David and Goliath – God does not look at things the way we do
Introduction
Do we think with our eyes?
Key verse – God does not look at the way we look at things
God looks with His heart
Goliath is a huge (9ft 6in), wicked man
He has lived his life in defiance of God
He hates God’s people
He is a terrifying sight
Even the champion of the Israelites (Saul) could not defeat Goliath
Reading 1 Sam 17:1-39
… With additional comments and explanation
Obstacles and barriers to God’s people can look very scary
Example of obstacles and barriers in today’s world
If you look with your eyes – you are terrified and dismayed (v11)
If we look at our own heart, with our eyes – we are still terrified and dismayed (because of our sin)
The Israelite army do not do anything
Goliath defies Israel and God
There is a spiritual war between God and the devil, believers and the world
This has been going on since the Garden of Eden
Goliath typifies satan and those who defy God
David – the opposite of Goliath comes on the scene
Not ‘strong and tough’ enough to be in Israel’s army
Example of (ancient) shepherding [yet God had chosen him as king]
He is looking not at Goliath but the living God (v26)
David’s brother – put David in his place
However, David will not be put off by his brothers or Goliath
He is looking at things from God’s standpoint
Saul – looks with this eyes
David fought lions and bears – because he did not look with his eyes
He allowed David to fight Goliath
He dressed David in his armour – but he could not wear this
David fought Goliath with what God had given him
He goes out with a sling
Example of song
Goliath perceives David as an insult
He curses David
David sees with his eyes and the ‘eyes of faith’
He knows that God will strike him down
He strikes him down with a pebble
Application:
We are not a David, we are a Saul
We look at things the wrong way
David is a type of Christ
He was nothing special to look at
Even His own family did not [initially] believe
He is despised by the world
Christ goes out to fight our battles for us
He uses satan’s own weapons against him
He goes to the cross to defeat, sin, satan, death and hell
He triumphed over satan at the cross
Jesus knows our weakness and failings
He still loves us
He fought and won for us [at the cross]
He holds us in His hand – we are safe in Jesus and God’s hands
Have you put your life in Jesus’ hands?
Only Jesus can make you a Christian
You must give yourself to Jesus
Worship Christ
Look not with your eyes but God’s heart/eyes
Keep your eyes on Jesus
Goliath’s can turn into David – Personal example