with the one who contends with you, And I will save your sons.
5. Are You Feeling Weak? Isaiah 40:29-31 29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
6. World Is A Mess. John 14:1-3: Jesus Said: Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me...¡¨
7. He Promises To Protect You: Isaiah 43:2: When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you; when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, neither shall the flame kindle you.
8. God Promises Power: Acts 1:8: 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
9. Should You Fear People? Matthew 10:28: Do not fear those who kill the body, but cannot harm the soul.
10. Does God Have A Plan For You? Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,¡¨ says the Lord. ¡§They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
11. Can God Give You Peace? Matthew 11:28-29 ¡§Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
12. Can He Supply All Your Needs? Philippians 4:19 19 And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
13. Can Dead Dreams Come Back To Life? Ezekiel 37: 3 And he said unto me, Son of man, can these bones live? And I answered, O Lord God, thou knowest. 4 Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 Thus saith the Lord God unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live.
14. Wisdom To Deal With Trials In Your Life. James 1:5: ¡§If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.¡¨
15. Are You The Victim Of Slander, Divorce, Disease? Can Anything Good Come Out Of It. 1 Peter 5:10: 10 But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
16. Are You Shouldering A Tremendous Burden Of Guilt? 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
AARONIC BLESSINGS
Numbers 6:22-27 22 The Lord said to Moses, 23 Tell Aaron and his sons, This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: 24 The Lord bless you and keep you; 25 the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; 26 the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. 27 So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.
