S.t.o.n.e.s.

S. T. O. N. E. S.

Central, August 29, 2004 -- Pastor Tim Hohm -- RevTim.com

1 Samuel 17:1-11 (NLT)

The Philistines now mustered their army for battle and camped between Socoh in Judah and Azekah at Ephes-dammim. [2] Saul countered by gathering his troops near the valley of Elah. [3] So the Philistines and Israelites faced each other on opposite hills, with the valley between them.

[4] Then Goliath, a Philistine champion from Gath, came out of the Philistine ranks to face the forces of Israel. He was a giant of a man, measuring over nine feet tall! [5] He wore a bronze helmet and a coat of mail that weighed 125 pounds. [6] He also wore bronze leggings, and he slung a bronze javelin over his back. [7] The shaft of his spear was as heavy and thick as a weaver’s beam, tipped with an iron spearhead that weighed fifteen pounds. An armor bearer walked ahead of him carrying a huge shield.

[8] Goliath stood and shouted across to the Israelites, "Do you need a whole army to settle this? Choose someone to fight for you, and I will represent the Philistines. We will settle this dispute in single combat! [9] If your man is able to kill me, then we will be your slaves. But if I kill him, you will be our slaves! [10] I defy the armies of Israel! Send me a man who will fight with me!" [11] When Saul and the Israelites heard this, they were terrified and deeply shaken.

1 Samuel 17:38-40 (NLT)

Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. [39] David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before. "I can’t go in these," he protested. "I’m not used to them." So he took them off again. [40] He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them in his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across to fight Goliath.

S. Start

You must approach the battle head on. Have a vision in mind for your future and ministry

1 Samuel 17:16 (NIV)

For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.

In our battles, recognize where the enemy is: Acknowledge what the effect is on your personal life, your family life, your ministry life.

Understand Satan wants to keep you paralized in your journey for Christ.

AND ACKNOWLEDGE that Jesus Christ does NOT want you paralized. He wants your faith active and is willing to use you for His Kingdom and His Purposes!

You will never conquer any enemy, any habit, any unforgiveness, any disciplines ...

You will never tithe, never win anyone to Christ, never learn the Bible, never have influence your co-workers or family for God...

If you do not begin to do His will in your life and face the battles head-on!

T. Tenacity

Your persistence to stay focused on the outcome of your challenge until its completion -- With God ALL THINGS are possible!

ILLUSTRATION:

For two years, scientists sequestered themselves in an artificial environment called Biosphere 2. Inside their self-sustaining community, the Biospherians created a number of mini-environments, including adesert, rain forest, even an ocean.

Nearly every weather condition could be simulated except one, wind. Over time, the effects of their windless environment became apparent. A number of acacia trees bent over and even snapped.

Without the stress of wind to strengthen the wood, the trunks grew weak and could not hold up their own weight. Weathering storms is what builds our strength....

O. Omnipotence

HIS Power.

1 Chron. 29:11 (NLT)

Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty. Everything in the heavens and on earth is yours, O Lord, and this is your kingdom. We adore you as the one who is over all things.

His power leads to:

No Overreaction

Trust

Confidence

Worship Him

A Heart of Singing

NOTHING IS TOO DIFFICULT FOR YOU, GOD!

1 Samuel 17:45-47 (NLT)

David shouted in reply, "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. [46] Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel! [47] 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!"