David and Goliath

Brandt Lyon

Stories of Radical Faith • Sermon • Submitted 5 months ago • Presented 10 months ago

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1 Samuel 17:41-50

I. Introduction

A. John Ortberg and “Bubba”

B. Tell the story of David and Goliath

II. No problem is too big for God

A. Explanation

1. The Philistines are Israel’s biggest enemy – They were Canaanites whom the Israelites allowed to remain against God’s command

2. Goliath was the largest of all of them –

a. Approximately 9 feet tall

b. Armor weighed around 125 pounds

3. The Israelite army is paralyzed with fear over Goliath and will not come out to fight him - Even the great Saul will not go into battle

4. Yet, David sees this as a no-brainer (26)

5. Comparison between David and Goliath

a. Goliath is described as a massive and experienced warrior. He moves onto the field of battle with his armor bearer in front of him

b. David is described as young, ruddy, and handsome – Not exactly the description of a great warrior

c. Goliath “Disdains” him, and taunts him (42)

d. Goliath cursed David by His gods – this is a spiritual battle on both fronts

6. Still, David believes in the promises of God and that He will prevail in that promise if he simply acts upon it

a. God has been faithful to Israel – Defeating Egypt and taking Canaan

b. Go has been faithful to David – bears and lions

B. Application

1. Sometimes we think in terms of our own strength and there are things bigger than me and you, but not God

2. This is the difficulty of faith – You must act upon it or it is not real faith

3. Goliath may have been gigantic compared to David, but he is nothing compared to God

4. David’s fearlessness comes from his belief that God will prevail for His own glory

III. We must go in the name of the LORD (45)

A. Explanation

1. When the Israelites came into the land promised by God, their command was to go into the land of Canaan and conquer it leaving none of the Canaanites in the land

2. The Philistines are evidence that God’s command was not followed and now there was a problem due to their disobedience

3. Now, when they are pressing against the Israelite army, David sees it as defiance of the living God (26)

4. David says Goliath comes at him with weapons, but he comes after Goliath in the name of the Lord of hosts – Using YHWH (45)

a. The goal – That all the world will know that there is a God in Israel – His glory (46)

b. And that this assembly will know. That the Lord saves, not with sword and spear – By His absolute power

c. Thus, God uses a simple shepherd with a sling – Not a great weapon of war

B. Application

1. The reason for David’s frustration and anger is that they didn’t trust in the promise of God

2. This was about the glory of God and His name

3. It was also about the power of God that far surpassed the power of the enemy

4. David was willing to go into battle, not because of his abilities and power, but because of God

5. Illustration – The power of the State farm checkbook

IV. We need a Savior to believe in

A. Explanation

1. All around David are a bunch of insignificant soldiers because they don’t have the power to defeat the enemy and they know it

2. On the other hand, there is David who goes under the full authority of God

3. David RUNS towards the battle lines to confront Goliath (48)

4. He pulls out a stone and slung it striking Goliath in the forehead – as though there was nothing to it – And there wasn’t because God was in control

5. One simple man was the Savior of the entire army when they could not help themselves – Whom does this sound like? (Jesus)

B. Application

1. This story is so often taught as though we are David, and we can confront the Giants in our lives

2. But we are not represented by David in this story. He represents our Savior, Jesus

3. We are represented by the poor, ragged army that is fearful and broken by the fear of the Philistines.

4. What the army needed desperately was a savior to get them out of this jam and certain defeat

5. They need God to send one who could fight the battle for them

6. We need Jesus in exactly the same way

V. Conclusion

A. This story makes two points

1. Nothing is too big for God to handle

2. Sometimes, we are dependent on the Savior He sends

B. What are the battles you are fighting that are too big for you to win?

C. We all have an ultimate enemy in sin and judgment that we cannot overcome,

D. But, Jesus enters and with little effort defeats sin and death on the cross so that we can win the victory in His name.

John Ortberg and “Bubba”

Many years ago I was walking in Newport Beach, a beach in Southern California, with two friends. Two of us were on staff together at a church, and one was an elder at the same church. We walked past a bar where a fight had been going on inside. The fight had spilled out into the street, just like in an old western. Several guys were beating up another guy, and he was bleeding from the forehead. We knew we had to do something, so we went over to break up the fight. … I don't think we were very intimidating. [All we did was walk over and say,] "Hey, you guys, cut that out!" It didn't do much good.

Then suddenly, they looked at us with fear in their eyes. The guys who had been beating up on the one guy stopped and started to slink away. I didn't know why until we turned and looked behind us. Out of the bar had come the biggest man I think I've ever seen. He was something like six feet, seven inches, maybe 300 pounds, maybe 2 percent body fat. Just huge. We called him "Bubba" (not to his face, but afterward, when we talked about him).

Bubba didn't say a word. He just stood there and flexed. You could tell he was hoping they would try and have a go at him. Suddenly, my attitude was transformed, and I said to those guys, "You better not let us catch you coming around here again!" I was a different person because I had great, big Bubba. I was ready to confront with resolve and firmness. I was released from anxiety and fear. I was filled with boldness and confidence. I was ready to help somebody that needed help. I was ready to serve where serving was required. Why? Because I had a great, big Bubba. I was convinced that I was not alone. I was safe.

If I were convinced that Bubba was with me 24 hours a day, I would have a fundamentally different approach to my life. If I knew Bubba was behind me all day long, you wouldn't want to mess with me. But he's not. I can't count on Bubba.

Again and again, the writers of Scripture pose this question to us: How big is your God? Again and again, we are reminded that the One who is greater than Bubba has come, and you don't have to wonder whether or not he'll show up. He's always there. You don't have to be afraid. You don't have to live your life in hiding. You have a great, big God, and he's called you to do something, so get on with it!