Giants in Our Lives

Two Perspectives 1 Sam. 17:11, 24

On whom or on what shall you focus?

1 Sam. 17:26

Focus on GiantsBrings Fear,

which is Death to our spirits

Focus on GodBrings Faith,

which is Life to our spiritsOR

A Whole Land Of Giants

Fear makes us exaggerate.

We Cry, Complain, Doubt

and Rebel because of fear.

What We have Learned So Far

Keep your eyes on Jesus. You have the choice to obey or rebel.

The Clear ChoiceFear Giants or Be a Giant (of the faith)

So what is Faith?

Hebrews 11:1 - Now Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Hebrews 11 - Faith Hall of Fame: Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab & many others.

Perseverance & Endurance vs. “Easy Life”

Can we relate to these Spiritual Giants? Abraham lied Isaac had favorites Jacob was a deceiver Moses killed someone Rahab was a prostitute

But there are OthersOthers were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. … verses 35-37These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what hadbeen promised. … verses 39-40

Therefore…

… since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,let us throw off everything that

hindersand the sin that so easily entangles,and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

The runner refuses to stop until he crosses the finish line!

“throw off everything that hinders” – vs. 1 “throw off sin that so easily entangles” – vs. 1 “endure hardship as discipline” – vs. 7 “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees” – vs. 12 “make level paths for your feet” – vs. 13

How do we run the race?

Why run a marathon?

the prize – a reward (that fades)

the physical benefits

Why run the spiritual race? the prize – the eternal

reward perseverance builds

character

Jesus is our example

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus,the author and perfecter of our faith,who for the joy set before himendured the cross, scorning its

shameand sat down at the right hand of thethrone of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (vs. 12:2-3)

Conclusion

And without faith it is impossible toplease God, because anyone who comes to him must believe thathe exists and that he rewards

thosewho earnestly seek him. (vs. 11:6)

Keep your eyes on Jesus. You have the choice to obey or rebel. Take God at His Word, choosing faith

over fear.

So Giants of the Faith

Reflection

What is hindering you in your race of faith and how can you throw it off?

What steps of faith can you take in order

to work out your spiritual muscles? What can you do to make level paths for

yourself and for others weaker than you?

How do you diligently seek God?