Lesson / Sermon

Fighting Our Giants:

From the Book of 1 Samuel 17:1-50

This week's sermon is based on a story that most people know, or at least have heard of... David and Goliath.

So let us start from the beginning of 1 Samuel 17. Take a few moments and read verses 1-50. We can then pick up from there.

Ok, Let's get started. Early in the chapter, we are introduced to Goliath. Verse 4 states that Goliath is a champion fighter, approximately 6 cubits (over 9 feet tall). Verse 5 says that he wore a bronze helmet on his head, a coat of scale (armor)weighing approximately 5,000 shekels. On his legs were bronze greaves (coverings) and he carried a javelin of iron weighing over 600 shekels.

As you can see, Goliath was not simply well protected, but obviously, extremely strong as well. His height and protective armor gave him a false security in thinking that nothing could bring him down. Sometimes in our own lives, we do the very same thing. We think... because of maybe our job position or connection with a teacher or because of a relative watching out for us... that we are undefeatable or irreplaceable. We assume that we will always have ourselves protected or favored in a situation because of who we know or who we are in rank. It just does not work that way.

Goliath made the biggest mistake of all! He underestimated his enemy!

In verse 11 the last portion of the verse says that the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.. now I repeat, what were they??? They were dismayed and terrified. Not unsure. Not nervous... terrified!!! These were all the hundreds of people standing around as Goliath is shouting for JUST ONE OF THEM...to step forward and come and fight him. They all ALL backed down! They were all too scared!!! We still act this way even today when we have to face something or someone, that we really don't want to. We will do almost anything to avoid it. You know what I am talking about...

Our Own Giants!

Now this next part is the best part of the story. But for some, this part was left out when we learned it as kids. And yet it is such a very important part... for it not only shows David's capabilities, but it proves that he is truly courageous and has valor! He may have been just a boy, but he definitely was not your average boy!!!

In verses 36-37 After his father tells him that he is just a boy and therefore cannot fight the giant, David politely reminds his father that his job every day is to protect the sheep of their flock. Which meant that when a big giant male lion attacked and stole one of the sheep, it was David who went up to that fierce lion and beats it until itlets go of his sheep. When a big overpowering bear takes a sheep, David chases it down and fights it to get the sheep back. In verse 37 David says... "The Lord whom delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear WILL DELIVER ME from the hand of the Giant."

Now I don't know about you, but I am not about to just walk up to any wild, ravage beast, lion, tiger, bear, etc... and try to take food out of its mouth! David did! He was extremely brave and his pure faith in God guided his way.

David's father did let him fight Goliath. In verse 39-40 He tried to put some armor on David, but it did not fit right or feel right, so David took it off. He said, I don't need that, then he picked up a few rocks and his sling and headed for battle. David knew that he had enough faith in God to protect him and go WITH HIM into battle. In verses 45-48 it states that David claimed out loud... "I come against you in the name of the Lord!" and in verse 48 David RAN quickly towards the battle line and the giant. Did you catch that???

He RAN quickly into battle. He did not walk, drag his feet, look back at the others, hesitate or second guess his choice. He RAN into battle. He looked straight ahead at his giant, looked him in the eyes, took out 1 stone, slung it and watched his giant fall!

Maybe we can learn from this child of God. Maybe we can begin to see that by having faith... REAL FAITH IN GOD, that there is NO giant that we cannot face and overcome and defeat. We are reminded throughout God's scripture that we never walk alone. We are always within God's reach and God's provision, we simply need to be focusing our eyes on HIM!!!

Whatever battle you are facing right now, right in this moment... God is beside you. He will not let you face that giant alone as long as you call out to Him. Ask Jesus into your life! Ask him to forgive your sins. Ask Him to walk with you daily. Ask Him to guide you and protect you through your battle. God is Good!!!! God loves you!!!

Let today be the day that you tell your Goliath... NOT TODAY! I claim Victory in the Name of Jesus Christ!

Go in peace, God's peace I leave with you.

Pastor Lauren Collins

Walking on Water Ministries

Renewed Life Pathways

When you truely give your life to God, you will begin to see everything differently! This is because God living in you, CHANGES you!!!! You will begin to see everything around you through God's eyes. Through God's vision. If you are not changed, then you never really surrendered and were "Born-Again". Only through this change can you fully understand that you really are born again, as you become a different person. Those bad habits and transgressions disappear. You dont desire the wrong things anymore! You are indeed... BORN AGAIN.

If you would like to give your life to Jesus Christ, contact me... I will guide you through the joyous moment, as you are not alone and should be Celebrated!!!!