Facing Giants – Part 1: Being Courageous

Download Notes

1 Samuel 17

Series Memory Verse: “For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13 (p.901)

  • The Strength To Face Life’s Giants Is God’s Power In Me.

1. Never underestimate God’s power.

“David asked the soldiers standing nearby, ‘What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?’” 1 Samuel 17:26 (p.224)

“For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20 (p.872)

2. Trust in God, not others’ doubts.

“’Don’t worry about this Philistine,’ David told Saul. ‘I’ll go fight him!’ ‘Don’t be ridiculous!’ Saul replied. ‘There’s no way you can fight this Philistine and possibly win! You’re only a boy, and he’s been a man of war since his youth.’” 1 Samuel 17:33 (p.224)

“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (p.905)

3. Praise God for every victory.

“Then David ran over and pulled Goliath’s sword from its sheath. David used it to kill him and cut off his head.” 1 Samuel 17:51 (p.225)

“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 (p.880)

My Next Step This Week:

____ Identify a challenge you’re facing, surrender it to God, and trust in His power for victory.

LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION

One Thing: The Strength To Face Life’s Giants Is God’s Power In Me.

Memory Verse: Philippians 4:13 (p.901)

Bible Background: David and Goliath – 1 Samuel 17

CONVERSATION STARTER

// If you had to face a literal giant, what would be your strategy and why?

WEEKEND REVIEW

The Strength To Face Life’s Giants Is God’s Power In Me.

  1. Never underestimate God’s power
  2. Trust in God, not others’ doubts
  3. Praise God for every victory

// Was there anything that stood out to you or maybe confused you?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

// Read 1 Samuel 17:32-37 (p.224).

  • What does this verse tell us about who we should rely on in times of adversity?
  • In what ways does David’s attitude towards Goliath differ from the Israelites’, and what can you learn from it?

// Read Ephesians 3:20 (p.896).   

  • How does this verse challenge our perceptions of what is possible with God?
  • In what ways can you apply the promise of God’s power at work within you to face the giants of life?

// Read James 1:2-4 (p.930).

  • What role does faith play in viewing trials as opportunities for growth?
  • Can you share an instance where enduring a trial helped you grow in patience and faith?

// Read 1 Samuel 17:45-51 (p.224).

  • What does David’s victory over Goliath teach us about the power of faith?
  • How does this verse change your perspective towards the giants in your life?

// Read 1 John 4:16 (p.943).

  • How does the promise of the “crown of life” to those who persevere under trial motivate you in facing your giants?
  • Can you share a personal experience where persevering through a difficult time led to spiritual growth or reward?

NEXT STEP

My Next Step This Week:

____ Identify a challenge you’re facing, surrender it to God, and trust in His power for victory.

DIGGING DEEPER

Reflect on these questions.

  • How can you apply this verse and trust in God’s strength? Isaiah 41:10 (p.548)
  • How can God’s spirit help us overcome fear and empower us in our daily life? 2 Timothy 1:7 (p.914)