This sermon drawing on the narrative of David and Goliath calls us to have a renewed confidence in depending on Our God, who has and will always be a mighty deliverer for his people.
The first challenge the people of God faced was deciding how to respond to the battle they faced with the philistine giant Goliath. They decided only to look out at the giants intimidating presence and within at their own limitations in being able to defeat him. In contrast, David framed this battle in a Godly perspective, in challenging the people of God, this giant and the philistines dared to take on the living God himself.
David’s dependence on God was then challenged but remained unwavering. Firstly, it was challenged by his brother who accused him of speaking out of wicked motivation. David rebuffs this by asking rhetorical questions to his brother and then repeating his words that demonstrate his steadfast conviction. Secondly, Saul challenges David’s ability to fight the giant because of his lack of battle experience in contrast to Goliath. David explains to Saul he does have experience successfully taking on wild bears and lions. However, David’s confidence is not placed in his past experience, it is in his God who delivered him mighty victories previously, and will do again because he won’t allow his name to be mocked.
David then faces down the giant Goliath, leading God’s people in a mighty victory, being entirely dependent upon God in battle. Despite the giants disdain, curses, and threats, David declares victory will be his today. This is because he knows he is God’s representative in this battle and God will not be mocked. He also has confidence that this extraordinary victory will show the world how mighty the living God is. So, David with a slingshot and a stone dependent on God kills Goliath.
Lord, help us to have a renewed confidence in depending on you today, especially in the midst of the battles that we face.
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