Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The End Of His Life 16:23-30 • The Philistines had a “party” vv. 23-24 • Dagon was praised for delivering Samson • They demanded the “blind Samson” be brought in for entertainment v. 25

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The End Of His Life 16:23-30 • The house was full of lords & officials…at least 3,000 were on the roof v. 27 • Samson pushed the supporting pillars out, killing all in the house vv. 26, 28-30a

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The End Of His Life 16:23-30 • An act of personal vengeance v. 28a • Samson killed more in his death than he had cumulatively in his life v. 30b • A sad ending…it didn’t have to end like this

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The End Of His Life 16:23-30 • His faith is commended Heb 11:32 • However, it is his choices that stand as a reminder of what not to do with life…they led him into situations that were not helpful

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • The old are supposed to lead the young • Faith & wisdom come from experience • Sometimes, it is reversed • If the older won’t serve, someone must lead • Often, the younger show greater faith in situations than do their older counterparts

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • Such is the case with one of the most familiar stories in all the O.T. • David’s defeat of Goliath, the Philistine giant • David’s victory is a “faith-builder” for us • We have our own “Goliaths” to defeat • David is an example to follow

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • Once again, the Philistines oppose Israel • They did in the days of Samuel chs. 4-7 • They did in the days of Saul chs. 13-14 • They again line up in battle array to fight against Israel vv. 1-3 • They use their “main weapon” Ù Goliath

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • Goliath’s description vv. 4-7 • He was their “champion” (battle-tested hero) • He was 9’ 9” tall • His armor weighed approx. 128 lbs. • Spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam…the head weighed approx. 15 lbs.

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • Goliath’s tactics vv. 8-10, 16 • He used intimidation, “bully tactics” • He demanded an Israelite to fight him • The nation of the winner would rule over the nation of the loser • He issued this “challenge” for 40 days

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • Goliath’s tactics vv. 8-10, 16 • He was successful…Israel was “dismayed and greatly afraid” because of him • Not one Israelite accepted his challenge

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • David’s interest vv. 17-30 • Jesse sent David with supplies for his 3 oldest sons who were fighting the Philistines with Saul vv. 17-18a • Jesse also wanted David to bring back a report re: their welfare v. 18b

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • David’s interest vv. 17-30 • Upon his arrival, David saw the situation and heard Goliath’s “challenge” vv. 20-24 • The report circulated re: Saul’s “reward” for accepting Goliath’s challenge v. 25 • He inquired about it vv. 26-27

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • David’s interest vv. 17-30 • Eliab (Jesse’s oldest son) rebukes David, calling him “insolent” v. 28 • He intimates David was “neglectful” v. 28 • David was simply inquiring…Eliab & others only saw him as a “distraction” vv. 29-30

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • David’s involvement vv. 31-51a • Saul heard about David’s inquiries & sent for him v. 31 • David “reassured” the king…volunteers to fight Goliath v. 32 • Saul dismissed David’s “offer” v. 33

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • David’s involvement vv. 31-51a • Saul dismissed David’s “offer” v. 33 • David was only a youth…he was “not able to go fight against this Philistine” • Goliath had been a warrior “from his youth” • David’s faith is contrasted to Saul’s unbelief

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion The Story Of A “Giant Killer” 1 Sam 17 • David’s involvement vv. 31-51a • David’s response to Saul vv. 34-37a • This would not be his first “battle” • As a shepherd, he defended & attacked lions & bears that tried to seize the flock • Goliath was just another lion or bear

Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion