I. BEWARE - Realize that there will be giants v.4-10
GOLIATH-CHAMPION OF THE PHILISTINES:
“Height was 6 cubits and a span…”
Probably 9’ 9” tall, if 1 cubit=18” and 1 span=1/2 cubit
“He was armed with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass…
Could have weighed around 125 lbs
“And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam; and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron”
His spear with its head weighed around 30 lbs
His entire armor could have weighed as much as 270 lbs.
GOLIATH’S TAUNTS
“Choose you a man for you, and let him come down to me. If he be able to fight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: but if I prevail against him, and kill him, then shall ye be our servants, and serve us."
His cocky and boastful taunts were aimed evilly at God’s people.
APPLICATION
“We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Eph 6:12
Enemies of God’s people are often loom large, and seem impossibly strong, subtle and sure of success, but there is no strength, counsel, nor confidence against God. God uses the small to confound the mighty.
II. BE READY - Be ready when called and step up to the challenge v. 17-18, 32
EXPECT ATTACK AT ANY TIME (BUT IN GOD’S GOOD TIME)
“For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God…[He] called me by his grace…” Gal 1:13-15
David was making a delivery of bread and cheese when the call to arms came. Paul was on his way to persecute the church when his conversion came. The disciples were going about their daily duties when Jesus called them to follow him. Job was going about life as usual when Satan smacked him around.
WHEN THE ATTACK COMES, STEP UP
“Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.” Isaiah 6:8
Oh, that we would react much like David and Isaiah! The largest dearth of ability in the church is availability. We MUST make ourselves available for God’s service when He comes knocking.
APPLICATION
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season…” 2 Tim 4:2
This verse gives Timothy instructions regarding a pastor’s workbut the message should be clear to us: always keep proclaiming Christ, and be always ready.
III. BE STRONG - Have unwavering faith v. 37
STAND FIRM
Look at this scene...David (probably a teenager or in his very early twenties) and sees a trained warrior giant with a reputation. Yet, he has faith that God will deliver him from this obstacle. Why? Because he was acting on previous action: God had delivered him from the paw of the lion and the bear. Notice that God did not send him to beat up on a giant first, though—he brought David through the paw of the lion first, then the paw of the bear, and now the sword of the giant.
APPLICATION
“Stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.” 2 Thess 2:15
We can face any adversity because the God who delivered the Israelites at the Red Sea and delivered David in Elah from Goliath will lead and deliver us. He will deliver us from sin, temptation and through trials. If we will stand firm to what he teaches us, we will not be moved.
IV. BE BOLD - Grab some Rocks! v. 40
HAVE FAITH AND JUMP IN THE FRAY
Some will say “David didn’t have very much faith because he took five stones.” But you don’t realize how much faith he really had when you realize that Goliath had four sons (2 Samuel 21:22). David confidently went to face Goliath fully expecting his family to come out when he killed Goliath! WHAT FAITH!
CLOSING
Have you ever played Crash Bandicoot for Playstation? Crash runs along and picks up little goodies. He jumps on crates and crushes them to get the goodies. Sometimes he has to jump over trenches or enemies to get to the goodies. Sometimes he has to jump on the back or kick away or squash enemies to get to the enemies. Jumping ditches and beating the enemy, continually getting the goodies.
God wants to help us get our goodies, if we will just be aware, be available, be strong and grab some rocks!
