Today I want to talk about Courageous Living
During the time we have left on this earth, it will take great courage to face the giants coming our way
Hopefully we all know this story – summarize it
David was a courageous leader and he lived like it
One small stone plus one big heart = one dead giant
Courage simply defined is “fearlessness in the face of danger”
We know in this story that the King of Israel was Saul
Saul had the title but he did not have courage – Saul’s army was waiting for Saul to lead – but he was afraid
What are you afraid of today? What giants are calling out your name?
Pray
Trans: The first thing in trying to live courageously is being able to…
1. I.D THE GIANTS IN YOUR LIFE
Look at vs 4 – 7
Clearly described how big Goliath was – clearly identified him as a giant
The giant can also be clearly identified by his antagonism
Read Vs 8-10
This man was overwhelmingly confident and he was antagonizing Saul and the army of Israel
Vs. 11 tells us how they felt – dismayed and terrified
Giants in our lives want to strike fear and cause us to be terrified
Why? Because then we will be ineffective for the Kingdom
Trans: Not just ID giants but we must…
2. HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD & NOT JUST GIANTS
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the voice of the giant
Vs. 11– the giant hadn’t even done anything yet – on hearing the giant’s words – they were terrified
Listen, giants are just the voice of the moment
Remember the story of Joshua when Moses died (Josh 1)
God called Moses to bring Israel to promise land – he didn’t complete the task
Joshua was called to complete the task
Joshua’s giants were being able to lead courageously and when entering promise land – there would be battles
God spoke to Joshua – Joshua had to hear God’s voice and not just the giants confronting him
God spoke some very important words to Joshua – says it 4 times
Vs. 6 “Be strong and courageous…”
Vs. 7 “Be strong and very courageous…”
Vs. 9 “Be strong and courageous…”
Then I like it as the last thing God reassures Joshua at the end of Chapter 1
Vs. 18 “Be strong and courageous…”
God assures Joshua in vs 9 “For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go”
And before that in vs 5 God reassures Joshua “I will never leave you nor forsake you”
Did you know that’s still true today for us? Can I get a witness?
Little side note here about Joshua that many may not know
Notice Moses was given the first five books of the OT which is called what? THE LAW
Now watch this – God gave them the law – containing 10 commandments – but they didn’t keep them
You and I haven’t kept them – Amen!
Now notice that THE LAW (Moses) didn’t take them into the land of promise – Moses died just before
Now watch this – God raised up another man – Joshua – to bring them into the Promised Land
Joshua in Hebrew is JEHO SHUA = Jehovah is salvation
The Jewish Hebrew name for God is YESHUA which means “salvation”
Jesus is our salvation – Jesus is the one who leads us into the promise land
Joshua was a type and shadow of Jesus – telling us what was to come
The law can’t save us – can’t deliver us – just like Moses– we need Yeshua – salvation – somebody say AMEN!
Trans: Third, we must realize that…
3. COURAGE HAPPENS IN CONTEXT OF SERVING
In the midst of all this going on with Israel & Philistines, David was serving
Look at vs 15; 17-19 & vs 32-37
What about Joshua?
Do you know what Joshua’s role was? “serving & ministering to Moses & armor bearer to Moses”
Armor bearer was with the leader in battle – carrying extra weapons and serving the needs of the leader
a. Courage happens when we are engaged against the giants
Notice that when we step out in courage, those without courage try to give us their armor to fight their battle (vs 38)
b. Courage doesn’t well up in the heart of spectators
Vs. 11 “On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified”
Listen, in order to be victorious in your walk, you are going to have to be engaged and not be a spectator
c. Courage draws from past victories
David had courage – because of the past victories God had given him
Vs. 15; vs 34-37
Notice these victories came in the midst of serving!
Are you serving as you should or are you a spectator who is watching courageous living in others?
4. THOSE WITH FEAR OFTEN CRITICIZE THOSE WITH COURAGE
Vs. 26-31 (read)
There will be those who are spectators – who sit on the sidelines in fear
They will openly criticize and belittle those living courageously
David was a mere boy – a tender to sheep – war was for real men – those with a grand title
Those with titles often get upset at those with courage
What happened when David killed Goliath – His courage caused the others to be courageous (vs 51-52)
Conclusion
In the times ahead, there will be giants – they will be calling out our name
Courageous living
1. ID THE GIANTS IN OUR LIFE
2. HEAR THE VOICE OF GOD & NOT JUST GIANTS
3. COURAGE HAPPENS IN CONTEXT OF SERVING
4. THOSE WITH FEAR CRITICIZE THOSE WITH COURAGE
Are you going to be one who is living courageously or are you going to be a spectator – watching from the sidelines in fear? (PRAY)
