Cornerstone Baptist Church │Sunday AM, April 10, 2011
TEXT: 1 Samuel 17:40-52
We ALL have Giants to overcome. These Giants will either hinder or test our faith – depending on our response! Let’s consider the main characters in this biblical account.
THE MAIN CHARACTERS:
· Saul, King of Israel.
· The Men of Israel.
· Goliath was Nine feet tall.
· David had a right relationship with God; was a man of character.
DAVID’S ENCOUNTER WITH GOLIATH: There were a number of things that David knew which allowed him to face the giant.
· David knew his foe.
- He knew who Goliath was and what he was doing.
- He was aware of Goliath’s size.
- He knew Goliath had four brothers (1 Chron 20).
- He knew Goliath’s threats were far reaching.
- He knew Goliath wanted to kill him.
· David knew his God (and His power). Psalm 20:7-8 “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.”
· David knew he was on the winning side. He knew he was no match for Goliath, but he also knew Goliath was no match for God.
· David knew how to use his weapon.
- He had spent many hours practicing with his staff and sling.
- We’ll win battles when we learn to use the tools God has given.
SIX THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN BATTLING GIANTS:
1. Save your energy for fighting giants, not fellow soldiers (17:28-30). Eliab his brother heard when he spake unto the men; and his anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle. 29 And David said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause? 30 And he turned from him to another,…
2. You have what it takes to battle your giant right now (17:34-36). David said to Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: 35 And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. 36 Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God.
3. When battling with giants do it God’s Way (17:38). Saul armed David with his armour, and he put an helmet of brass upon his head; also he armed him with a coat of mail. And David girded his sword upon his armour, and he assayed to go; for he had not proved it. And David said unto Saul, I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them. And David put them off him.
4. Battling Giants requires a plan (17:40). David took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine.
5. Giants aren’t as big when you look through God’s eyes (17:43-47). The Philistine said unto David, Am I a dog, that thou comest to me with staves?... 45 David said to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. 46 This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand;…
6. Defeating Giants brings victory to more than ourselves (1 Sam 17:52). And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way…
CONCLUSION: There are many more giants that we could name but the question remains, "How will you face them?" Will you face them like the Armies of Israel or like David?
