From Fear to Faith: Overcoming Life's Giants
Summary
### Summary
Happy Father's Day to all! Today, we celebrate not just biological fathers but also those who have had a significant influence on others. As we gather, we remember that God created us to be together, to celebrate His faithfulness. Today, we continue our "Giants Fall, Darkness Flee" series, focusing on facing our fears and giants in life.
I shared a personal story about helping Pastor Joel move into his new house, which led me to face an unexpected fear of dark basements. This humorous yet poignant experience serves as a metaphor for the fears we all encounter. Whether it's spiders, financial instability, or relational crises, we all have giants that we face. These giants often bring with them an overwhelming sense of fear, much like the Israelites felt when confronted by Goliath.
We examined the story of Saul and David in 1 Samuel. Saul, the king of Israel, was paralyzed by fear when faced with Goliath. His fear was not just about losing his life but also his influence and power. Saul's reaction was to try and fight the giant by offering rewards to anyone who could defeat Goliath, revealing his desperation and lack of faith. He even tried to equip David with his own armor, symbolizing his desire for a preferred method of rescue.
David, on the other hand, displayed a different kind of courage. He refused Saul's armor and instead relied on his faith in God. David's boldness came from his past experiences where God had delivered him from lions and bears. He shifted the focus from the method of rescue to the source of rescue—God Himself. David's faith was not in how he would defeat Goliath but in who would deliver him.
The key lesson here is to move from fear to faith. Fear makes us focus on the "how" of our rescue, but faith shifts our focus to the "who." Jesus is our ultimate champion who perfects our faith. By surrendering our own methods and strategies, we can fully rely on God's power to overcome any giant we face.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness: We are reminded that God meets us in our weakness and showers us with grace, mercy, and love. This is especially poignant on Father's Day, as we reflect on God as our ultimate Father who is always faithful. [28:09]
2. Facing Our Giants: Like Saul and the Israelites, we often face giants that bring fear and uncertainty. These giants can be anything from financial instability to personal sin. The key is to recognize that the real battle is against the fear these giants instill in us. [33:35]
3. Saul's Preferred Method of Rescue: Saul's attempt to equip David with his own armor symbolizes our tendency to rely on our preferred methods of overcoming challenges. This often leads to disappointment and failure because it focuses on human effort rather than divine intervention. [44:23]
4. David's Faith Over Fear: David's refusal to wear Saul's armor and his reliance on God highlight the importance of faith. David's focus was not on how he would defeat Goliath but on who would deliver him. This shift from method to source is crucial for overcoming our giants. [51:03]
5. Surrendering to God's Power: True faith involves surrendering our own strategies and methods and focusing on God as our source of rescue. By laying down our swords and trusting in God's power, we can experience liberation and victory over our giants. [55:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:09] - Prayer for Strength
[29:27] - Story of Pastor Joel's Move
[31:09] - Confronting Fear
[33:35] - Facing Our Giants
[34:31] - Goliath's Challenge
[35:25] - Goliath's Weapon of Fear
[36:39] - Saul's Fear and Influence
[37:50] - Fight or Flight Response
[38:33] - Saul's Desperation
[40:25] - David's Boldness
[42:17] - Saul's Preferred Champion
[44:23] - Saul's Armor and Sword
[46:27] - Saul's Moment of Concession
[47:23] - Lies of the Enemy
[48:41] - Missing God's Rescue
[49:38] - David's Faith
[51:03] - David's Bold Declaration
[52:56] - Faith Over Fear
[53:43] - Shifting Focus from How to Who
[55:46] - Surrendering to God's Power
[57:27] - Prayer for Liberation
[59:04] - Call to Surrender
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1 Samuel 17:8-11, 32-39, 45-47 (NIV)
### Observation Questions
1. What was Saul's reaction when Goliath challenged the Israelites, and how did it reflect his state of mind? ([34:31])
2. How did David's approach to facing Goliath differ from Saul's, particularly in terms of the armor and weapons? ([43:45])
3. What past experiences did David recall to bolster his faith in God when facing Goliath? ([51:03])
4. What did David mean when he said, "Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?" ([50:28])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Saul was so focused on finding a champion to fight Goliath, and what does this reveal about his faith? ([38:33])
2. How does David's refusal to wear Saul's armor symbolize a shift from human methods to divine reliance? ([44:23])
3. What does the story of David and Goliath teach us about the importance of remembering God's past faithfulness in our current struggles? ([51:03])
4. How does the concept of shifting focus from "how" to "who" help in overcoming fear and building faith? ([53:43])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "giant" in your life. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([33:35])
2. Saul tried to equip David with his own armor, symbolizing reliance on human methods. Are there areas in your life where you are relying more on your own strategies than on God's power? ([44:23])
3. David's faith was strengthened by recalling past victories God had given him. What past experiences of God's faithfulness can you recall to strengthen your faith today? ([51:03])
4. Fear often makes us focus on the "how" of our rescue. What are some practical steps you can take to shift your focus from "how" to "who" in your current challenges? ([53:43])
5. David's bold declaration against Goliath was rooted in his faith in God. How can you cultivate a similar boldness in your own life? ([51:03])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of surrendering our own methods and focusing on God. What specific methods or strategies do you need to surrender to God this week? ([55:46])
7. How can you support someone in your small group who is currently facing a giant in their life? What practical steps can you take to encourage them to rely on God's power? ([59:04])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Faithfulness in Our Weakness
God meets us in our moments of weakness, showering us with grace, mercy, and love. This is especially poignant on Father's Day, as we reflect on God as our ultimate Father who is always faithful. In our times of struggle, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and alone, but God promises to be with us, providing the strength and support we need. His faithfulness is not dependent on our abilities or efforts but on His unchanging nature and love for us.
When we face challenges, it is crucial to remember that God's power is made perfect in our weakness. Instead of relying on our strength, we can lean on Him, trusting that He will carry us through. This perspective shift allows us to experience His grace in new and profound ways, transforming our struggles into opportunities for growth and deeper faith. [28:09]
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: Think of a recent moment of weakness in your life. How can you invite God into that space and rely on His strength instead of your own?
Day 2: Facing Our Giants
We all encounter giants in our lives that bring fear and uncertainty. These giants can take many forms, such as financial instability, personal sin, or relational crises. The key is to recognize that the real battle is against the fear these giants instill in us. Fear can paralyze us, making it difficult to move forward and trust in God's plan for our lives.
By acknowledging our fears and bringing them before God, we can begin to dismantle their power over us. God's perfect love casts out fear, allowing us to face our giants with confidence and faith. As we trust in His provision and guidance, we can overcome the obstacles that once seemed insurmountable. [33:35]
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV): "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Reflection: Identify a giant in your life that is causing you fear. How can you bring this fear to God and trust in His strength to help you overcome it?
Day 3: Saul's Preferred Method of Rescue
Saul's attempt to equip David with his own armor symbolizes our tendency to rely on our preferred methods of overcoming challenges. This often leads to disappointment and failure because it focuses on human effort rather than divine intervention. Saul's desperation to defeat Goliath revealed his lack of faith in God's ability to deliver Israel.
In our own lives, we may find ourselves clinging to familiar strategies and solutions, hoping they will bring us victory. However, true success comes from surrendering our methods and trusting in God's plan. By letting go of our need for control, we open ourselves to experiencing His miraculous power and provision. [44:23]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Think of a challenge you are currently facing. Are you relying on your own methods to overcome it? How can you surrender this situation to God and trust in His plan?
Day 4: David's Faith Over Fear
David's refusal to wear Saul's armor and his reliance on God highlight the importance of faith. David's focus was not on how he would defeat Goliath but on who would deliver him. This shift from method to source is crucial for overcoming our giants. David's past experiences of God's faithfulness gave him the confidence to face Goliath with boldness and trust.
In our own lives, we can draw strength from remembering how God has been faithful in the past. By focusing on His character and promises, we can face our fears with confidence, knowing that He will deliver us. This faith allows us to move forward, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. [51:03]
Psalm 27:1 (ESV): "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?"
Reflection: Recall a time when God delivered you from a difficult situation. How can this memory strengthen your faith as you face current challenges?
Day 5: Surrendering to God's Power
True faith involves surrendering our own strategies and methods and focusing on God as our source of rescue. By laying down our swords and trusting in God's power, we can experience liberation and victory over our giants. This act of surrender requires humility and a willingness to let go of our need for control.
As we surrender to God's power, we invite Him to work in and through us in ways we could never achieve on our own. This surrender leads to a deeper relationship with Him and a greater understanding of His love and faithfulness. By trusting in His power, we can face any challenge with confidence and peace. [55:46]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The truth is, folks, God made us for this, to be together, to celebrate him and his faithfulness. And just excited to be back with you. It's been a couple of weeks since we've been in the in our Giants Fall Darkness Fleece series, and I'm so excited to be back." (12 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We have this, this, like, uh, this spirit within us that wants to stand like face to face with our giant in life, and we want to look at and stare it down and, and have God help us to overcome. But more often than not, when I stand face to face with my giant, I'm not filled with bold confidence. Anybody else?" (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "David chose faith instead of fear. And this sounds like super churchy, like I'm so sorry today. And when I first say that, like God help me choose faith instead of fear, it seems like one of those things that we say in the church that we all celebrate and like worship. Today we're going to sing a song about how great your faithfulness is, God. And we're going to go home and say, well, how in the heck do I do that?" (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Fear causes us to be acutely focused on the method of rescue. Think about that in your own life. Goliath in front of you. Fear makes you acutely focused on how you're going to be saved. You know what I'm saying? Like you're going to determine all the parts and pieces and how it's going to work out perfectly. And as long as God shows up and does that, then I'll be great. But faith shifts our focus. And this is very important. From the method of rescue to the source." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The how doesn't save you. Hebrews chapter 12 says it like this. And I love the language of the Apostle Paul. It says, we do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus. The champion who initiates and perfects our what? Our faith. The champion, Jesus, perfects and starts our faith. This encounter with Jesus." (21 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Saul was the king of Israel. And as the king of Israel, it wasn't just his life on the line. There was something even more significant going on in the life of King Saul in this moment. You see, the Philistine army had invaded. They had invaded Israel. And so the armies of Israel went out to meet them to thwart their advance into their country. And in this moment, the challenge by the champion Goliath, the giant Goliath, represented the potential end for King Saul's reign. It represented the potential end for King Saul's influence. And power over his country and his people." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When I stand and face my giants, here's the reality. And God said this to me. I just feel like it's only fair that I share it with you. He said, John, you might be missing the rescue God is desperate to give. Because it's not the answer you were hoping to get. I wonder how many of us, as we face our giants over and over again for years and years. And all the while, God is desperate. Desperate with all the intention of our loving, merciful, gracious Savior. God, Father, is filled with a desperation. Pleading with us saying, please be rescued. Please be restored. Please be provided for. Please let me show you what I long to do in your life." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "David comes right alongside that sentiment. And I believe provides us a way forward. Says this. Who is this uncircumcised Philistine? That he should defy the armies of God. Oh, I love that from David, right? Here's everybody in terror. In fear. And here's David. Comes up. And the shouting giant Goliath. And he speaks something that hasn't been spoken up until this point. Actually, if you go back and read in 1 Samuel 16-17 there. David says it several times. He says, who is this man? This uncircumcised. Outside of the called people of God. That he should defy the armies of Saul. Is that what he says? He says, who is this man? Who is this giant that he thinks he could come against the armies of the living God?" (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "David fastened on the sword over the tunic. And tried walking around because he was not used to them. He said to Saul, I can't use these because I'm not used to them. And something very important happened. Do you see what happened? What did he do? I want you to say it because you need to say it out loud with words today. What? So took them off. He said, I'm not going to live this way anymore. I'm going to surrender. I'm going to take this thing that you say provides everything for me. And maybe for you, it's the method of your rescue." (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The power of the living God enfleshed in Jesus went into the pit of hell and death. And overcame it and made it a pathway for your life. Today for you. So that when you stand face to face with your giant. You don't have to fight in ways that will accomplish nothing. Or flee in desperate surrender and desperate like concession that the giant will win. But God wants to show us today how to look from, instead of looking at how, to look at who. And we see it in David's life. As he surrendered. This is the how. This is how we start to activate faith in life. This is the practical handle. You want to have faith? You've got to surrender." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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