OUT OF THE PAW OF THE LION

Remember or past Deliverance

Out of the Paw of the Lion

It is for our benefit that God tells us to remember. The memory of our past deliverances helps to increase our faith for what we are going through right now.

Are you facing a crisis at home, at work, in your family? The only way to face a giant is to do as David did: Remember the lion and the bear. By remembering God’s faithfulness to him in his past crises, David could go up against Goliath without fear.

When David volunteered to fight Goliath, “Saul said to David, ‘You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him.’ … But David said to Saul, ‘Your servant used to keep his father’s sheep, and when a lion or a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, I went out after it and struck it, and delivered the lamb from its mouth.… Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them’ ” (1 Samuel 17:33–36).

David knew the danger he was facing against Goliath. He was not some naïve kid full of bravado and looking for a fight. David was simply remembering his past deliverances. Now he looked his enemy squarely in the eye and stated, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (verse 37).

Multitudes of God’s people today face giants on all sides. Have you forgotten the time when you were close to death, but the Lord raised you up? Do you remember the financial disaster when the Lord saw you through? It is good to look back and remember His goodness.

Many things we will not understand until we are home with Jesus. Yet I am persuaded God has a way out of every situation.

Remembering the Giants We’ve Conquered

Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 17:33–36

Summary: This passage recounts David’s confident declaration to King Saul regarding his past victories over lions and bears, illustrating his readiness to face Goliath.

Application: Reflecting on past deliverances helps Christians strengthen their faith when faced with new challenges. It encourages reliance on God, boosting courage in difficult situations.

Teaching: This sermon could teach that remembering and recounting our spiritual victories equips us to confront current and future obstacles with faith and confidence.

How this passage could point to Christ: David’s experience foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and death. Just as David trusted in God for deliverance from physical foes, we trust in Christ for deliverance from spiritual enemies.

Big Idea: By remembering our past deliverances through Christ, we build our faith to face new challenges with courage and confidence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using Logos, consider exploring the historical context of David’s life and the significance of his victories. Look at commentaries that discuss the literary structure of 1 Samuel 17, focusing on how David’s faith contrasts with Saul's fear. Pay attention to the Hebrew term used for 'delivered' to enhance your theological understanding.

1. Combat Doubts with Deliverance

1 Samuel 17:33

You could illustrate how Saul's doubt in David's abilities reflects our own doubts when new challenges appear. Emphasize how remembering our past "lions and bears" helps dispel these doubts. Just as David combatted Saul's scepticism with confidence in God's past faithfulness, encourage the congregation to recall moments when God helped them overcome significant obstacles. This remembrance can shift our perspective from fear to faith, inspiring us to face new giants with the assurance that God will deliver once again, just as He did with Christ's victory over sin and death.

2. Recounting Reliable Remembrances

1 Samuel 17:34-35

Perhaps focus on David's detailed recounting of his victories over lions and bears. This illustration of God's past deliverance builds an argument against fear. In emphasizing the specific memories of deliverance, encourage the congregation to similarly recount their own victories, understanding that our past experience of God's faithfulness is a powerful weapon against current fears. Just as David trusted God based on his previous experiences, we can trust Christ for spiritual deliverance, echoing David’s assurance in God’s faithfulness.

3. Declare Defeat Over Giants

1 Samuel 17:36

Maybe emphasize David's declaration of victory over Goliath by drawing confidence from past triumphs. This can be an opportunity to encourage the congregation to name their giants and declare that they will conquer them through Christ. David’s past experiences were stepping stones towards greater faith. Highlight the Christocentric theme by pointing out that just as David overcame through God’s strength, Jesus overcame death, and in Him, we find strength to face all giants boldly.