1 Samuel #17: an exposition of 1 Samuel 17:1-54. This message by Pastor Rod Harris was delivered at Trinity Baptist Church on Sunday evening, April 22, 2012.
Intro:
Do you ever get the feeling that we are fighting a losing battle? Ever feel like you’re beating your head against the wall when you try to talk to others about your faith and about biblical truth? The world is changing. The culture is shifting. The Judeo-Christian worldview is losing it’s grip on the American conscience. Our faith is increasingly mocked and with greater intensity. While in the past those who did not attend church were respectful of the church and its teaching that is no longer the case. The “tolerant crowd” is no longer tolerant of our views. The new atheism is a militant and aggressive strain that will not be satisfied until the culture is purged of any hint of biblical Christianity. We are heading to a showdown. Lines are being drawn. Positions are being marked off and we are being faced with a choice. Will we stand our ground or be coward into silence? Will we march on under the banner of the cross or will we flee from the presence of our enemy?
There he stood. Powerful. Majestic. Intimidating. For 40 days he had taunted the army of Israel. 40 days he mockingly called for a worthy opponent to come forward and fight. Israel’s “mighty men” were reduced to frightened children. Their king in search of the “panic button.” Then came the shepherd boy on his father’s errand. “What’s going on?” “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine?” Thus began the epic battle between David and Goliath. It is a familiar story, possibly one of the first Bible stories you learned. The problem is this text is often misunderstood and misapplied. Too often it is used merely as an example bravery. We are told to trust God as we face our own Goliaths but is that the point of the text? When dealing with a narrative text it is important to look for reoccurring words or themes. Such words may be a clue to the author’s intent. In 1 Samuel 17 there is such a reoccurrence. Six times (10, 25, 26 (twice), 36 and 45) we find the word “reproach” or one of its derivatives. Goliath consistently mocked, defied and reviled God’s name. That becomes the key for understanding this encounter as we learn a valuable lesson in faith-filled courage.
Text: 1 Samuel 17:1-54
17:1-3 sets the context.
The Philistines were Israel’s arch enemy throughout this period.
The inspired narrator paints this dramatic scene for us.
Both armies draw up for battle.
Standing on either side of this great valley.
The location is about 12-14 miles west of Bethlehem.
Socoh and Azekah were strong points on the south side of the valley.
Israel is on the opposite side.
17:4-7 gives us our first glimpse of Goliath of Gath, the Philistine champion.
Listen to his taunt – 17:8-10.
Now David is introduced 17:12-18.
Here is what I want us to note from this passage:
Thesis: In a world marked by God-denying, God-defying arrogance we are called to lives of faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion.
There are three things I want to point out.
- Faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion are inflamed by a passion for God’s glory. (17:26)
- Faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion are anchored in the certainty of God’s enabling. (17:34-37)
- Faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion have as their goal the glory and honor of God. (17:41-54)
Conclusion:
Do you feel inadequate? Good!
You say you’re not equipped? Wonderful!
You are just the kind of person God is looking for.
Ask Paul:
Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me.
9 But he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:8-10
Your battle will not likely come with a giant on the field of battle with opposing armies looking on. It will most often come up on the office as God’s name is taken in vain and you dare confront the offender. For me it may come when I refuse to perform a wedding because I believe it violates Scripture. The confrontations will come. The only question is whether you will go forth with faith-filled courage and God-honoring devotion or will you cower in silence and fear.