What living lessons can 21st-century Christians learn

from David about COURAGE?• The Circumstances

– Philistines gathered to battle – 17:1– Israel drew up in battle array against Philistines – 17:2

• The Champ– He had the skill of a champion – 17:4, 33– He had the size of a champion (9.5-11 ft tall) – 17:4– He had the “shirt” of a champion (125 lbs. body armor) – 17:5– He had the spear of a champion (16 lbs.) – 17:7– He had the sword of a champion – 17:51; 21:9

• The Challenge– “Why have you come out to line up for battle?” – 17:8– “Choose a man…let him come down to me” – 17:8– “If he is able to fight and kill, we your servants” – 17:9– “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man…” – 17:10, 25– Twice a day for 40 days with same words – 17:16, 23

CHAMPION

The

What living lessons can 21st-century Christians learn

from David about COURAGE?• They Were Cognizant

– They “heard the words of the Philistine” – 17:11– Knew he had “come up to defy Israel” – 17:25– Knew the substantial reward for killing Goliath – 17:25

• They Were Combatant– “Drew up in battle array against the Philistines” – 17:2– “Fighting with the Philistines” – 17:19– “Going out to the fight and shouting for the battle” – 17:20– “Drawn up in battle array, army against army” – 17:21

• They Were Chicken– “They were dismayed and greatly afraid” – 17:11– “Saw Goliath, fled from him, dreadfully afraid” – 17:24

COWARDS

The

What living lessons can 21st-century Christians learn

from David about COURAGE?• Godly Contrast

– Youngest of 8 brothers – 17:12, 14– Shepherd boy – 17:15, 20– Sling, stones and no sword – 17:40, 50

• Godly Character– Eager – 17:20, 22– Responsible – 17:20, 22– Respectful – 17:20, 22

• Godly Consternation– “David heard” the words of Goliath – 17:23– Confirmed the men knew the reward promised – 17:26– Confirmed the men knew the ramifications of Goliath’s words – 17:26-

27

COURAGEOUS

The

What living lessons can 21st-century Christians learn

from David about COURAGE?• Godly Courage

1. Handles and overcomes a brother’s criticism – 17:28-292. Rises to the challenge when no one else will – 17:323. Handles & overcomes disparagement from one highly revered – 17:334. Takes strength from God’s providential help in times past – 17:34-375. Calls a spade a spade and refuses to compromise – 17:36, 266. Defends the name and honor of God – 17:367. Trusts in God’s armor and not man’s – 17:38-398. Delights in the simplicity of God’s plan – 17:409. Faces and overcomes giant challenges

• Including disrespect – 17:42• Including ridicule – 17:43• Including persecution – 17:43• Including threats – 17:44

COURAGEOUS

The

What living lessons can 21st-century Christians learn

from David about COURAGE?• Godly Courage

10. Recognizes opposition to God’s people as opposition to God Himself – 17:45

11. Rests solely & fully on the authority, power & will of God – 17:45-47• Acts “in the name of the Lord” – 17:45• Trusts “in the Lord” – 17:46• Seeks to make known “that there is a God” – 17:46-47• Lets God – 17:47• Cf. Refers to himself 7x in 17:8-10; Refers to the Lord 7x in 17:45-47

12. Fears no evil and is eager to defend God – 17:48-5113. Obvious when it is seen and obvious when it is missing14. Brings victory – 17:50-51, 5415. Motivates others, almost contagiously, to act – 17:52-53, 24

COURAGEOUS

The