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David and Goliath
(1 Samuel 17:32-51)
Yearly Theme: “Goodness is… Genuine”
Series Title: “Giant Slayer: A Man After GOD’s Own Heart”
April 14th, 2024

Something to think about:

Many people read the stories of the Bible through a lens of skepticism, and understandably so. We read stories about: A grown man getting swallowed whole by a fish in the Mediterranean Sea? The Red Sea splitting apart bearing the dry ground that was once on the seafloor so the Israelites could go across to safety? A snake in a garden talking to a human? Water from a rock? Manna from heaven? And much, much more! What are we to make of all of this? Are we to take these things seriously? To that question, I would say without a shadow of a doubt yes! We should take these accounts in Scripture seriously, and we should consider the vast amount of evidence that has come to light in recent years of archaeological and historical accounts outside of the Bible that contribute to its veracity.

Today, we come to one of those stories that would qualify as incredible and hard to believe by most people: The story of David and Goliath. David a handsome shepherd boy small in stature with only a sling and a stone as his weapon of choice, faces Goliath – a nearly 10-foot-tall behemoth of a man in full battle regalia – on a battlefield. Who would you think is favored to win? If you were a betting person, who would you put money on?

Let’s read together and see what happens:

Like David, we too face giants in life. Though maybe not as literal as David’s foe, the giants we face can still be as daunting and intimidating as a 10-foot-tall warrior staring us in the face, taunting us to come out and fight. Sadly, unlike David, many of us lack the courage and the determination to step out on the battlefield. But here’s the point…

Key Point: “To slay a giant you must step onto the battlefield.”

What did David have to remember in this fight against Goliath? Let’s break it down…

· _____________ can often come from well-meaning _____.

1 Samuel 17:32-33 (NLT) 32 “Don’t worry about this Philistine,” David told Saul. “I’ll go fight him!”
33 “Don’t be ridiculous!” Saul replied. “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.”

• Most ________ aren’t as ___ as they seem.

1 Samuel 17:41-44 (NLT), 41 Goliath walked out toward David with his shield bearer ahead of him, 42 sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. 43 “Am I a dog,” he roared at David, “that you come at me with a stick?” And he cursed David by the names of his gods. 44 “Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!” Goliath yelled.

· Who we _________ will often determine the _______ we win or lose.

1 Samuel 17:45 (NLT), David replied to the Philistine, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies—the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

Something to take home:

David’s biggest concern was not about the thoughts of others, the size of the challenges that faced him on the battlefield, or even his lack of so-called protection or armament. David’s concern lay with the holy name of GOD and the GOD of Heaven’s Armies. David concerned himself with not making a name for himself, but standing for YAHWEH! When he pressed in and beyond his fears, he was able to see so clearly what had to be done – what no one else would do. Looking foolish to the rest of the world (allies and enemies alike) David humbly, but confidently met his giant on the battlefield and felled the beast with a sling and a stone and his faith in GOD.

What giants are you facing? Where are you standing in respect to them? Are you prayed up and willing to step into battle? We can say what Paul says in his letter to the Roman Church:

Romans 8:31-32 (NLT), 31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?

Key Point: “To slay a giant you must step onto the battlefield.”

What lessons can be drawn from Saul's initial reaction to David's willingness to fight Goliath?

David's brothers were skeptical of his abilities. Have you faced a similar situation in your life, and how did you handle it?

Goliath underestimated David due to his youth and lack of armor. How does society today underestimate the abilities of certain groups, and how can this be addressed?

How does David's confidence in facing Goliath demonstrate his faith in God?



How can David's faith and courage inspire us to confront our fears in our daily lives?

What role does humility play in this story, and how can we apply this lesson to our lives?

How can this narrative inspire us to maintain faith even in seemingly insurmountable challenges?

In the modern world, who are some of the "Goliaths" that Christians face, and how can we apply David's approach to confront them?

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