Introduction
The story of David and Goliath is familiar to most of us from childhood. Read First Samuel 17, or tell the story, as an introduction to this lesson. We will note some modern principles to be learned from this favorite Old Testament story.
Body
I. While Israel waited to grow a Goliath, God was developing a David on the hills of Bethlehem.
A. God has always taken common people and used them for great things.
1. Amos was a herdsman when God called him (Amos 7:14, 15).
2. Moses was a shepherd in the wilderness (Exodus 3:1-10).
3. Elisha was busy plowing when Elijah called him to serve God in a mighty way (I Kings 19:19-21).
4. Matthew was working at his desk when Jesus drew him (Matthew 9:9).
5. Peter, Andrew, James and John were busy at their occupation of fishing (Matthew 4:18f f).
B. God will use “ordinary” men and women today to do His will and work. We do not need to look for “Goliaths” to accomplish the work of the Lord.
II. Israel’s army was loud in voice and strong in form, but it was weak at heart.
A. Every day they went out to face the Philistines, but each time they retreated before Goliath the blaspheming giant.
B. We often talk big today, but how strong are we at heart in the face of danger or opportunity?
C. Because God will help us, we should not fear any enemy.
1. Jesus has promised to be with us as we do His will (Matthew 28:18-20).
2. We are not to be terrified by our adversaries (Philippians 1:28).
3. If God is for us, who can do us harm? (Psalm 56:11).
III. David’s aim was simply to glorify God, not to win a reputation, a princess or great wealth.
A. A “Christian” college recently announced a new “doctor of ministry” degree, so “our preachers” could “hold their head up” next to any denominational preacher in the community.
B. Young people are sometimes promised honor or position to follow a certain path or preach a particular doctrine.
C. Let us serve God with no earthly enticements, giving Him all the glory that is truly His.
IV. David could not wear the armor of a professional soldier. He was a plain man, and so he faced Goliath in the strength of God alone.
A. God does not need a special clergy, but a committed people.
B. The Bible does not know a one-man “pastor system” in which only professionally-educated men may serve Him. This idea comes from the pride and imagination of men.
C. You can serve God where you are, if you will commit yourself to Him in faith to glorify Him.
V. David did not use giant-weapons, but what he had in his hand already.
A. God does not need man’s gimmicks and gadgets today to accomplish His work.
B. He does not depend on our wealth, organizations, projects or super-personalities.
C. Much popular religion depends on all these things, but we should not be deceived by it and turn from simple dependence on God and His methods and means.
VI. God gave David the victory and David gave God the praise.
A. God can bless us today without carnal weapons, human wisdom or worldly power.
B. Let us look to Him for all results, and let us serve Him faithfully regardless of what might come our way.
Conclusion
Let us learn from this story of old. God uses ordinary people who are willing to serve Him with what they have, in the power He will give, and who will give Him the praise and the glory. With such people, God is well able to defeat every adversary. One man and God is still a majority!