Would You Go Up Against Goliath

Would you go up against goliath?

INTRODUCTION:

1.     Read text: 1 Samuel 17:28-46.

2.     Regarding the text:

(1)         Goliath was definitely a giant / champion of the Philistines.

A.       8 ½ - 9 ft. tall.

B.       Armor and armaments was impressive / intimidating.

C.       Goliath was not lacking in confidence, aggression, or potential ability.  Cf. v. 10

(2)         There were other Giants in the land as well (Read 2 Sam. 21:15-22).

(3)         Yet, David was a person of faith, conviction and character.  He responded with courage (i.e. Is there not a cause?).

A.       Goliath cursed David by his gods (vv. 42-43).

B.       David responded, “You come with a sword and with a spear, and with a shield, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.”

3.     There are “Goliaths” (giants) in the land today.

(1)         T.V. and other Media seem intent on assaulting our sensibilities and attacking our values (cf. www.onemilliondads.com).

(2)         Humanism, materialism, and post-modernism sing their siren’s song trapping millions in unproductive lifestyles.  Working all life to serve self and things.

(3)         Denominational error will cause people to lose their soul yet they for the most part are sincere and decent people.  How can we approach?

(4)         Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world.

(5)         Our government deeply relies upon the revenue produced by the sale of alcohol, tobacco, and gambling.

A.       Then they in turn tax us to use the funds on a host of things we do not agree with.

B.       Christians need to enlighten their conscience with the word of God and then vote their conscience.  I believe we will answer for our stewardship of the freedom to vote.

(6)         Evolution is poor science in fact it is not science and it is an even poorer religion.

(7)         Sin is a giant that each of fight on common ground and our own private battlefields.

(8)         Liberalism and conservatism pulling the church to extremes.

(9)         Personal giants / obstacles / barriers we each face (fear, hurt, shame, guilt, etc.)

DISCUSSION: AS WE FACE OUR GIANTS WE ASK WHAT ENABLED DAVID TO DO SO?

I.            Read 1 Sam. 17:17-26.  david had a proper perception of the giant.

1.      Golaith was formidable (Anakim; 8 – 9 ½ ft. tall; huge sword, Saul’s army froze).

2.      Israel was intimidated.      “Have you seen this man...”

3.      David replied, “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the army of the living God?”

(1)           As frightening as Goliath must have been, David knew he could overcome.

4.      Obstacles, problems, barriers, difficulties, pain, fear will come, but God promises support to the point that you can overcome them.

(1)           Think about the obstacles, problems, pain, fear Jesus suffered.

A.         In the beginning temptation by the devil (Mt. 4).

B.         Knowing the hearts / thoughts of men.

C.         In the garden knowing His time was limited (Mt. 26).

D.         During His trial, knowing He wasn’t guilty but would be condemned (Mt. 27).

E.         Yet, Jesus was triumphant – “raised from the dead…” (Eph. 1:20).

F.         Jesus is king of kings and Lord of Lords (Rev. 19:16).

(2)           God gives us hope of overcoming our enemies as well.

A.         Gen. 18:14;  18:25.

B.         Phil. 4;12-13

C.         Rom. 8:35-39.

D.         1 Cor. 10:13.

5.      We may grow discouraged, but may we keep our perception proper.

II.          Read vv. 34-37.  David was mindful of past victories.

1.      David remembered what he accomplished with God’s help.

2.      “The Lord has delivered me” (v. 37).

3.      Count the Bible accounts of delivery (Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Gideon, Samson, Hezekiah, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshack, + Abednego…

4.      Consider the victory of Jesus over death the tomb was empty.

5.      Now when obstacles come, count your past victories.

(1)           Victory over sin – “Gone is all the debt of sin, a great change…”

(2)           Victory over self – Cf. Lk. 9:23; James 1:13-14.

(3)           Victory over death.

A.         Yea though I walk through the valley of …. (Psa. 23:4).

B.         1 Cor. 15:55-58.

C.         1 Jn. 5:4-5.

D.         Rev. 14:13; Job 13:15

III.        Read vv. 43-47.  david relied upon the power of god.

1.      Consider David’s words.

2.      Consider Daivd’s faith (v. 46-47).

3.      Consider your words and your faith.

(1)           They can become obstacles themselves.

(2)           OR they can aid us in overcoming as we recognize the power of God and His word (Phil. 4:13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17).

(3)           “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (Eph. 6:10-11)

4.      You have at your disposal all you need to fight a good fight, finish the course, and to keep the faith.  If you do, a crown of life is laid up for you (2 Tim. 4:7-8).

CONCLUSION:

1.    We all have giants of one form or another to overcome, and giants that we need to band together to over come.

2.     What is the giant troubling you in life?

3.     You can overcome if you have a proper perception of your enemy; if you are mindful of past victories; and if you rely upon the power of God.