Giant Faith

The Text

A. The story of David and Goliath has been a favorite story for children. In fact, it has become relegated to a child’s story and not a story for adults. It is a story of great drama. The story is so familiar and its point so real that the story is used as an analogy in sports when a hugely superior team is going against a decided underdog or in business when a mom and pop store tries to compete with a conglomeration that is obviously of greater wealth and strength.

B. The question is “Is it possible to see this story in a fresh way?” We already have our preconceived notions about this story. We will talk about how big Goliath is. Over nine feet tall with over 125 pounds of armor. Big imposing figure. We will then talk about the young boy David who with a sling shot and a stone brought Goliath down and a great victory was won. And in between these two points we can embellish and try to verbally draw mental images. But then you already know the story. The story is here to demonstrate the beginning of the transition between King Saul and the one who has been anointed king, David. This will not be a quick transition but this one of the stories that tells us that David is going to be a far superior king to Saul.

C. But we still haven’t seen the story in a fresh way. Let’s look at the text. Notice the following verses—10, 23, 25, 26, and 36. What common word or form of the word is found in these verses? What does it mean to defy? It means to challenge boldly or to fly in the face of something or someone; to throw down the gauntlet; to spit in the face of authority. What is Israel’s response to this defiance? Verse 11—dismay and terror. How long has this defiance been going on? Verse 16—40 days twice a day.

D. The ritual is set. Defiance morning and evening. Fear and terror follow each occasion. Goliath has set himself against the army of God. He has taken on the incarnation of evil. On the other side are God’s chosen ones. They have taken on the incarnation of good. What does good do in the face of evil? Shrinks back. How can this be? How is it that good becomes terrified and dismayed in the face of evil? Notice verse 24. How is it that good runs away from evil and hides out of fear? I understand running away from evil to avoid doing wrong, but how does good not take a stand against evil? How would you describe Saul’s army? I doubt the word courageous would come to mind.

E. Look at verse 28. To add to all of this David’s own brother wants to shut him up? Why would David’s brother be mad at him? Is it because his little brother is showing him up? How is David’s heart wicked and conceited? I’ve seen and heard lots of Eliabs. No matter what is going on, let’s criticize and be negative. Let’s make the point of how little faith we really have.

F. This is what David finds when he comes into the camp. The representatives of God are hiding from the forces of Satan. David is surprised and overcome with confidence. He will go and fight. He will not allow God to be defied any longer.

Application

A. David and Goliath. Good and evil. The fight of the faithless against those who are to demonstrate faith. It happens every day. The lines are drawn. Satan and his forces go about every day in defiance of God. Every day God’s army is called out. And what does God’s army do? Do you shrink back in fear? Do you run away? Are you filled with terror?

1. Your co-worker takes God's name in vain and you say nothing. Satan wins.

2. Too afraid to even speak a word for God to school friends or co-workers because you are afraid of what they might think about you. Satan wins.

3. Too afraid to tell each other what we are struggling with because we are afraid that it will make us look weak. Satan wins.

B. Mike White is going to come and talk to us. He has something that he wants to share with us in the hopes that all of us will have our faith strengthened.

C. Where are the Davids among us? Where are the people of faith? Where are those who want to be a part of God’s army to stand against what appears to be a much greater and stronger foe? If you aren’t willing to speak for God then repent. If your faith is so minimal that you run in fear away from the spiritual fight, then repent. Repent and keep on repenting.

1. We need people of faith.

2. We need God's army to go out and meet Satan head on.

3. We need people who are tired of letting Satan have our kids, our community, and our homes.

4. We need people who are tired of living life looking over their shoulder and hiding among the bushes.

5. We need people who understand that they are fighting for God's honor and not for their own.

6. We need people who fear God more than they fear what others think about them.

7. We need people who make a pledge not to give their lips to the ways of this world even if it costs them friendships.

8. Who will be a David? Who has real faith? God give us faith. Who will repent of running from Satan? Who will repent of dropping out of the Lord's Army? Invitation.

D. Lord’s Supper and Contribution.

Follow Jesus

If you’d like to respond to this message or learn more about following Jesus, please reach out.