Character in Combat

Character in Combat (1 Samuel 17:42)

Looked about, saw = to inspect, observe, or find out

Combat reveals character. (attributes or features that make and distinguish an individual)

And though David was young, clean, and calm, Goliath thought that he was a prideful little twerp (Am I a dog? though comest to me with staves?)

Goliath was inspecting the character of David, who we was, what he stood for, and wondered why in the world he was there standing in front of him.

David’s Character Before Battle

Ready (rose up early (20) ran into the army (22))

Responsible (left sheep with a keeper (20) left carriage (22))

who are you when no one is looking? Are you still responsible in your acts and obedience to God when no one is looking?

Reliable (went as Jesse had commanded him (20))

David’s Character at Base

Concern (22) “saluted”

Shalom = peace

Shaw-al = inquire of another’s well being

David showed concern for his brothers (22)

David showed concern for his nation (26) “reproach from Israel”

David showed concern for his God (26) “defy the armies of the living God”

David didn’t care about attention, accolades, or awards. He was concerned about action in honoring God!

Confidence (26) “that killeth, taketh away”

David already knew Goliath wasn’t invincible.

Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?

Isaiah 14:16–17 “They that see thee (Lucifer) shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms; That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; That opened not the house of his prisoners?”

David’s Character Before Bosses

Strengthener (let no man’s heart fail because of him (32)

Sacrificer (thy servant will go (32))

Soldier (fight with this Philistine (32))

Serious (proof of his capabilities through God (34-36))

Strong HE will deliver me (not through David’s strength, but through God’s strength (37))

We could get a lot more accomplished if we just let God work though us!

Spiritual (David chose not to go with the same armour that Goliath was wearing in battle. What works for the world doesn’t necessarily work for the child of God.

David’s Character During Battle

FAITHFUL (48-50) - When Goliath came charging to David, David didn’t run back, but went charging to Goliath. We need to take evil head on and not back down.

Notice that David tells Goliath that the Lord will deliver him (37,46). When David knocks Goliath down, the Bible says the DAVID PREVAILED. (50) Because of David’s FAITHFULNESS, God showed FAVOR.

Faithful in his calling (I come to thee in the name of the Lord (45)

Faithful in his combat (I will smite thee (46)

Faithful in his concern/motive

(that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel (46)

(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. (47)

GOD ALWAYS EQUIPS THE ENLISTED. IT’S UP TO US IF WE WANT TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE FIGHT.

The Christian life is not a playground, it is a battleground. (Warren Weirsbe)