After David had done the will of God in his own generation, he died. Acts 13:36
“On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and were terrified.” I Samuel 17:11
“David said to Saul, `Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine. Your servant will go and fight.’” 1 Samuel 17:32
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of the Philistine.” 1 Samuel 17:37
4 Keys to Living By Faith
- Have
Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:3
2.Use what I
Saul had his own military clothes and armor put on David, and he gave David a bronze helmet to wear. David strapped on a sword and tried to walk around, but he was not used to wearing those things. “I can’t move with all this stuff on,” David said. “I’m just not used to it.” David took off the armor and picked up his shepherd’s stick. He went out to a stream and picked up five smooth rocks and put them in his leather bag. Then with his sling in his hand, he went straight toward Goliath. 1 Samuel 17:38-40
3.Believe what
When Goliath saw that David was just a boy, he made fun of him. “Do you think I’m a dog?” Goliath asked. “Is that why you’ve come after me with a stick?” He cursed David in the name of the Philistine gods and shouted, “Come on! When I’m finished with you, I’ll feed you to the birds and wild animals!” David answered: “You’ve come out to fight me with a sword and a spear and a dagger. But I’ve come out to fight you in the name of the Lord All-Powerful. He is the God of Israel’s army, and you have insulted him too!” 1 Samuel 17:42-45
4.Focus on the size of my
You light a lamp for me. The Lord, my God, lights up my darkness. In your strength I can crush an army; with my God I can scale any wall. Psalm 18:28-29
3 Things that Happen when I Live by Faith
1.Living by faith
*”This day the Lord will hand you over to me and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head and today I’ll give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth. The whole world will know that there’s a God in Israel and those who gather here will know that it’s not by sword or spear that the Lord saves, but the battle is the Lord’s and He will give all of you into our hands.” * 1 Samuel 17:46-47
2.Living by faith
As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly to the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone he slung it in his slingshot and struck the Philistine on the forehead. 1 Samuel 17:48
3.Living by faith
David ran and he stood over Goliath after he had killed him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the scabbard and after he had killed him he cut his head off with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran. Then the men of Israel and Judah surged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. 1 Samuel 17:51-52
Connection Group Discussion Questions
- What point or principle did you find most applicable in your life? Why?
- Share a “Goliath” moment from your life. What happened?
- Read 1 Samuel 17:10-24. Why were the Israelites helpless against Goliath and the Philistines? To this point what is/has been David’s role?
- What are some small tasks/duties you have had to do in your own home? At work? At church?
- Read 1. Samuel 17:25-33. What “motivates” David to speak up? Why do you think David’s brother got angry with him? How is David greeted by Saul?
- Share a time when you felt obligated to speak up despite the naysayers. What happened?
- Read 1 Samuel 17:34-50. Why is David sure of himself when he is about to fight Goliath? What does he choose as his “battle gear” and why? Why do you think David triumphed over Goliath?
- Surveying your life and the challenges you have faced or are facing now, how has God prepared you to take them on? What reassurance do you take from David’s victory over Goliath?
- Who else needs to hear this message of victory over big problems by our Great God?
- How can your Connection Group pray for you and support you this week?