Act by Faith and Trust in God’s Power

I. Recognize the Giant Challenges in front - I.1 Giant Goliath challenged and taunted the Israelites, and they were paralyzed by fear. (1 Samuel 17: 4-7, 11)

1 Samuel 17:4–7 (ESV)

And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him.

1 Samuel 17:11 (ESV)

When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

- I.2 Today, we also face giant challenges in life, even walking through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalms 23:4).

Psalm 23:4 ESV

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

- I.3 Life is full of challenges. We could face principalities, powers, the rules of the darkness of this world, or spiritual wickedness. (Ephesians 6:12)

Ephesians 6:12 ESV

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

- I.4 Can we overcome fear when facing “giants” in life?

- I.5 How can faith help overcome these fears?

II. Confident in God’s Past Faithfulness to Fearlessness to Face Challenges

- II.1 God delivered David from the lion and bear, so God will also deliver him from Goliath. (1 Samuel 17: 34-37)

- II.2 God is our confidence (Proverbs 3:26) and renew our strength (Isaiah 40:31).

- II.3 God is with us; do not fear nor be dismayed (Isaiah 41:10).

- II.4 God’s past faithfulness strengthens our faith (Psalms 77:11-12), will still deliver us. (2 Corinthians 1:10)

III. Trust in God’s Power, not Human Means.

- III.1 David refuses Saul’s armor and relies on the familiar tools God gave him. He chose to trust in God’s provision. (1 Samuel 17: 38-40)

- III.2 David relies on God (Psalms 20:7). God’s power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

- III.3 Victory comes from God’s power, not our own. (Zechariah 4:6)

IV. Act Boldly in Faith, Not Fear or Doubt

- IV.1 David proclaims his faith in God's promise and power. He confides in God’s deliverance since the battle is the Lord's. (1 Samuel 17: 45-47)

- IV.2 God commanded us not to be afraid or discouraged (Joshua 1:9).

- IV.3 Faith in God’s promises and power require action without fear. (Hebrews 11:32-34; James 2:17).

- IV.4 The Spirit God does not make us timid but gives us power (2 Timothy 1:7).

V. God Uses Anyone Who Acts in Faith to Accomplish His Mission.

- V.1 By unwavering faith, God delivered Goliath to David, and he honored God for this victory. (1 Samuel 17: 46-50)

- V.2 The victory strengthens the Israelite faith and brings glory to God. (Psalms 44:6-8).

- V.3 God can use anyone who acts in faith to accomplish His mission, ultimately revealing and magnifying His glory on earth. (Isaiah 6:3)