Facing Giants: Embracing Faith and Courage
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Trinity family. Today, we celebrate the blessing of the backpacks as our students and teachers prepare for a new school year. We also reflect on the recent storm that affected many in our community and discuss how we can support those in need. Our service includes a special prayer for students, teachers, and school staff, asking for God's blessings and guidance in the coming year. We also welcome new members to our church, celebrating their commitment to our community.
Our main focus today is the story of David and Goliath, a powerful narrative that teaches us about faith, courage, and recognizing God's power in our lives. David, a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with unwavering faith in God. Despite his youth and inexperience, David's trust in God enabled him to defeat Goliath, illustrating that our faith can transform fear into courage. This story reminds us that we all face giants in our lives, whether they are personal struggles, health issues, or spiritual battles.
David's victory was not due to his strength or skill but his reliance on God's power. This teaches us to recognize that we don't have to have all the answers or abilities; instead, we need to trust in God's limitless power. As we face our own giants, we are called to embrace our faith, recognize God's power, and act with courage. Life moves quickly, and we must seize the opportunities before us, trusting that God is with us every step of the way.
### Key Takeaways
1. Embrace Your Faith: Embracing faith means setting a lifelong goal of strengthening our trust in God, especially when facing life's giants. David's encounter with Goliath shows that faith can transform fear into courage. Whatever giant you face, remember that the battle is the Lord's, and you are not alone. God is with you, and your faith can move mountains. [50:39]
2. Recognize Divine Power: Recognizing God's power in our lives is an exercise in humility. We don't need to have all the answers or abilities; instead, we trust in God's limitless power. David's victory over Goliath was due to his unwavering faith and reliance on God, not his strength or skill. Trust in God's power to work in your life, especially in moments of weakness. [52:14]
3. Act with Courage: David didn't wait for the perfect moment; he took a bold step in faith. We are called to act with courage, seizing opportunities and trusting that God is with us. Whether it's a difficult conversation or a significant life change, have the courage to move forward, knowing that God supports you. [54:29]
4. Life Moves Quickly: Life is constantly changing, and we must act with courage and faith. Don't wait for the perfect moment to do what you know you need to do. Trust that God is with you and take the next best step. Embrace the changes and challenges, knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. [55:35]
5. You Are Not Alone: Whatever giant you face, remember that you are not alone. God is with you, working in your life, and providing the strength and courage you need. Embrace your faith, recognize God's power, and act with courage, knowing that God never abandons or forsakes you. [56:17]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:58] - Reflecting on the Storm
[10:15] - Prayer for Worship
[18:30] - Introduction of School Staff
[19:39] - Blessing of the Backpacks
[22:41] - Congregational Prayer
[24:59] - Welcoming New Members
[26:33] - Environmental Initiatives
[35:39] - Bible Trivia Quiz
[37:11] - Story of David and Goliath
[43:25] - David's Courage and Faith
[44:49] - David's Encounter with Goliath
[46:20] - David's Persistence
[47:46] - The Battle with Goliath
[48:57] - Lessons from David and Goliath
[50:39] - Embrace Your Faith
[52:14] - Recognize Divine Power
[54:29] - Act with Courage
[55:35] - Life Moves Quickly
[56:17] - You Are Not Alone
[56:58] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1 Samuel 17:26, 38-51 (NIV)
> 26 David asked the men standing near him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?”
>
> 38 Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. 39 David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.
>
> “I cannot go in these,” he said to Saul, “because I am not used to them.” So he took them off. 40 Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine.
>
> 41 Meanwhile, the Philistine, with his shield bearer in front of him, kept coming closer to David. 42 He looked David over and saw that he was little more than a boy, glowing with health and handsome, and he despised him. 43 He said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 “Come here,” he said, “and I’ll give your flesh to the birds and the wild animals!”
>
> 45 David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hands, and I’ll strike you down and cut off your head. This very day I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds and the wild animals, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. 47 All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord’s, and he will give all of you into our hands.”
>
> 48 As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.
>
> 50 So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him. 51 David ran and stood over him. He took hold of the Philistine’s sword and drew it from the sheath. After he killed him, he cut off his head with the sword. When the Philistines saw that their hero was dead, they turned and ran.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was David's response when he heard Goliath taunting the Israelites? (1 Samuel 17:26)
2. How did David prepare himself before facing Goliath, and what did he choose to take with him? (1 Samuel 17:40)
3. What did David declare to Goliath before the battle, and what was the significance of his declaration? (1 Samuel 17:45-47)
4. Describe the outcome of the battle between David and Goliath. How did David achieve victory? (1 Samuel 17:49-51)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does David's refusal to wear Saul's armor signify about his trust and reliance on God? (1 Samuel 17:39) [46:20]
2. How does David's declaration in 1 Samuel 17:45-47 reflect his faith and understanding of God's power? [47:46]
3. In what ways does the story of David and Goliath illustrate the concept of divine power being made perfect in human weakness? (2 Corinthians 12:9) [52:14]
4. How can David's courage in facing Goliath inspire believers to act with courage in their own lives? [54:29]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a significant challenge or "giant" in your life. How did your faith influence your response to that challenge? [50:39]
2. David recognized that the battle was the Lord's. How can you apply this perspective to a current struggle you are facing? [50:39]
3. In what areas of your life do you need to recognize and rely more on God's power rather than your own abilities? [52:14]
4. David acted with courage despite his youth and inexperience. What is one area in your life where you feel called to take a bold step of faith? [54:29]
5. Life moves quickly, and opportunities can pass us by. What is one action you can take this week to seize an opportunity that you have been hesitant about? [55:35]
6. How can you support and encourage someone in your community who is facing their own "giant"? What practical steps can you take to be there for them? [56:17]
7. Reflect on the statement, "You are not alone." How can this truth impact the way you approach your daily challenges and interactions with others? [56:17]
Devotional
Day 1: Transforming Fear into Courage
David's encounter with Goliath is a powerful reminder that faith can transform fear into courage. David, a young shepherd, faced the giant Goliath with unwavering faith in God. Despite his youth and inexperience, David's trust in God enabled him to defeat Goliath, illustrating that our faith can move mountains. This story teaches us that we all face giants in our lives, whether they are personal struggles, health issues, or spiritual battles. Embracing faith means setting a lifelong goal of strengthening our trust in God, especially when facing life's giants. Whatever giant you face, remember that the battle is the Lord's, and you are not alone. God is with you, and your faith can transform fear into courage. [50:39]
1 Samuel 17:45-47 (ESV): "Then David said to the Philistine, '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.'"
Reflection: Think of a current fear or challenge in your life. How can you actively place your trust in God to transform this fear into courage today?
Day 2: Trusting in God's Limitless Power
Recognizing God's power in our lives is an exercise in humility. David's victory over Goliath was not due to his strength or skill but his unwavering faith and reliance on God. This teaches us that we don't need to have all the answers or abilities; instead, we trust in God's limitless power. In moments of weakness, it is essential to remember that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Trusting in God's power means acknowledging that He is in control and that His strength is sufficient for us. As we face our own giants, we are called to recognize God's power and trust that He will work in our lives. [52:14]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: Identify a situation where you feel inadequate or powerless. How can you rely on God's strength and power to guide you through this situation?
Day 3: Taking Bold Steps in Faith
David didn't wait for the perfect moment; he took a bold step in faith. We are called to act with courage, seizing opportunities and trusting that God is with us. Whether it's a difficult conversation, a significant life change, or a new challenge, we must have the courage to move forward, knowing that God supports us. Acting with courage means stepping out of our comfort zones and trusting that God will provide the strength and guidance we need. As we take bold steps in faith, we can be confident that God is with us every step of the way. [54:29]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What is one bold step of faith you can take today? How can you trust God to support you as you take this step?
Day 4: Embracing Change with Faith
Life is constantly changing, and we must act with courage and faith. David's story reminds us that we should not wait for the perfect moment to do what we know we need to do. Trust that God is with you and take the next best step. Embrace the changes and challenges, knowing that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. As we navigate the rapid pace of life, it is essential to remember that God's presence and guidance are constant. Embracing change with faith means trusting that God is in control and that He will lead us through every season of life. [55:35]
Hebrews 13:8 (ESV): "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever."
Reflection: Think about a recent change or challenge in your life. How can you embrace this change with faith, trusting that God is with you?
Day 5: Knowing You Are Not Alone
Whatever giant you face, remember that you are not alone. God is with you, working in your life, and providing the strength and courage you need. Embrace your faith, recognize God's power, and act with courage, knowing that God never abandons or forsakes you. David's story is a testament to the fact that God is always with us, even in the most challenging circumstances. As we face our own giants, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is by our side, offering His support and guidance. Knowing that we are not alone gives us the confidence to face any challenge with faith and courage. [56:17]
Deuteronomy 31:6 (ESV): "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt alone in facing a challenge. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and support in your current situation?
Quotes
1. "Those in our church and those that are close to us have weathered the storm fine but we know just several miles from here hundreds if not thousands of people's lives were changed forever last weekend by losing vehicles or their homes or having to find a new place to live. I've been in contact with our district superintendent and the Florida conference and we are still figuring out the best way that we as a congregation can respond that we can be of help to help those right here in our own backyard." [08:58] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How do we embrace our faith in spite of the giants we may face in our lives? How do we recognize divine or God's power in our lives and how that's a part of us? And then how do we act with courage, especially in a world where things constantly seem to be changing? How do we move forward in spite of all those things?" [38:52] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "David's encounter with Goliath is a powerful illustration of how faith can transform our fear into courage. How God can take what many of us would think is something bad or negative and turn it into something good. And there's a line that David says in the story. He says, when he walks up to Goliath, he says, the battle is the Lord's. The battle is the Lord's." [50:39] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our test, our opportunity is to embrace our faith in him, even when we don't know where we're going to end up. Our faith or our trust is in God's power and in God's provision in our lives. That leads us to our second truth, which is we need to recognize divine power or recognize God's power working and moving in our own lives." [52:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "David's victory over Goliath wasn't because of how great of a military man he was because he wasn't. It wasn't because of his extraordinary strength. His victory was because of his unwavering faith and his reliance upon God. Later in the Bible, in a second Corinthians chapter 12, verse nine, Paul says it this way. He says, my grace is sufficient for you for my power is made perfect in your weakness." [53:31] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You don't have to have everything figured out by pickup tomorrow. You don't have to have all the answers to all the questions or all the problems. Instead, be reminded that God's grace is sufficient for you. And no matter how much you love or you care, or you pray about the little one or the big one going back to school tomorrow and how much they matter to you, I want to remind you, they matter just as much, if not more, to God. And God's going to be with them too." [53:31] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Have some faith, take a breath, and trust God. The third and the final truth I think we learn from this story is that we need to act with courage. I think we recognize that David didn't wait for the perfect moment or for the ideal circumstances and opportunity presented itself and David took it. He went forward in faith. He took a bold step, not knowing exactly what would happen or how it would end." [54:29] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God is the same yesterday, today, tomorrow, and for all of eternity. God is God and we are not. Like I said last week, you are a child of God and you are a person of worth. You matter to God. God knows you. God has chosen you and God loves you." [56:17] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "What else can we remember from David and Goliath? It'll be up on the screen again. We can embrace our faith. I hope you do that today. I hope you recognize divine or God's power in your life, how God is working and moving. And third, would you act with courage for whatever that might mean for you and know that God is with you each step of the way." [56:17] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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