Pastor Marshall Ochs | June 11, 2023
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from 1 Samuel 17-18. These chapters tell the story of David and Goliath, as well as the further dismantling of Saul’s kingdom. David triumphs over Goliath, but Saul burns with jealousy. The story is about faith in God and learning to keep your eyes on the Lord, not giants in the land.
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Read 1 Samuel 17:1-11. In this passage we are introduced to Goliath, a Philistine giant from Gath. Goliath was 9’9” tall. Marshall pointed out that Goliath was not the only giant recorded in scripture. (For reference read 2 Samuel 21:15-22 and 1 Chronicles 20:4-8) Fallen angels had taken human wives and created a bloodline of giants. (Please see Marshall’s notes for references in Deuteronomy 2.) In Joshua 11:21-23 we read that all the Anakim were destroyed except for a few in Gaza, Ashdod and Gath – which were Philistine cities. As a result of the Israelites not fully obeying God in their earlier conquests, we see how this resulted in the existence of Goliath. Partial obedience is still disobedience! Our disobedience can lead to consequences that have lasting effects for both us and others. Have you been living in partial obedience to God and thinking that it’s good enough?
Read 1 Samuel 17:12-29. We see David demonstrating real faith! He wasn’t focused on Goliath’s outward appearance, but rather on how great his God is! Do we demonstrate this kind of faith when facing the “giants” in our lives? Are we intimidated by the size of our problems, or do we stand in faith and awe of how great our God is?!
Read 1 Samuel 17:40-51. David’s motivation for challenging Goliath was so that the whole earth would know that Yahweh is Lord and so that God’s people would remember that he doesn’t save with sword and spear. No one on the battlefield had faith! The real issue here wasn’t Goliath – it was the sin of unbelief! Are you currently dealing with the sin of unbelief? Are you struggling to trust God in your circumstances? Whatever your giants are, God is bigger!
This story of David and Goliath is a foreshadowing of Jesus and his triumph over death, sin and the grave! When we see Christ’s victory over death, we should have the courage to face the lesser giants in our lives. (i.e., pain, sickness, insecurity, anxiety, fear, addiction, finances, career or world politics.) List the giants you’re facing in your life and then look at Jesus! Your giants crumble before Christ!
Read 1 Samuel 18:6-16 & 22-30. Unlike Saul, David trusted God. No matter what Saul tried to do to David he kept his eyes fixed on God and not at the problems. Like David, we must live out our faith. Fix your eyes on Jesus! Trust Him and fully obey Him!