Audio extracted from the recording of the sermon delivered at New Life Fellowship church in Dubai on August 6, 2023
This week we learn “God lessons” from the story of David and Goliath–a timeless tale of courage, faith and the triumph of an underdog. The passage that we will be looking at is 1 Samuel 17.
In our lives, we face battles akin to David’s encounter with Goliath. It might not be a physical giant, but our trials often loom as mighty adversaries. As we navigate these treacherous paths, let’s remember to focus on God, rather than the towering Goliaths in our lives.
I’ve encountered my share of challenges, losing loved ones, financial struggles, and more. Through it all, I’ve learned that our ultimate goal for “why” we are placed in the world is for us to become more like Jesus. While difficulties abound, God’s promises hold steadfast. Here are three lessons that I learnt from David’s life in this chapter.
Persisting Amid Skepticism
We know the story of David and Goliath. When the young shepherd boy said that he will fight the giant, there were a lot of doubts. He own brother gets angry and questions, why he came there in the first place.
1 Samuel 17:33 says,
And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.”
David’s story teaches us the power of persistence despite skepticism. Just as David was doubted by his own family, we may encounter doubters. Yet, like David, we must persist, remembering that our strength lies not in ourselves but in the Holy Spirit. The armour we wear is that of God’s truth and grace, not human validation.
David’s audacity to face Goliath in the face of skepticism resonates with us. When faced with naysayers who questioned his capabilities, David’s persistence shone through. Despite being underestimated, he knew his strength lay not in his own might, but in the power of the Holy Spirit.
This principle of persistence, grounded in unwavering faith, is one we can apply to our own lives. Just as David’s conviction defied human logic and how his dependence was solely on the Spirit of God, so should our determination to push forward with the strength and grace of God, despite challenges.
Identity over idolatry
38 Then Saul clothed David with his armor. He put a helmet of bronze on his head and clothed him with a coat of mail, 39 and David strapped his sword over his armor. And he tried in vain to go, for he had not tested them. Then David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” So David put them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd’s pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine
This passage not only talks about David’s unwavering trust in the Lord but also his awareness of who he is–“a child of God.” He did not trust things or weapons of the world but the assurance of strength and power in the Lord.
In a world rife with distractions and idolatrous tendencies, David’s choice to reject Saul’s armour in favour of his identity as a shepherd reveals a profound truth. We are defined not by external trappings or human expectations, but by the identity God has bestowed upon us. By acknowledging and embracing this identity, we find strength to navigate life’s trials without succumbing to the allure of idols. Just as David rejected Saul’s armour, we must reject the idols that vie for our devotion. These idols may disguise themselves as busyness or misplaced priorities. But remember, we must prioritize God above all else, trusting in His faithfulness.
Just as David’s reliance on his Shepherd identity enabled him to triumph, so too can we find victory when our identity is rooted in Christ.
Speaking Faith, Not Fear
45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hand.”
Before David hurled that stone, he spoke in faith, not fear. His words resonated with the spirit of God’s power. We, too, must learn to speak words of faith, declaring God’s promises over our lives and challenges. Our words hold life and death, and we must wield them wisely.
The pivotal moment of David’s triumph was not marked solely by his slinging of a stone, but by the faith-filled proclamation he voiced. His words weren’t mere rhetoric; they were a declaration of his faith in a God who transcends human limitations. In speaking with certainty that God would deliver Goliath into his hands, David aligned his words with divine truth. Similarly, our words carry weight, shaping our realities and influencing our attitudes. Our giants become platforms for us to experience His faithfulness and witness His miracles. Let us echo David’s faith-filled declaration, speaking life, truth, and victory over our challenges.
The heart of the David and Goliath narrative lies in the realization that the battle was not merely between two individuals. It was a battle between two worldviews, two sources of power. Goliath represented human might and arrogance, while David represented reliance on God’s strength. David’s trust in God’s empowerment propelled him forward, allowing him to face Goliath without hesitation.
Likewise, as we confront the giants in our lives, we must make a conscious choice to embrace the God who empowers us. Our natural instinct may be to rely on our own abilities or seek worldly solutions, but the story of David reminds us that true victory comes from aligning ourselves with God’s purposes and power.
Consider this
| This week, I encourage you to be intentional about dedicating time to meditating the Word of God, relishing the rich blessings it brings. Here are the three Ds to focus on: Dive: Delve deeply into the Scriptures, exploring their wisdom and insights. Just as one dives into a pool to experience its refreshing waters, immerse yourself in the Word to receive its refreshing truths. Dissect: Carefully examine the verses, dissecting their meanings and implications. Just as a scientist dissects a specimen to understand its intricacies, dissect the Word to uncover its profound messages. Declare: Boldly proclaim the truths you discover. Just as a herald declares important news to the public, share the insights you gain from the Word with others, spreading its transformative power. |
