THE LIFE OF DAVID - A MAN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART (4)

DAVID WAS A MAN WITH TENDERNESS AND STRENGTH JUST LIKE OUR LORD – 1 SAMUEL 17

The sweet psalmist of Israel who wrote many love songs to the Lord, sang them to Him and His people (e.g., Saul – 1 Samuel 16:23) and tenderly cared for his sheep was also “strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph. 6:10). Remember , Jesus is both tender and a warrior: “A bruisedreed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out, till he leads justice to victory.” “ The LORD is a warrior; The LORD is His name.” (Matt. 12:20; Ex. 15:3)

Goliath was about nine feet, nine inches tall and his armor weighed close to 200 lbs. His spear alone weighed about 20 lbs. Everyone including Saul, who was head and shoulders above everyone else (1 Sam. 9:2), was “greatly afraid” of him. (v. 11)

David comes on the scene. Some time had passed between chapters 16 and 17 for later Saul asked David who he was (v. 58) though David had played the harp for him many times (16:23). David is probably much older now and had changed as he grew up. Or Saul may have been asking about David’s family not David himself as he planned to keep him with him.

David’s anger was aroused because Goliath did not worship God (“uncircumcised Philistine”) and he was taunting God’s people – righteous indignation. He was more motivated by this than the “reward” (v.26) and there is no record that he ever received it.

David’s oldest brother Eliab must have resented David for being anointed king instead of him. He belittled his work, he said you don’t belong here as a soldier, and he accused him of conceit and wickedness; pretty serious unfounded and unwarranted accusations. Earlier we see that David’s father seemed to have forgotten him. (16:11) If those who know us best (family) encourage us the least, it can serve to drive us to God for His love and acceptance. We are to listen to what the Lord says about us not what others say about us. (See back for Scriptural affirmation of who we are in Christ.) “ For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.” (Psalm 71:5; also see Psalm 27:10) This is what we see in Joseph’s life as well. (Gen. 50:20)

David didn’t get caught up in defending himself against his brother but stayed focused on the bigger problem – that His Lord was being defied. Satan can get us so focused on lesser problems that we forget him our real enemy and become distracted by his schemes that keep us from doing God’s good work. (2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 6:12)

Saul tried to discourage David too, saying he was just a boy, but David’s confidence was in the Lord and how God had proven Himself strong on his behalf as David killed lions and bears with his own hands. “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Sam. 17:37)

David wisely refused Saul’s armor and weapons and used what he was used to- a slingshot. As someone put it: “Be who you is because if you is who you ain’t you ain’t who you is.”

David killed Goliath. Look at his motivation - “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” And look at his confidence: “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD& 39;s, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Sam. 17:46, 47)

David was motivated to kill Goliath by his desire to glorify God, the purpose for which we are all created. “ Everyone who is called by My name, And whom I have created for My glory, Whom I have formed, even whom I have made." (Isaiah 43:7) We bring God glory when we do His will in His power and He gets all the credit for what we do.

“ Such confidence as this is ours through Christ before God. Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. He has made us competent as ministers….” (2 Cor. 3:4-6) “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Rom. 11:36)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Tenderness and strength. Like our Lord, David was both strong and tender. How can we grow more like Jesus in both of these qualities? Do you ever feel righteous indignation for God’s people or His causes or tender mercy for those who suffer? Name some of them. Does it move you to action?

Our family can be a source of discouragement rather than encouragement. If so, how can or how has the Lord helped you grow in confidence in Him?

“Be who you is because if you is who you ain’t you ain’t who you is.” Where are you tempted “to put on Saul’s armor” and try to be someone you are not?

“The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (1 Sam. 17:37) Sometimes we can focus more on our past failures than the Lord’s past victories in our life. Do you remember for yourself and testify to others about God’s deliverance in your past? “Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us." (1 Samuel 7:12) And He will help us all the way home.

Does living for God’s glory motivate you on a regular basis? Discuss your answer.

Do you feel you have a lot of confidence in the Lord and can say with Paul: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

• I am a child of God.. John 1:12• I am a branch of the true vine, and a conduit of Christ’s life. John 15:1, 5• I am a friend of Jesus. John 15:15• I have been justified and redeemed. Romans 3:24• My old self was crucified with Christ, and I am no longer a slave to sin.. Romans 6:6• I will not be condemned by God. Romans 8:1• I have been set free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2• As a child of God, I am a fellow heir with Christ. Romans 8:17• I have been accepted by Christ. Romans 15:7• I have been called to be a saint. 1 Corinthians 1:2 (Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:2• In Christ Jesus, I have wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:30• My body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who dwells in me.1 Corinthians 6:19• I am joined to the Lord and am one spirit with Him.1 Corinthians 6:1• God leads me in the triumph and knowledge of Christ. 2 Corinthians 2:14• The hardening of my mind has been removed in Christ.. 2 Corinthians 3:14• I am a new creature in Christ.2 Corinthians 5:17• I have become the righteousness of God in Christ.2 Corinthians 5:21• I have been made one with all who are in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28• I am no longer a slave, but a child and an heir. Galatians 4:7• I have been set free in Christ. Galatians 5:1• I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.. Ephesians 1:3• I am chosen, holy, and blameless before God. Ephesians 1:4• I am redeemed and forgiven by the grace of Christ. Ephesians 1:7• I have been predestined by God to obtain an inheritance. Ephesians 1:10-11• I have been sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. Ephesians 1:1• Because of God’s mercy and love, I have been made alive with Christ. Ephesians 2:4-5• I am seated in the heavenly places with Christ. Ephesians 2:6• I am God’s workmanship created to produce good works.. Ephesians 2:10• I have been brought near to God by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13. Ephesians 3:6; 5:30• I have boldness and confident access to God through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12• My new self is righteous and holy. Ephesians 4:24• I was formerly darkness, but now I am light in the Lord. Ephesians 5:8• I am a citizen of heaven. Philippians 3:20• The peace of God guards my heart and mind. Philippians 4:• God supplies all my needs.. Philippians 4:19• I have been made complete in Christ. Colossians 2:10• I have been raised up with Christ. Colossians 3:1• My life is hidden with Christ in God.. Colossians 3:3• Christ is my life, and I will be revealed with Him in glory. Colossians 3:4• I have been chosen of God, and I am holy and beloved. Colossians 3:12• God loves me and has chosen me. 1 Thessalonians 1:4

“The more we embrace these truths from Scripture about who we have become in Christ, the more stable, grateful, and fully assured we will be in this world.” (Ken Boa)

Scripture memory verse: David killed Goliath. Look at his motivation: “the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel.” And look at his confidence: “All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD& 39;s, and he will give all of you into our hands." (1 Sam. 17:46, 47)