Confidence building

Just a Boy

New Living Translation Chapter 17

Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”

I want to star this evening by posing a question.

How long will the church hide and allow the ungodly giants of this world to defy the One true God?

Through out history Christianity has been opposed, from the crucifixion of Jesus through the atrocities in Rome to mocking slurs spit out daily not just in private but some coming from positions of granted power.

Sometimes it seems like modern day Christians are like the army of Israel is running and hiding every time a giant comes forth to mock what we believe and the one in whom we believe.

You know this story right. It comes from . So Israel is at war with the Philistines. I know big shocker. The battle lines are drawn in the valley of Elah. The Israelites are on one hill and the Philistines on the opposite. Every day Goliath would come out spewing this garbage and defying the Israelite army and essentially God. Goliath was a giant. Over 9.75 feet tall the scriptures say. Although the dead sea scrolls and greek translation (Septuagint) place him at 6.75 feet tall. Either way a very big man.

Every day this happened and every day the armies of Israel ran and hid. Until along came a boy. You know this story. David son of Jesse had come on behalf of his old man who couldn’t make the journey to deliver some roasted grains, bread and cheese. But the real purpose of his visit was to check up on his three oldest brothers and bring a report back to his dad.

Of course as David arrived he caught Goliath's daily show. He witnessed the running and hiding of Israels army. He learned of the great reward for the man who would defeat the giant, yet no one was standing up.

I love David’s response

New Living Translation Chapter 17

Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”

Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”

Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?”

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

Tyndale House Publishers. (2013). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.

David was beside himself that for 40 days the armies of the living God would allow this to keep happening. He kept talking to people about it until Saul found out and sent for him.

At this point it looks like Jesse is going to have to wait a while for his report from David. David says he will fight the giant and Saul laughs because David is a boy. Not trained in combat and considerably smaller than Saul’s men let alone Goliath.

But David tells Saul about killing a lion and a bear with God’s help and is confident God will do the same here.

Finally Saul agree. Which was a big deal if David lost The Israelite nation would become slaves to the philistines.

This part I want to read.

1 Samuel 17:38–40 NLT

Then Saul gave David his own armor—a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. 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 to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again. He picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine.

1 Samuel 17:38-

So you know the rest of the story. The giant mocks, David rocks and the giant lost his head.

Ok so this evening I want to talk to you about the difference between David and Saul and the rest of the army of Israel.

The question I want to answer is...

What is the difference between David and the rest of the Soldiers?

It is a matter of Confidence!

Me: When I was younger people used to pick on me. Until I got to CNHS. There I had cousins with a reputation.

We: On our own the giants of this world are undefeatable but we serve a God who has a reputation.

God: That was the difference between David and the rest. They placed their confidence in their training and weaponry. We know this because of Saul’s response. He told David

New Living Translation Chapter 17

There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.”

and

New Living Translation Chapter 17

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 to Saul. “I’m not used to them.” So David took them off again

See Saul was still under the impression that if David was going to be victorious he needed the best armour and weapons they had. That was why he offered him his own. He also thought if David had more training but time wouldn’t allow. He figured Goliath would be victorious because he had more experience as a soldier.

All this showed Saul and the rest of the army had placed their confidence in the wrong things. No wonder they were scared and hid. They knew their experience and weapons were no match for Goliath’s.

David on the other had placed his confidence in God. See David had seen God work before, with the Lions and bears. David was well aware of God’s reputation....

You: Where is your confidence placed. Are you hiding in the bushes or are you ready to fight knowing God is on your side.

We: These giants we face will all fall. Just like Goliath, not because of our experience or weapons but because we serve a God who has a reputation.

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