Scripture Portion: 1 Samuel 17
Here is a sermon outline preached by Ps. Christopher on the duel between David and Goliath.
I Samuel 17:37-51 is one of the most captivating passages in the Bible that helps every Christian to gain strength when confronted by a Goliath sized problem. Jesus, who disarmed the principalities and powers by making a public spectacle of them by His victory on the cross, wants every follower to walk in that victory.
Using the victory of David as an example, I present seven keys that every Christian could use to claim victory in daily life. Goliath could be in the form of a sickness, a job crisis, a financial crunch or even a spiritual bondage, whatever it may be – use the seven keys to defeat the Goliath troubling you.
Key No: 1
Recite the past victories that God has given you to gain strength: (V 37) Looking back at the faithfulness of God in your past, you can move into the future with faith. David recalls the faithfulness of God when faced with a lion or a bear and confesses that God would help him win over the uncircumcised Philistine, just as he got victory fighting the wild beasts.
Key No: 2
David could not wear the armour of Saul as he was not used to it. (Vs 38, 39). Being a Spiritual man, he always used the armour of God and not the armour of man. Use the armour of God which Apostle Paul lists out in Ephesians 6 when you stand against the enemy.
Key No: 3
Overcome fear with faith: (V44) The enemy uses fear as its chief weapon against the children of God. Goliath tries to intimidate David by saying “Come to me and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field”. David had more faith in his God than to fear the enemy. Saul thought that Goliath was too big to hit while David knew that Goliath was too big to miss. Fear can unsettle any child of God when we give room to it.
Key No: 4
God allows these battles in life so that by taking victory, His name can be glorified. (V 46) God is not a cosmic sadist to rejoice at our misfortune, but wants to back us up to take victory over Satan – the enemy of our souls.
Key No: 5
Offence is the best form of defence: In spiritual warfare – do not show your back to the enemy. There is no piece of armour designed to protect your back. We see in V 48 that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet Goliath.
Key No: 6
The Enemy will perish by his own sword. (V 51) David took Goliath’s Sword and killed him. He who digs a pit for you will fall into the same pit. Hold your peace.
Key No: 7
Finally, when we read I Samuel 17: 17 David was asked by his father to take food for his brothers in the army. David did not know beforehand that he was going to fight Goliath. David as a worshipper of God was always prepared to fight the wild beasts while taking care of his sheep. Failure to spend time with God every day is preparing to fail in the good fight of life.
May the Lord empower you to be a victorious Christian.