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Key Verse: 1 Samuel 17 | David & Goliath

As Christians, we need to be aware that we are at war! It’s not like the way the world fights because we are not battling for land, resources, and/or political ideologies. Instead, we are waging a spiritual war. Our enemies, are the rulers, authorities, powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. It’s a constant struggle, a battle of the mind, in which Satan consistently attempts to rob us of our peace, joy, and security in the promises of God, and 1 Samuel 17, is a great depiction of such a battle.

1 Samuel 17:1-3

1. Two Kingdoms, Two Armies, and Two Mountains

The story begins with two armies set against each other. Israel, the people of God, and the Philistines; an aggressive, warmongering people set to take over and rule over the land promised to Abraham’s descendants. God’s people stood in the Valley of Elah, a land belonging to Israel while the Philistine occupied Socoh, which belonged to the land of Judah. An aggressive move on behalf of the Philistines. The Devil often challenges us in what is rightfully ours and does so with the same amount of hostility.

Q. How have you been challenged in your walk to follow Jesus? (I.E. You struggle to deny yourself, your past haunts you, or you may have difficulty in believing that you have been renewed.) 

In addition to their aggressive nature, the Philistines went as far as hurling insults against the name of the Lord. While the Philistines may have intended to wage war against the Israelites, it was clear by their taunts that who they were really challenging was God Himself. The Bible often reminds us that the battle belongs to the Lord. We may have to stand against opposition but it is God who gives us the victory. Unfortunately, the Israelites had forgotten the power of God and needed a reminder.

Q. When you face challenges, how do you ground yourself in the promises of God when you are being challenged?

2. Send Me A Man

1 Samuel 17:8-10

As mentioned before, the Israelites had forgotten about the promises of God. It’s not a mystery as to why. The Philistines were aggressive and they had a champion by the name of Goliath, who daily challenged the people of God to send him a man that he may fight against. It was customary in the ancient world to sometimes decide issues of war through chosen champions who met in combat between the armies. But being gripped with fear, the people of Israel had forgotten about the Covenant Promises of God and as a result, no one of Saul’s army rose up to the challenge. 

1 Samuel 17:11

Q. How have you let fear cause you to forget the promises of God? (I.E. Disregarding to apply for a promotion for fear of being rejected)

3. A Man Sent by God

Now while all of Isreal may have been dismayed, there stood one who knew the power of God. A shepherd boy by the name of David was sent by his father Jesse to the army of Israel to bring food to his brothers and to inquire about the welfare. In the process of doing so, David heard of Goliath’s challenge and saw how the people of God were gripped with fear. Moved with compassion for the people and zeal for the Lord, David rose up to the challenge. David was not a warrior by trade. He didn’t know how to fight with a sword and shield but what he did know was the incredible power of God. Today, we see so many of God’s people gripped with fear. Like, the Israelites they have forgotten that God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power, love, and a sound mind. 

1 Samuel 17:31-37

Q. When have you encouraged a fellow believer who was gripped with fear? What bible verses, story or personal testimony did you use to remind them of the incredible power of God?

4. Jesus Is Our True Champion

1 Samuel 17:45

David slew Goliath with a single stone. However, he did not do it alone. God was with him and it was the power of God that took Goliath down. In the same way, we must understand that though the Devil comes to attack, we are not alone. He may come to take our peace, our joy, our righteousness, and most importantly our salvation. However, the Bible is clear. We are more than conquerors, we are co-heirs with Christ and we are saved by God’s grace through faith. David’s victory that day was all of Israel’s victory and Jesus’ victory is our victory. The Devil can attack but Jesus has secured our victory and no one can pluck us from His hand. 

David had 5 stones against the Philistine and we have 5 things to remember when facing the enemy

1. There is power in the name of Jesus
2. The Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit and our weapon against Satan
3. Prayer is a weapon
4. Have faith 
5. Live enforcing the victory of Calvary

Challenge:

1. Get into the scriptures, pray and grow your faith in Christ Jesus.
2. Encourage someone with your testimony of what God has done in your life and how your victory can be their victory through Christ Jesus, our Lord.