1 Samuel 17:32-49

The episode of David & Goliath, at first, appears to be a “slam dunk” for Goliath.

The episode of David & Goliath, at first, appears to be a “slam dunk” for Goliath.◦ King Saul: “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” (v 33, ESV).

The episode of David & Goliath, at first, appears to be a “slam dunk” for Goliath.◦ King Saul: “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” (v 33, ESV).

◦ There is no way that David the shepherd can defeat Goliath the soldier.

But, David knows something neither Saul or Goliath knows.

But, David knows something neither Saul or Goliath knows: Small with God is better than Big without God.

But, David knows something neither Saul or Goliath knows: Small with God is better than Big without God.◦ “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” (v 37, ESV).

“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the LORD saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the LORD’s, and he will give you into our hand” (vv 45-47, ESV).

David knows that with God he has no reason to fear Goliath.

David knows that with God he has no reason to fear Goliath.

With only one stone, he (with God) is able to defeat the giant.

This text reminds us that “with God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26, ESV).

This text reminds us that “with God all things are possible” (Mt 19:26, ESV).

Tonight, from the narrative of David & Goliath, we want to think about “THE POWER OF SMALL.”

Throughout Scripture, we see several individuals who knew that “the battle is the LORD’s” (v 47).

Because of his righteousness, Noah saved his family from the Flood.

Because of his righteousness, Noah saved his family from the Flood.◦ “Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. These are

the generations of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God” (Gen 6:8-9, ESV).

Because of his righteousness, Noah saved his family from the Flood.◦ Gen 6:8-9.◦ “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning

events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith” (Heb 11:7, ESV).

Because of his righteousness, Noah saved his family from the Flood.◦ Gen 6:8-9.◦ Heb 11:7.◦ Only “eight persons, were brought safely through

water” (1 Pt 3:20, ESV).

Because one person was righteous!

I’m convinced that Noah instilled his righteousness into his sons.

I’m convinced that Noah instilled his righteousness into his sons.◦ Otherwise, would God have saved these three sons?

I’m convinced that Noah instilled his righteousness into his sons.◦ Otherwise, would God have saved these three sons?◦ God saved neither Lot’s sons-in-law nor Lot’s wife

because of Lot’s righteousness.

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’” (Gn 9:1, ESV).

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’” (Gn 9:1, ESV).

Not a one of us would exist had God swept Noah & his sons away with the Flood.

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’” (Gn 9:1, ESV).

Not a one of us would exist had God swept Noah & his sons away with the Flood.◦ God would have found another way to fulfill his

purpose.

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’” (Gn 9:1, ESV).

Not a one of us would exist had God swept Noah & his sons away with the Flood.◦ God would have found another way to fulfill his

purpose.◦ But, we have physical life because of Noah.

“God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth’” (Gn 9:1, ESV).

Not a one of us would exist had God swept Noah & his sons away with the Flood.

Every birth since the Flood, every invention of man since the Flood, every righteous act since the Flood stands as a testimony to the righteousness of Noah!

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist.◦ One day he & another disciple—likely the Apostle John

—were with John when Jesus walked by.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist.◦ One day he & another disciple—likely the Apostle John

—were with John when Jesus walked by. John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (Jn 1:36, ESV).

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist.◦ One day he & another disciple—likely the Apostle John

—were with John when Jesus walked by. John said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (Jn 1:36, ESV). These two disciples then followed Jesus & spent the day

with him.

Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist.◦ One day he & another disciple—likely the Apostle John

—were with John when Jesus walked by.◦ “One of the two who heard John speak and followed

Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas’ (which means Peter)” (Jn 1:40-42, ESV).

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus.

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus. “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Mt 16:15,

ESV).

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus. Mt 16:15. It was Peter, therefore, to whom Jesus gave the keys of

the kingdom.

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus. Mt 16:15. It was Peter, therefore, to whom Jesus gave the keys of

the kingdom. “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and

whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Mt 16:19, ESV).

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus. Mt 16:15. It was Peter, therefore, to whom Jesus gave the keys of

the kingdom. Mt 16:19. Peter used those “keys of the kingdom” at Pentecost when he

told his hearers how to gain entrance into that kingdom.

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus. Mt 16:15. It was Peter, therefore, to whom Jesus gave the keys of

the kingdom. It was Peter who first preached to the Gentiles, again

using the keys of the kingdom.

We know so little of Andrew beyond what we read in this passage.◦ But, think of all the good that was accomplished

because of Andrew’s bringing Peter to Jesus. Mt 16:15. It was Peter, therefore, to whom Jesus gave the keys of

the kingdom. It was Peter who first preached to the Gentiles, again

using the keys of the kingdom. Peter wrote two New Testament books that guide us

through this dark world.

All the good Peter did was accomplished because Andrew brought him to Jesus.

All the good Peter did was accomplished because Andrew brought him to Jesus.◦ Yes, God would have found another way to fulfill his

purpose.

All the good Peter did was accomplished because Andrew brought him to Jesus.◦ Yes, God would have found another way to fulfill his

purpose.◦ But, God was able to fulfill his purpose through Peter

because “small” Andrew brought him to Jesus.

Maybe like Noah, our righteousness can give true live to many.

Maybe like Noah, our righteousness can give true live to many.

We can pass on our faith to generation yet unborn.

Maybe like Noah, our righteousness can give true live to many.

We can pass on our faith to generation yet unborn.◦ “What you have heard from me in the presence of

many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Tm 2:2, ESV).

Maybe like Noah, our righteousness can give true live to many.

We can pass on our faith to generation yet unborn.◦ 2 Tm 2:2.◦ “Even if some [husbands] do not obey the word, they

may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct” (1 Pt 3:1-2, ESV).

Maybe like Andrew, we can lead someone to Jesus.

Many congregations throughout history have known that “the battle is the LORD’s” (v 47).

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Rev 3:8, ESV).

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Rev 3:8, ESV). ◦ The Philadelphia church had “but little power.”

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name” (Rev 3:8, ESV). ◦ The Philadelphia church had “but little power.”◦ In context, “little power” seems to refer to their

powerlessness in that face of great persecution.

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

That’s amazing in light of what they endured.

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

That’s amazing in light of what they endured.◦ “I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say

that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet and they will know that I have loved you” (Rev 3:9, ESV).

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

That’s amazing in light of what they endured.◦ Rev 3:9.◦ In the earliest days of Christianity, persecution

generally came from the Jews.

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

That’s amazing in light of what they endured.◦ Rev 3:9.◦ In the earliest days of Christianity, persecution

generally came from the Jews. The Philadelphia Christians seem to have been Jewish

Christians who had been cast out of the synagogue.

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

That’s amazing in light of what they endured.◦ Rev 3:9.◦ In the earliest days of Christianity, persecution

generally came from the Jews. The Philadelphia Christians seem to have been Jewish

Christians who had been cast out of the synagogue. Apparently, they had been compelled to deny their faith

in Christ, but they had remained faithful.

Even with “little power” the church at Philadelphia had kept Jesus’ faith & had not denied his name.

That’s amazing in light of what they endured. While the church at Philadelphia had “little power,”

they stood up for Jesus when it mattered.

The Philippian church contributed to Paul’s needs over & over.

The Philippian church contributed to Paul’s needs over & over.◦ “I thank my God in all remembrance of you . . .

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil 1:3, 5, ESV).

The Philippian church contributed to Paul’s needs over & over.◦ Phil 1:3, 5. ◦ “You Philippians yourselves know that in the

beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again” (Phil 4:15-16, ESV).

I don’t know, but it began with two households.

I don’t know, but it began with two households.◦ The first converts were Lydia & her household (Acts

16:11-15).

I don’t know, but it began with two households.◦ The first converts were Lydia & her household (Acts

16:11-15).◦ Before Paul & Silas left Philippi, they had converted

the jailer & his household (Acts 16:25-34).

I don’t know, but it began with two households.◦ The first converts were Lydia & her household (Acts

16:11-15).◦ Before Paul & Silas left Philippi, they had converted

the jailer & his household (Acts 16:25-34).◦ They day after Paul & Silas converted the jailer, they

were released from prison and left town (Acts 16:40).

The Philippian church began about AD 49.

The Philippian church began about AD 49; the Philippian Epistle was written about AD 62.

The Philippian church began about AD 49; the Philippian Epistle was written about AD 62.◦ In about 13 years, the church at Philippi had grown

from two households to include individuals such as Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25), Euodia and Syntyche (Phil 4:5).

The Philippian church began about AD 49; the Philippian Epistle was written about AD 62.◦ In about 13 years, the church at Philippi had grown

from two households to include individuals such as Epaphroditus (Phil 2:25), Euodia and Syntyche (Phil 4:5).

◦ In about 13 years, the church at Philippi had grown to being a major contributor of Paul’s work.

The average size of a congregation is only 100.

The average size of a congregation is only 100.◦ While we are larger, who among us would consider us

a “large” church?

The average size of a congregation is only 100.◦ While we are larger, who among us would consider us

a “large” church?◦ While we aren’t a large church, we have accomplished

much.

The average size of a congregation is only 100.◦ While we are larger, who among us would consider us

a “large” church?◦ While we aren’t a large church, we have accomplished

much—Panama, In Search of the Lord’s Way, Potters.

The average size of a congregation is only 100.◦ While we are larger, who among us would consider us

a “large” church?◦ While we aren’t a large church, we have accomplished

much—Panama, In Search of the Lord’s Way, Potters. Even though we are small in number, we can

accomplish so much.

Shall we remember that “the battle is the LORD’s”?