Facing Your Giants

Text: 1 Samuel 17

Thesis: To learn how to overcome our giants by being God-focused.

Introduction:

(1)    Like David, we all have our giants that we face on a regular basis.

(2)    According to 1 Samuel 17:40, David chose five smooth stones as he prepared to battle Goliath.

(3)    Let us note the five stones that David used to beat Goliath.

Discussion:

I.                   The Stone of the Past

A.    Previously, David had killed both lion and bear as he shepherded his father’s sheep (1 Sam. 17:34-36).

B.     “Remember His marvelous works which He has done” (1 Chron. 16:12).

II.                The Stone of Prayer

A.    “Prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare.  Pray hard and long” (Eph. 6:18, MSG).

B.     David believed in prayer (e.g., 1 Sam. 30:6; Psa. 59:16; Psa. 57:1-2).

III.             The Stone of Priority

A.    David’s motivation = “all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.  Then all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the Lord’s” (1 Sam. 17:46-47)

B.     Cf. Matt. 5:16

IV.             The Stone of Passion

A.    David ran toward the giant (1 Sam. 17:48-49).

B.     Cf. Rom. 8:31

V.                The Stone of Persistence

A.    Goliath had 4 relatives – 2 Sam. 21:16-22

1.      Ishbi-benob – bronze spearhead weighed more than seven pounds

2.      Saph

3.      Goliath’s brother – handle of his spear was a thick as a weaver’s beam

4.      One with 24 toes & 24 fingers

B.     Cf. 1 Cor. 15:58

Conclusion:

-          Focus on giants, you stumble

-          Focus on God, your giants tumble