Spiritual Warfare – Part 7

If you haven’t yet read Part one of this study, please click here.

David and Goliath, 1 Samuel 17

Before studying the story of David and Goliath read 1 Samuel chapter 16, God’s choosing of this shepherd boy, the last (and apparently unimportant) son of the family.

Remember that God chooses the weak to fool the wise, and the weak to shame the strong! (1 Corinthians 1:27)

• v1-3 The situation.

It sounds as though the opposing forces were equal. The enemy will have you think that he is a force equal to God. This is a lie.

Read Deuteronomy 28:13

• 8-10 The enemy “calls the shots”.

Is he trying to do that in a situation you know about or have known about?

• 16 For forty days the enemy hassled God’s people with the same challenge.

Listening to the enemy weakens us. Is he saying anything to you right now?

“You can’t afford it.”

“You’ll never make it.”

“You don’t have what it takes.”

“You are sick.”

…….

• 23 God’s timing was perfect.

Have you ever found yourself in just the right place at the right time?

• 26 David sees Goliath through God’s eyes, “an uncircumcised Philistine”.

How can we change the way we see things?

• 28-29 Criticism from his brother.

Have you noticed that family members often knock someone down when they should be the first to encourage and support?

• 28 David was not put off by the scorn of his brother.

Are you easily deterred by the verbal attacks of the enemy? (Often they come through those closest to us.)

• 32 Saul sees David as a musician, not a warrior.

Have you ever been blinded to hidden qualities in those you think you know?

• 34-35 David’s past experience qualified him for future work for the Lord.

Has there been anything in your past that has helped you later in life?

• 36-37 David was angry with those who opposed the Lord, and prepared to go and fight.

Have you ever experienced “righteous anger”?

Are you prepared to fight on God’s side or do you “turn a blind eye” and hope the problem will go away?

Or maybe you pray for someone else to go?

• 38-39 David refused Saul’s protective armour.

Do you rely on spiritual means of protection?

• 40 David was confident in the Lord and with his slingshot because he had used it many times.

Regular use of our spiritual weapons gives us confidence.

Where is your confidence in the face of enemy attack?

Do you know Bible verses to counter-attack the words of the enemy quoted against verse 16 above?

• 41-44 The enemy tries to put David down with words of sarcasm and criticism.

How do you feel when people are scornful of your faith?

• 45-46 David’s proclamation of faith.

Do you have this sort of confidence in the face of the enemy?

• 50 The battle was won with no fighting!

Has the Lord won any battles for you recently?

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