David and Goliath
1 Samuel 17
Series Memory Verse: “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.” Philippians 3:13b-14 (p.901).
- Aim High to be Courageous.
“And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1b-2 (p.927)
- Check in with God first thing each morning.
“Goliath stood and shouted a taunt across to the Israelites. ‘Why are you all coming out to fight?’ he called. ‘I am the Philistine champion, but you are only the servants of Saul. Choose one man to come down here and fight me!’” 1 Samuel 17:8 (p.223)
“Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3 (p.416)
“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” Mark 1:35 (p.761)
- Contemplate God’s promises.
“‘Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?’” 1 Samuel 17:26b (p.224)
“Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.” Psalm 119:95 (p.470)
“His faithful promises are your armor and protection.” Psalm 91:4c (p.456)
- Concentrate on God’s power.
“‘The LORD who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!’” 1 Samuel 17:37a (p.224)
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” Psalm 18:2 p.429)
“The Lord says, ‘I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name.’” Psalm 91:14 (p.456)
My Next Step This Week:
I Will Greet Life’s Trials With Courageous Joy By:
___ Checking in with God first thing each morning.
___ Contemplating God’s promises.
___ Concentrating on God’ power.
“So David triumphed over the Philistine with only a sling and a stone, for he had no sword. Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they turned and ran.” 1 Samuel 17:50-51 (p.224)
Discussion/Groups Guide Are We There Yet? – Part 5 “Courage in Trials”
Life Groups use this guide in their discussion and study of the Weekend Talk. Use this also as a discussion guide with your family and friends.
Conversation Starters
- What is courage? If you were to define it to a small child, what would you say?
- What is the biggest challenge you have ever overcome in your life? How did it feel when you overcame it?
- Have you taken part in a charity challenge to do something crazy, like perhaps sky diving or sitting in a tank of snakes? What motivated you to complete the challenge? Or is there something you would never do for charity no matter what?
Quick Review
Looking back at your Weekend Talk Notes, was there anything you heard in the service that stood out to you, challenged you, or maybe even confused you?
Discussion Starters from the Weekend Talk
Refer to the Talk Notes and Bible verses from the Talk Notes.
Our One Thing: Aim High to be Courageous.
Series Memory Verse: Philippians 3:13b-14 (p.901).
One Voice Bible Story Background: 1 Samuel 17, David and Goliath.
- All of Saul’s Army of Israel was cowering at the taunting of Goliath. Only David had the courage to face the giant. David had courage that the others didn’t have.
- What “giants” do we face? What “giant” are you facing?
- Read Hebrews 12:1b-2.
- On whom are we to keep our eyes? How do you do that? What helps you do this?
- What can tend to distract you from this?
This week our teaching focused on three secrets David utilized to help him successfully Aim High to Be Courageous:
- Check in with God first thing each morning. 1 Samuel 17:8 (p.223); Psalm 5:3 (p.416); Mark 1:35 (p.761).
What was Goliath doing to intimidate the Israelite army?
- David waited expectantly for God (Psalm 5:3). What does that mean?
- Remember to clothe yourselves as per Colossians 3:12-13 (p903-4) which we looked at a couple of weeks ago when we looked at forgiveness, Put on your armor (Ephesians 6:10-17 (p.898)). Unless you work from home you probably don’t wear your pajamas to the office, rather you dress appropriately.
- What are some ways we get ready to do something, such as go to work or prepare for a trip?
- What are some different ways in which we can connect with God?
- Do you have a favorite devotional or app you like to use?
- Contemplate God’s promises. 1 Samuel 17:26 (p.224); Psalm 119:95 (p.470); Psalm 13 (p.419).
What promises does David contemplate in 1 Samuel and in Psalm 13? (David didn’t write Psalm 119, but the teaching there still, of course, applies.)
- What promises from God have you contemplated when facing a challenge?
- What helps you contemplate on them or even remember them?
- Concentrate on God’s power. 1 Samuel 17:37 (p.224); Psalm 18:2 (p.429); Psalm 91:14 (p.456).
Who is the “hero” of this encounter? Is it David, or is it God? See 1 Samuel 17:37 and discuss.
- How had David’s past prepared him for this moment?
- What have you gone through in the past that has prepared you for today?
- The results of David’s faithfulness and God’s power: 1 Samuel 17:50-51 (p.224).
Digging Deeper
This week we were looking at facing giants and how God prepares us as he did with David, by sending smaller challenges, the odd bear or lion our way! However, it is rarely the giants that cause us the biggest challenges in our spiritual lives, it is the little things that, if we don’t deal with them in a timely manner, will have the potential to derail us in our relationship with God.
Take a moment to consider the stalagmite and how it is formed: Over many years, one drop of water at a time, a massive stalagmite is formed and will eventually block the passage of a cavern. It is what is in the water, the impurity of the calcium salts which creates the rock structure.
In the same way when we don’t deal with the ‘little sins’ in our life or the minor irritations they can eventually over time become a mountain that blocks our path to God.
Discuss some of these ‘little things’ which can lead to becoming giants in our lives. Pray over these issues. Go over the three C’s we talked about this week:
- Check in with God first thing each morning.
- Contemplate God’s promises.
- Concentrate on God’s power.
My Next Step This Week: I Will Greet Life’s Trials With Courageous Joy By:
___ Checking in with God first thing each morning.
___ Contemplating God’s promises.
___ Concentrating on God’s power.