How to Slay a Giant

2. Valley of Elah where Goliath was slain How to Slay a Giant Or, how to come down off the hill of spectatorship

3. The best known story in all of Scripture is found in 1 Samuel 17 • v.1-11 – Confrontation • v. 24-27 – Consideration • v. 28-30 – Confusion • v.31-40 – Confidence • v. 41-51 – Conquest And David’s life was never the same!

4. How did he do it? • He took advantage of his opportunity V.26- he observed and was offended by the reproach of Goliath V.34- measured him against what the Lord could do V.24- Israelites measured him against themselves

5. How did he do it? • He took advantage of his opportunity • He did not allow his youth to deter him V.28- Ignored put-downs, name calling, disdain V.33- refused the excuse of inexperience David showed up, spoke up, and stepped up

6. How did he do it? V.32- no trace of fear V.48- ran quickly to meet the giant V.45, 47- already knew who the battle belonged too • He took advantage of his opportunity • He did not allow his youth to deter him • He saw the victory before the battle Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

7. How did he do it? • He took advantage of his opportunity • He did not allow his youth to deter him • He saw the victory before the battle • He was moved by a greater purpose V.46-47- he was glorifying God to pagans and to Israel

8. What does this mean to us? We have giants that stand and reproach us or our God also • Ridicule in the classroom, sarcasm at work • Temptations of addiction, porn, or immorality • Giant frustrations, depressions, or sorrows • Losses to accidents, tragedies, or sickness • Pressures from peers, fears, and self-esteem • Weariness, hesitations, apathies, lukewarmness

9. We need to learn David’s methods? • Take advantage of our opportunities… • To show up, speak up, and step up • Don’t be deterred by excuses • See the victory before you take a step

10. Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 Corinthians 5:7 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

11. Ephesians 1:18 …having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, 

12. We need to learn David’s methods? • Take advantage of our opportunities… • To show up, speak up, and step up • Don’t be deterred by excuses • See the victory before you take a step • Set your heart on a bigger purpose

13. Set your heart on a bigger purpose But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  1 Peter 2:9 Bigger than self

14. Set your heart on a bigger purpose For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  Romans 8:18 Bigger than present time

15. Set your heart on a bigger purpose  …to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,  1 Peter 1:4 Bigger than this present world

16. Set your heart on a bigger purpose If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. Colossians 3:1-4

17. Are you tired of standing on the hill, watching and fearful for how you might fail in fighting your giant? Seize the victory!