When The Enemy Picks A Fight
*1 Samuel 17:1-11*
[1] Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle. And they were gathered at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. [2] And Saul and the men of Israel were gathered, and encamped in the Valley of Elah, and drew up in line of battle against the Philistines. [3] And the Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with a valley between them. [4] And there came out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. [5] He had a helmet of bronze on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of bronze. [6] And he had bronze armor on his legs, and a javelin of bronze slung between his shoulders. [7] The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head weighed six hundred shekels of iron. And his shield-bearer went before him. [8] He 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. [9] 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.” [10] And the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day. Give me a man, that we may fight together.” [11] When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. (ESV)
Goliath was no slouch. He…
…stood 9’9” (or 6’9” it’s been argued); average Israelite from that time stood 5’3”-5’8”
…had a spear like a weaver’s beam with a spearhead that weighed about 40 pounds
…wore a brass coat of mail that weighed about 78 pounds
…a shield that most likely covered most of his body
The enemies of God are always on the
As New Testament Jesus-followers, our enemies are: the
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (ESV)
Romans 7:18
For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (ESV)
1 John 2:15–17
[15] Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. (ESV)
1 John 5:19
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. (ESV)
Right now, in this moment, write where you know the enemy is picking a fight with you:
Who or what are you most afraid of?
What would you do to bring God maximum glory if you weren’t afraid?
How can this ekklesia (church) help you?
We’re glad you’re here today! To contact Matt & Katrina, simply email matt@harvestchurchsi.com.
Thank you, and may God richly bless you as you follow Jesus today!
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