Sermon Summary

This week, Adina Olson shared a powerful message on the story of David and Goliath. Adina sought to examine the heart of David in this popular Biblical story out of 1 Samuel 17. As the armies of Israel prepared to battle the Philistines, King Saul sought a warrior who could defeat the giant. As God raised David up to defeat Goliath, we learn how the work David did in his heart privately prepared him for the public battle. 

Israel Prepares to Battle the Philistines– 1 Samuel 17:1-11

The armies of Israel prepared to battle the Philistines for the Valley of Elah as the Philistines sought to divide Saul’s kingdom in two. In this day, kings sent their best warrior to fight a mutual dual on behalf of the army. Whoever won the battle won the war, and the Philistines sent in Goliath to fight on their behalf.

David’s Preparation – 1 Samuel 17:12-25

Although God called David to rise up and fight the Philistine giant, he experienced opposition and doubt from his own family. While Goliath taunted the Israelite army from a distance, David stood firm in his unwavering faith in God’s plan and His assured victory.

1 Samuel 17:26-27

 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”

David versus Goliath – 1 Samuel 17:28-30

David was a “slinger”, prepared and ready to defeat an enemy from over 600 feet away. Though Goliath was large in stature, he had poor eyesight and lacked agility. David’s heart posture was his ultimate tool in defeating the giant. He didn’t need to wear the king’s armor in the battle – his steadfast faith in God was his ultimate tool.

1 Samuel 17:31-37

31 When the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul, and he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail because of him. Your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant used to keep sheep for his father. And when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went after him and struck him and delivered it out of his mouth. And if he arose against me, I caught him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”

See 1 Samuel 17:38-50

What can we learn from David?

David slayed Goliath where he was most vulnerable. Often the enemy will seek to slay us where we’re most vulnerable. If we will partner with God the way David did, these vulnerable places will become the areas God restores and uses for victory.

David’s Training

He was trained to:

  • Take his thoughts captive
  • Speak a better word
  • Commune with God
  • Build his character when no one was looking
  • Worship and offer undignified praise
  • Love and exalt God in private

David’s Experience with Injustice

  • David’s mother is not mentioned in the Word.
  • David’s family did not advocate for him.
  • David was often isolated.
  • David was often overlooked by his father.
  • David experienced years of silence.
  • David often had to fight alone.

David’s Heart Posture

David could have allowed his victory over Goliath to puff him up in pride. His victory could have become his validation and vindication. David also did not allow the injustices of his life to hinder him from doing God’s will. He allowed God to heal his heart in private so that he could partner with God in the public victory.

From David to Us

We will all face a Goliath one day. If we want to go into the battle with the fullness of confidence and assurance that God will deliver us, we must pursue our own, personal deliverance. David demonstrated the authority of God and He trusted in his anointing. Goliath was not David’s first giant, and his intimacy with the Lord prepared his heart and his hands for the ultimate battle.

Psalms of David

  • Psalm 9: I will Recount your Wonderful Deeds
  • Psalm 19: The Law of the Lord is Perfect
  • Psalm 39: What is the Measure of my Days 

Discussion Questions

  1. How did David’s family respond to his desire to fight? How was this an injustice?
  2. Adina said that David had prepared for the physical, public battle by winning private battles in his heart with the Lord’s help. What are some private battles we can have in our hearts? Share an example.
  3. What areas of David’s training could you use an upgrade in? (see list above)
  4. What areas of David’s heart had been cultivated in private that helped him defeat Goliath?
  5. Adina said the enemy will often seek to slay us where we’re most vulnerable. Are there any vulnerable areas of your life that the enemy is pressing on? How can you partner with the Lord to turn this area into a victory? 

Application Questions

  1. Ask yourself honestly this week: what are 1-2 goliaths in your life current day? Get prayer with a friend or mentor in this area.
  2. Take an honest inventory of your heart this week: are there any areas that you need to seek the Lord for healing?
  3. Do you have any unforgiveness against another person due to an injustice? Get restoration prayer from a mentor this week for this area.