God's Stones in Facing Life's Giants
Copyright: South Bay Community Church
Sermon Reflections: God'S Stones In Facing Life's Giants
Date: 11 June 2023
Speakers: Pastor Tammy Long
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:32-50
Sermon Reflections: God'S Stones In Facing Life's Giants
Date: 11 June 2023
Speakers: Pastor Tammy Long
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:32-50
Sermon Preamble
Today is Baccalaureate Sunday. We celebrate the great work God is doing in the lives of our graduates and mark this milestone as they embark on a new chapter in their life’s journey. As we remember the milestones and graduations we experienced, we did not know all that God had for us in the ups and downs yet to unfold. When we look back we can see God’s hand was on our lives doing a great work. So it is important to notice God at work in the lives of our children. You don’t have to be an adult to have a meaningful relationship with God and for God to use you in powerful ways. In the biblical account of David, a teenage boy, and Goliath, a giant, God is doing a great work. Similarly, we face intimidating giants in our relationships, finances, mental or physical health, employment, or any other area that cause worry or stress. Our children and youth face giants also, including school work and grades, bullies, friendship issues, and the stresses of growing up. Giants are all around us, but God is also all around us. Let’s explore how God uses tangible and intangible stones to do a great work in a battle facing the intimidating giants in our lives.
The plot of the underdog from the biblical account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17
The biblical account of David and Goliath has much for us to learn from David as a teenage boy used by God. We may know this biblical account well, but you are invited to enter into the biblical scene watching, listening, and noticing God’s great work in it all.
This story is so well known that it has become part of mainstream culture. The word goliath is in the dictionary, and it means a very large, powerful, or influential person or thing. An example of using the word goliath is a neighborhood grocery store competing against a major supermarket goliath.
The plot of David and Goliath is a little guy, the underdog, with no chance who comes against a big guy that seems to have every advantage. The little guy wins. We cannot get enough of that plot. We root for the underdog because so often we see ourselves as the underdog before the myriad of giants we face in our lives. These are not literal giants, but giants that cause us to cower, experience fear, and run and hide in all kinds of behaviors from escapism to addictions. Our intimidating giants may reside in our relationships, finances, mental or physical health, employment, or any other areas that cause worry or stress. Giants allow God to do a great work in us.
Battle between the Philistine army and the Israelite army; Goliath was the Philistine champion
The Israelite army is on one hill of the Valley of Elah and the Philistine army is on the other hill. “He (Goliath) stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, ‘Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants, but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.’ …. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17: 9, 11). The plan between the armies was that each would choose a warrior to battle unto death with the winner bringing victory for the entire army. Goliath was the Philistine champion ready to fight for the Philistine army. “For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army hurling insults and mocking the Israelites” (1 Samuel 17:16).
Goliath, the giant, was a war hero for the Philistines. Goliath was favored to win any battle. Depending on the bible translation, Goliath was just under 7 feet or 9 feet tall. In biblical days, the measurement unit of a cubit varied and was not precise. Given that the average man’s height in David’s day was 5 feet 6 inches, Goliath was extremely tall no matter how height was measured. Goliath’s was also very strong; his bronze armor alone weighed 125 pounds (1 Samuel 17:5). As one writer stated, “Goliath was a fierce-looking, trash-talking, massive killing machine who struck terror in the hearts of his opponents.”
The giants in our lives can strike terror in our hearts as we consider all the things that could happen if the giants in our lives win. We can become paralyzed with terror like the people of Israel, running for cover every time they heard Goliath’s threats.
David comes to the battle scene
Jesse, David’s father, sent David to the battle scene to bring food to his brothers and to get news of the war. Given the ages of his elder brothers eligible for military service, David would have been no more than 15-16 years old.
David approached Saul at the battle scene. “’Don’t worry about this Philistine,’ David told Saul, ‘I’ll go fight him!’” (1 Samuel 17:32). “‘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” (1 Samuel 17:33). David then essentially says to Saul that with God all things are possible.
David is offended that this loud Philistine and enemy of God would insult and defy the army of the one true and living God. So David acts on his faith in God. It is more than just David taking action. In David’s life journey, God is doing a great work. The great work of God is not just starting in this moment. God has been at work in David’s life from the beginning. In the same way God has been at work in us. God has been preparing us also for any giant we may face.
What did David take with him into this battle that we can take as well? David took both some tangible and intangible things that are also helpful to us.
The tangible items that David carried were five stones, a sling, and a shepherd’s staff
“David picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17: 40). When reading the biblical account of David and Goliath, we may focus on David bringing the five smooth stones and a sling.
David also took his shepherd’s staff. What was David planning to do with the shepherd’s staff that he used as a shepherd over sheep? Even Goliath was confused by the shepherd’s staff. “Goliath walked out toward David…. sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. ‘Am I a dog’, he roared at David, ‘that you come at me with a stick?’ Then Goliath cursed David and said, ‘Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!’ Goliath yelled.” (1 Samuel 17:41-44).
The shepherd’s staff reminds David that God is with him and comforts him
For David, the staff for shepherding sheep was part of David’s battle gear as well as the weaponry of God’s army. The staff was a reminder that God was with him, and that David was fighting alongside and for the Lord. David responds back to the Goliath, “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 defiled.” (1 Samuel 17:45). “Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:46).
The shepherd’s staff was also a source of comfort as David faced Goliath on that day. David also penned these words regarding the staff, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:5).
Each of us, as we face hard times and giants in our life’s journey that may seem scary, should remember to take God with us. God never intends for us to fight our battles alone. God took David into battle using five stones. This leads us into exploring how David used five intangible stones. Like David, we can carry these intangible stones into our battles with the giants in our lives today. God uses these intangible stones to do work against the giants we face today.
Intangible stone - courage that conquers fear
No one could accuse David as never having courage. Courage does not mean the absence of fear. Courage is focused on the greater vision and mission of your life. Courage is moving forward in spite of your fear. In David’s case, his faith was bigger than his fear. Even in his courage, David’s knees may have been shaking. However, David knew that God was with him. Nelson Mandela said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man (or woman) is not (one) who does not feel afraid, but (one) who conquers that fear.” Like David, we can take that first step, even when we are afraid and carry the stone of courage. The reason we can take that step is because of the next intangible stone of confidence.
Intangible stone - confidence in God
Confidence in God highlights the difference between followers of Jesus and the worldly system opposed to God. The world system tells you to be confident in yourself and in who you are. But for followers of Jesus, confidence is based on whose we are. We belong to God, and our confidence is in God.
David was courageous, and his confidence was in the Lord. David knew what he could do, but he also knew that God enabled him to do it. When he was stating his case before Saul he said, “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to the pagan Philistine, too…. The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Each time David fought off a lion or a bear, he knew it was the Lord who rescued him. To all in the family of God and graduates, we can carry that same stone of confidence in God. We are confident in God’s declaration of self. We are confident in God’s promises. We are confident that God will come along side as we fight our giants. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us of this biblical principle to be strong in the Lord, and the strength of God’s might.
Whatever giants or hard times may come our way, remember to carry the stone of confidence. The stone of confidence is not based on our own ingenuity, prowess, skill or intellect. Rather it is confidence in God who goes before us and with us.
Intangible stone – curiosity being open to the various ways God might work
David investigated the situation; he asked good questions; he explored options. David was open to consider the various ways God might work.
David was open and curious to try something different. David was willing to try Saul’s armor. “Then Saul gave David his own armor- a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before” (1 Samuel 17: 38-39). Sometimes, when facing our giants, God directs us in ways we have not done before and may take us out of our comfort zone. In this instance, God is telling us to trust God because this is how we will fight the giant this time.
In David’s case, God directed David to conclude that the armor was not for him. God led him to find five stones, a weapon that David had likely used before. God knew what David needed at this time for this giant. David followed God’s lead.
Intangible stone - community united in shared purpose with renewed faith and hope
David’s encounter with Goliath not only impacted David’s life, but it also galvanized the entire community of Israel. “And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47).
God’s great work does not begin with us today. Our parents, their ancestors, and our community planted seeds that we are harvesting today. We are all standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.
You need the community with you to do the great work God has for you. As we fight giants in our life, remember that the work God is doing is always bigger than us. We can draw strength from one another. We are an example to one another. We need one another. God never intends for us to fight giants in isolation. We need the people of God to do the great work of God for the glory of God.
Intangible stone - commitment to God and God’s work to complete God’s mission
David was committed to God. He was committed to complete God’s mission. David didn’t quit. He didn’t give up. He stayed the course to finish what he started.
Like David, commitment is also an intangible stone for us today. Things may get hard, but the Lord will guide us through as we stay committed to God and to the great work God is doing.
Application charge to each of us and to the graduates we are celebrating today
Graduates, you stand at the threshold of new challenges and opportunities. Like David, you may face your own “Goliaths” as obstacles and trials that seem insurmountable. Remember that it is not the size of your challenges that determines your destiny, but it is the size of your faith because God is doing a great work in your life.
Faith is not the absence of fear; it is the triumph over fear. Faith is not the absence of doubt; it is the choice to trust anyway. Just as David’s faith moved him forward, your faith in God will move you forward and empower you to face your giants. Know that you do not face your giants alone, for God is doing a great work in you.
Graduates, as you move forward into the world, hold fast to the lessons from David and Goliath. Embrace the truth that God is with you in every battle, strengthening you, guiding you, and equipping you for the journey ahead. Carry the stones of courage, confidence, curiosity, community, and commitment.
Stand tall for you are the children of the Most High God. You are the David’s of many generations, for God is doing a great work in you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FOR USE IN FAMILY GROUP
Sermon Preamble
-What intimidating giants have you had to face or are facing today that can cause worry or stress?
-In what ways have you experienced the help of God in facing those giants in your life’s journey?
The plot of the underdog from the biblical account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17
-Goliath, the Philistine champion, must have appeared invincible. From outward appearances, David was the underdog. How is David converted from being an underdog to being victorious? When you are in battle with the giants in your life, what converts you from underdog to being victorious?
Battle between Philistine army and Israelite army; Goliath was the Philistine champion
-What if national disputes were settled by contests by a representative of each country rather than widespread destructive war?
-When is Olympic style national sports sometimes used to show a nation’s superiority over other nations?
David comes to the battle scene
-How did God prepare David for his battle with Goliath?
-How do the tangible items that David carried into battle differ from the tangible items that Goliath carried?
-Why is the presence of God with David more important than the tangible items carried by each warrior?
The shepherd’s staff reminds David that God is with him and comforts him
-In facing giants, what reminds you of God’s presence and comfort?
Intangible stone - courage that conquers fear
-Why must we carry the intangible stone of confidence in God?
-Why can you have courage in spite of your fear?
Intangible stone - confidence in God
-What are the differences in confidence of the world system as opposed to confidence in God?
Intangible stone - curiosity open to the various ways God might work
-Why is it important to be open to the various ways God might work in facing giants, whether it is similar to or completely different from ways in the past?
Intangible stone - community united in shared purpose with renewed faith and hope
-In what ways are you standing on the shoulders of your family, culture, or community who have come before you?
Intangible stone - commitment to God and God’s work to complete God’s mission
-Even when things get hard, why is it important to stay committed to God and the great work God is doing?
Application charge to each of us and to the graduates we are celebrating today
In what ways will you grow closer to God by applying the lessons from the account of David and Goliath?
Today is Baccalaureate Sunday. We celebrate the great work God is doing in the lives of our graduates and mark this milestone as they embark on a new chapter in their life’s journey. As we remember the milestones and graduations we experienced, we did not know all that God had for us in the ups and downs yet to unfold. When we look back we can see God’s hand was on our lives doing a great work. So it is important to notice God at work in the lives of our children. You don’t have to be an adult to have a meaningful relationship with God and for God to use you in powerful ways. In the biblical account of David, a teenage boy, and Goliath, a giant, God is doing a great work. Similarly, we face intimidating giants in our relationships, finances, mental or physical health, employment, or any other area that cause worry or stress. Our children and youth face giants also, including school work and grades, bullies, friendship issues, and the stresses of growing up. Giants are all around us, but God is also all around us. Let’s explore how God uses tangible and intangible stones to do a great work in a battle facing the intimidating giants in our lives.
The plot of the underdog from the biblical account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17
The biblical account of David and Goliath has much for us to learn from David as a teenage boy used by God. We may know this biblical account well, but you are invited to enter into the biblical scene watching, listening, and noticing God’s great work in it all.
This story is so well known that it has become part of mainstream culture. The word goliath is in the dictionary, and it means a very large, powerful, or influential person or thing. An example of using the word goliath is a neighborhood grocery store competing against a major supermarket goliath.
The plot of David and Goliath is a little guy, the underdog, with no chance who comes against a big guy that seems to have every advantage. The little guy wins. We cannot get enough of that plot. We root for the underdog because so often we see ourselves as the underdog before the myriad of giants we face in our lives. These are not literal giants, but giants that cause us to cower, experience fear, and run and hide in all kinds of behaviors from escapism to addictions. Our intimidating giants may reside in our relationships, finances, mental or physical health, employment, or any other areas that cause worry or stress. Giants allow God to do a great work in us.
Battle between the Philistine army and the Israelite army; Goliath was the Philistine champion
The Israelite army is on one hill of the Valley of Elah and the Philistine army is on the other hill. “He (Goliath) stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, ‘Why have you come out to draw up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will be your servants, but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.’ …. When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17: 9, 11). The plan between the armies was that each would choose a warrior to battle unto death with the winner bringing victory for the entire army. Goliath was the Philistine champion ready to fight for the Philistine army. “For forty days, every morning and evening, the Philistine champion strutted in front of the Israelite army hurling insults and mocking the Israelites” (1 Samuel 17:16).
Goliath, the giant, was a war hero for the Philistines. Goliath was favored to win any battle. Depending on the bible translation, Goliath was just under 7 feet or 9 feet tall. In biblical days, the measurement unit of a cubit varied and was not precise. Given that the average man’s height in David’s day was 5 feet 6 inches, Goliath was extremely tall no matter how height was measured. Goliath’s was also very strong; his bronze armor alone weighed 125 pounds (1 Samuel 17:5). As one writer stated, “Goliath was a fierce-looking, trash-talking, massive killing machine who struck terror in the hearts of his opponents.”
The giants in our lives can strike terror in our hearts as we consider all the things that could happen if the giants in our lives win. We can become paralyzed with terror like the people of Israel, running for cover every time they heard Goliath’s threats.
David comes to the battle scene
Jesse, David’s father, sent David to the battle scene to bring food to his brothers and to get news of the war. Given the ages of his elder brothers eligible for military service, David would have been no more than 15-16 years old.
David approached Saul at the battle scene. “’Don’t worry about this Philistine,’ David told Saul, ‘I’ll go fight him!’” (1 Samuel 17:32). “‘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” (1 Samuel 17:33). David then essentially says to Saul that with God all things are possible.
David is offended that this loud Philistine and enemy of God would insult and defy the army of the one true and living God. So David acts on his faith in God. It is more than just David taking action. In David’s life journey, God is doing a great work. The great work of God is not just starting in this moment. God has been at work in David’s life from the beginning. In the same way God has been at work in us. God has been preparing us also for any giant we may face.
What did David take with him into this battle that we can take as well? David took both some tangible and intangible things that are also helpful to us.
The tangible items that David carried were five stones, a sling, and a shepherd’s staff
“David picked up five smooth stones from a stream and put them into his shepherd’s bag. Then, armed only with his shepherd’s staff and sling, he started across the valley to fight the Philistine” (1 Samuel 17: 40). When reading the biblical account of David and Goliath, we may focus on David bringing the five smooth stones and a sling.
David also took his shepherd’s staff. What was David planning to do with the shepherd’s staff that he used as a shepherd over sheep? Even Goliath was confused by the shepherd’s staff. “Goliath walked out toward David…. sneering in contempt at this ruddy-faced boy. ‘Am I a dog’, he roared at David, ‘that you come at me with a stick?’ Then Goliath cursed David and said, ‘Come over here, and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and wild animals!’ Goliath yelled.” (1 Samuel 17:41-44).
The shepherd’s staff reminds David that God is with him and comforts him
For David, the staff for shepherding sheep was part of David’s battle gear as well as the weaponry of God’s army. The staff was a reminder that God was with him, and that David was fighting alongside and for the Lord. David responds back to the Goliath, “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 defiled.” (1 Samuel 17:45). “Today the Lord will conquer you, and I will kill you and cut off your head. And then I will give the dead bodies of your men to the birds and wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” (1 Samuel 17:46).
The shepherd’s staff was also a source of comfort as David faced Goliath on that day. David also penned these words regarding the staff, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:5).
Each of us, as we face hard times and giants in our life’s journey that may seem scary, should remember to take God with us. God never intends for us to fight our battles alone. God took David into battle using five stones. This leads us into exploring how David used five intangible stones. Like David, we can carry these intangible stones into our battles with the giants in our lives today. God uses these intangible stones to do work against the giants we face today.
Intangible stone - courage that conquers fear
No one could accuse David as never having courage. Courage does not mean the absence of fear. Courage is focused on the greater vision and mission of your life. Courage is moving forward in spite of your fear. In David’s case, his faith was bigger than his fear. Even in his courage, David’s knees may have been shaking. However, David knew that God was with him. Nelson Mandela said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man (or woman) is not (one) who does not feel afraid, but (one) who conquers that fear.” Like David, we can take that first step, even when we are afraid and carry the stone of courage. The reason we can take that step is because of the next intangible stone of confidence.
Intangible stone - confidence in God
Confidence in God highlights the difference between followers of Jesus and the worldly system opposed to God. The world system tells you to be confident in yourself and in who you are. But for followers of Jesus, confidence is based on whose we are. We belong to God, and our confidence is in God.
David was courageous, and his confidence was in the Lord. David knew what he could do, but he also knew that God enabled him to do it. When he was stating his case before Saul he said, “When a lion or a bear comes to steal a lamb from the flock, I go after it with a club and rescue the lamb from its mouth. If the animal turns on me, I catch it by the jaw and club it to death. I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to the pagan Philistine, too…. The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:34-37). Each time David fought off a lion or a bear, he knew it was the Lord who rescued him. To all in the family of God and graduates, we can carry that same stone of confidence in God. We are confident in God’s declaration of self. We are confident in God’s promises. We are confident that God will come along side as we fight our giants. Ephesians 6:10 reminds us of this biblical principle to be strong in the Lord, and the strength of God’s might.
Whatever giants or hard times may come our way, remember to carry the stone of confidence. The stone of confidence is not based on our own ingenuity, prowess, skill or intellect. Rather it is confidence in God who goes before us and with us.
Intangible stone – curiosity being open to the various ways God might work
David investigated the situation; he asked good questions; he explored options. David was open to consider the various ways God might work.
David was open and curious to try something different. David was willing to try Saul’s armor. “Then Saul gave David his own armor- a bronze helmet and a coat of mail. David put it on, strapped the sword over it, and took a step or two to see what it was like, for he had never worn such things before” (1 Samuel 17: 38-39). Sometimes, when facing our giants, God directs us in ways we have not done before and may take us out of our comfort zone. In this instance, God is telling us to trust God because this is how we will fight the giant this time.
In David’s case, God directed David to conclude that the armor was not for him. God led him to find five stones, a weapon that David had likely used before. God knew what David needed at this time for this giant. David followed God’s lead.
Intangible stone - community united in shared purpose with renewed faith and hope
David’s encounter with Goliath not only impacted David’s life, but it also galvanized the entire community of Israel. “And everyone assembled here will know that the Lord rescues his people, but not with sword and spear. This is the Lord’s battle, and he will give you to us!” (1 Samuel 17:47).
God’s great work does not begin with us today. Our parents, their ancestors, and our community planted seeds that we are harvesting today. We are all standing on the shoulders of those who have gone before us.
You need the community with you to do the great work God has for you. As we fight giants in our life, remember that the work God is doing is always bigger than us. We can draw strength from one another. We are an example to one another. We need one another. God never intends for us to fight giants in isolation. We need the people of God to do the great work of God for the glory of God.
Intangible stone - commitment to God and God’s work to complete God’s mission
David was committed to God. He was committed to complete God’s mission. David didn’t quit. He didn’t give up. He stayed the course to finish what he started.
Like David, commitment is also an intangible stone for us today. Things may get hard, but the Lord will guide us through as we stay committed to God and to the great work God is doing.
Application charge to each of us and to the graduates we are celebrating today
Graduates, you stand at the threshold of new challenges and opportunities. Like David, you may face your own “Goliaths” as obstacles and trials that seem insurmountable. Remember that it is not the size of your challenges that determines your destiny, but it is the size of your faith because God is doing a great work in your life.
Faith is not the absence of fear; it is the triumph over fear. Faith is not the absence of doubt; it is the choice to trust anyway. Just as David’s faith moved him forward, your faith in God will move you forward and empower you to face your giants. Know that you do not face your giants alone, for God is doing a great work in you.
Graduates, as you move forward into the world, hold fast to the lessons from David and Goliath. Embrace the truth that God is with you in every battle, strengthening you, guiding you, and equipping you for the journey ahead. Carry the stones of courage, confidence, curiosity, community, and commitment.
Stand tall for you are the children of the Most High God. You are the David’s of many generations, for God is doing a great work in you.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS INCLUDING FOR USE IN FAMILY GROUP
Sermon Preamble
-What intimidating giants have you had to face or are facing today that can cause worry or stress?
-In what ways have you experienced the help of God in facing those giants in your life’s journey?
The plot of the underdog from the biblical account of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17
-Goliath, the Philistine champion, must have appeared invincible. From outward appearances, David was the underdog. How is David converted from being an underdog to being victorious? When you are in battle with the giants in your life, what converts you from underdog to being victorious?
Battle between Philistine army and Israelite army; Goliath was the Philistine champion
-What if national disputes were settled by contests by a representative of each country rather than widespread destructive war?
-When is Olympic style national sports sometimes used to show a nation’s superiority over other nations?
David comes to the battle scene
-How did God prepare David for his battle with Goliath?
-How do the tangible items that David carried into battle differ from the tangible items that Goliath carried?
-Why is the presence of God with David more important than the tangible items carried by each warrior?
The shepherd’s staff reminds David that God is with him and comforts him
-In facing giants, what reminds you of God’s presence and comfort?
Intangible stone - courage that conquers fear
-Why must we carry the intangible stone of confidence in God?
-Why can you have courage in spite of your fear?
Intangible stone - confidence in God
-What are the differences in confidence of the world system as opposed to confidence in God?
Intangible stone - curiosity open to the various ways God might work
-Why is it important to be open to the various ways God might work in facing giants, whether it is similar to or completely different from ways in the past?
Intangible stone - community united in shared purpose with renewed faith and hope
-In what ways are you standing on the shoulders of your family, culture, or community who have come before you?
Intangible stone - commitment to God and God’s work to complete God’s mission
-Even when things get hard, why is it important to stay committed to God and the great work God is doing?
Application charge to each of us and to the graduates we are celebrating today
In what ways will you grow closer to God by applying the lessons from the account of David and Goliath?
Posted in Stand Alone Sermon
Posted in 1 Samuel 17, David, Goliath, giant, Philistine champion, stone, sling, shepherd staff, courage, fear, confidence, curiosity, armor, community, commitment, graduate, faith, war
Posted in 1 Samuel 17, David, Goliath, giant, Philistine champion, stone, sling, shepherd staff, courage, fear, confidence, curiosity, armor, community, commitment, graduate, faith, war
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March
April
2023
January
February
March
May
June
November
2022
April
May
Finding God in Our Feelings: Facing Shame (Lite)Finding God in our Feelings: Facing Shame (Expanded)Finding God In Our Feelings: Facing Grief (Expanded)Finding God in our Feelings: Facing Anger & What lies beneathFinding God in Our Feelings - Facing LonelinessFinding God in Our Feelings - Embracing JoyFinding God in Our Feelings - Embracing Joy (Lite)
June
July
Courageous Conversations - By the BookCourageous Conversations: Racial Reconciliation (Lite)Courageous Conversations - Racial Reconciliation- ExpandedCourageous Conversations - Dear God, Are you Pro-life or Pro-choice? (Expanded)Courageous Conversations - Love Comes First (Expanded)Courageous Conversations: Love Comes First (Lite)
September
October
November
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