Overcoming Giants: Unity, Submission, and Community in Faith
Summary
In today's gathering, we celebrated the unity and growth of our church community across various campuses. We acknowledged the importance of coming together, as the Bible encourages us not to forsake assembling ourselves. This unity is not just about physical presence but about being spiritually aligned and ready to face life's challenges. We discussed the concept of being a "giant slayer," inspired by the story of David and Goliath. Giants in our lives can be anything that threatens our peace, joy, or spiritual progress. They are real and can manifest as personal sins or life challenges. However, with God's help, we can overcome them.
David's story teaches us that to become a giant slayer, we must first learn to live under submission. David, though anointed as the future king, remained obedient to his father and served faithfully. This submission allowed God to prepare him for his future role. Similarly, we must submit to the authorities in our lives, including God's Word and spiritual mentors, to be equipped for the battles we face.
Perspective is crucial in facing giants. When we are in low places, giants appear larger than they are. We must avoid the trenches of discouragement and surround ourselves with people of faith who can uplift us. The enemy seeks to exploit our low moments, but with the right perspective and community, we can stand firm.
We also emphasized the importance of community and small groups. These groups provide support, accountability, and spiritual growth. Whether it's the War Council for men, the Daniel Plan for healthy living, or women's Bible studies, these groups are vital for becoming who God wants us to be.
Finally, we addressed the greatest giant of all—sin. Jesus Christ, the ultimate giant slayer, has already conquered sin, offering us salvation and a new beginning. If you haven't accepted Christ, today is the day to invite Him into your life.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity and Community: Coming together as a church is vital for spiritual growth and support. The Bible encourages us not to forsake assembling together, as unity strengthens us to face life's challenges. Being part of a community helps us grow spiritually and provides the support we need to overcome obstacles. [00:00]
2. Submission and Preparation: Like David, we must live under submission to God's authority and the authorities in our lives. This submission prepares us for the roles God has planned for us. By being obedient and serving faithfully, we allow God to equip us for future battles. [15:12]
3. Perspective in Facing Giants: Giants appear larger when we are in low places. Maintaining a proper perspective and surrounding ourselves with people of faith helps us see challenges for what they are and not be overwhelmed. Avoiding the trenches of discouragement is crucial for spiritual victory. [15:12]
4. The Power of Community: Small groups and community involvement are essential for spiritual growth and accountability. These groups provide a space for prayer, study, and encouragement, helping us become who God wants us to be. Engaging in community strengthens our faith and equips us to face life's giants. [15:12]
5. Conquering the Giant of Sin: Jesus Christ has already defeated the greatest giant—sin. By accepting Him as our Savior, we receive salvation and a new beginning. This victory over sin empowers us to live a life of purpose and freedom, aligned with God's will. [15:12]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Shoutouts to Campuses
- [02:00] - The Importance of Community
- [03:30] - Introduction to Giant Slayers
- [05:00] - The Story of David and Goliath
- [07:00] - Living Under Submission
- [10:00] - David's Obedience and Anointing
- [12:00] - The Role of Perspective
- [15:00] - Avoiding the Trenches
- [18:00] - The Power of Community Groups
- [20:00] - Small Group Opportunities
- [22:00] - The Giant of Sin
- [25:00] - Invitation to Accept Christ
- [27:00] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
- [29:00] - Upcoming Events and Activities
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Samuel 17:48-50
2. 1 Samuel 17:17-24
3. Hebrews 10:25
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Observation Questions:
1. In 1 Samuel 17:48-50, how did David approach the battle with Goliath, and what was the outcome of his actions? [15:12]
2. According to 1 Samuel 17:17-24, what task did David's father, Jesse, assign to him, and how did David respond to this task? [15:12]
3. How does Hebrews 10:25 relate to the importance of community and assembling together as discussed in the sermon? [00:00]
4. What are some of the "giants" mentioned in the sermon that people might face in their lives? [15:12]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does David's willingness to live under submission to his father and other authorities teach us about preparing for the roles God has planned for us? [15:12]
2. How does maintaining a proper perspective help us face the giants in our lives, according to the sermon? [15:12]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that community and small groups can help us become "giant slayers"? [15:12]
4. How does the sermon describe Jesus Christ as the ultimate giant slayer, and what does this mean for believers today? [15:12]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced a "giant" in your life. How did your perspective influence the way you handled the situation? What could you do differently next time? [15:12]
2. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with submission to authority, whether it be God's Word, spiritual mentors, or other authorities? How can you work on this to prepare for future roles God has for you? [15:12]
3. How can you actively participate in a small group or community to strengthen your faith and support others in their spiritual journey? What steps will you take this week to get involved? [15:12]
4. Identify a "giant" in your life that threatens your peace or spiritual progress. What practical steps can you take, with God's help, to overcome this challenge? [15:12]
5. How can you ensure that you maintain a proper perspective when facing challenges, avoiding the "trenches of discouragement"? Who are the people of faith you can surround yourself with for support? [15:12]
6. If you haven't accepted Christ as your Savior, what is holding you back from making that decision? If you have, how can you share the message of Jesus, the ultimate giant slayer, with someone in your life this week? [15:12]
7. Consider the role of community in your spiritual growth. How can you contribute to building a supportive and accountable environment within your church or small group? [15:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Community
In a world that often emphasizes individualism, the power of unity within a community cannot be overstated. Coming together as a church is not merely about gathering in a physical space; it is about creating a spiritual bond that strengthens each member. The Bible encourages believers not to forsake assembling together because unity provides the support needed to face life's challenges. Being part of a community helps individuals grow spiritually and offers a network of support to overcome obstacles. This unity is a reflection of the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in the spiritual growth and well-being of the whole. [00:00]
"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your church community can you reach out to this week to strengthen your bond and offer support?
Day 2: Submission as Preparation
The story of David teaches us the importance of living under submission to God's authority and the authorities in our lives. David, though anointed as the future king, remained obedient to his father and served faithfully. This submission was not a sign of weakness but a preparation for the role God had planned for him. Similarly, believers are called to submit to God's Word and spiritual mentors, allowing God to equip them for future battles. By being obedient and serving faithfully, individuals open themselves to God's preparation for the roles He has designed for them. [15:12]
"Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you." (Hebrews 13:17, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with submission, and how can you begin to trust God's plan in that area today?
Day 3: Perspective in Facing Giants
Giants in life can appear overwhelming, especially when viewed from a place of discouragement. Maintaining a proper perspective is crucial in facing these challenges. When individuals are in low places, giants seem larger than they are. It is essential to avoid the trenches of discouragement and surround oneself with people of faith who can offer encouragement and a clearer perspective. The enemy seeks to exploit low moments, but with the right perspective and community, believers can stand firm and see challenges for what they truly are. [15:12]
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a "giant" in your life that seems overwhelming. How can you change your perspective on this challenge today?
Day 4: The Power of Community
Small groups and community involvement are essential for spiritual growth and accountability. These groups provide a space for prayer, study, and encouragement, helping individuals become who God wants them to be. Engaging in community strengthens faith and equips believers to face life's giants. Whether it's a men's group, a health-focused group, or a Bible study, these gatherings offer the support and accountability needed for spiritual growth. [15:12]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection: What small group or community activity can you commit to this week to enhance your spiritual growth?
Day 5: Conquering the Giant of Sin
The greatest giant of all is sin, but Jesus Christ, the ultimate giant slayer, has already conquered it. By accepting Him as Savior, individuals receive salvation and a new beginning. This victory over sin empowers believers to live a life of purpose and freedom, aligned with God's will. The invitation to accept Christ is an invitation to experience this victory and live a life transformed by His grace. [15:12]
"For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." (Romans 6:14, ESV)
Reflection: Have you fully accepted the victory over sin that Jesus offers? What steps can you take today to live more fully in this freedom?
Quotes
"Salem Saturday campus, which is an amazing campus. Growing campus. Love what God is doing there. And our Sunday Salem campus, which is honestly blowing and going for the glory of God. We've got to figure out what we're going to do there. We've got to add more chairs, more spaces. Probably going to add a third service. So love what God is doing in our church. I want you to do me a favor. On the count of three, I want you to look at somebody next to you, right? The person, your first choice, okay? Your favorite person. I want you to look at somebody around you, and I want you to point a finger at them, and I want you to say to them, you made a good choice today, and give them a round of applause. Ready? One, two, three. You made a good choice today. Give them a round of applause. I love that, right? So some of you are thinking, well, what's the good choice that I made? The good choice that you made today was this. You came to church. You know, the Bible says, don't forsake the assembling of yourselves together. The Bible says, I was glad when they said to me, let us go into the house of the Lord. And so I'm glad you're here." [00:00:30] (59 seconds)
"also going to be talking about a very practical step so today I've got to go a little bit quick I'm going to try to talk for about 15 17 minutes and I know that campus pastors and all the leadership are giving me the right now they're texting each other for the the over under but I'm going to do it today and so I really need you to listen fast okay and because I really want to give you some things that it I think will help you last week we we talked we ended our series talking about you know just our baggage and releasing our baggage like checking our baggage in and the reason why we did this we don't want anything to hold us back or to weigh us down as we move forward for Christ but here's the deal now that we've unloaded our baggage and and there's nothing holding us back we're gonna we're ready to go forward but we also need to understand we still have some resistance there's still a full full court press against us because we have an enemy and he wants to slow us down and so this week we're gonna be talking about how to be a giant slayer had to slay the Giants in our lives and and I'm talking about the things that that kind of scare the living daylight out of us because you know Giants are bigger than than us they're bigger than we are and they're on a mission to to rob us from from peace joy sleep Giants are real on the count of three would hear everybody on every campus say Giants are real ready one two three Giants are real" [00:01:36] (90 seconds)
"who was actually one of the the most famous giants in the bible and most of you are familiar with this story how this little shepherd boy stepped up and took out a giant that nobody else was willing to step up and at least engage in a battle and if you're not familiar with this story we're going to be kind of uh going through it the next few weeks but but first samuel chapter 17 uh verse 48 there's been this epic trash talking going on for 40 days and david shows up i'm just going to read you verse 48 through 50 in the text today as goliath moved closer to attack david quickly ran out to meet him reaching into a shepherd's bag and taking out a stone he hurled it with his sling and hit the philistine goliath in the forehead the stone sank in and goliath stumbled and fell face down on the ground verse 50 if the words are capitalized underlined or bolded you read them with me are you ready verse 50 so david read it with me triumphed over the philistine triumphed over the giant with only a sling and a stone for he had no sword now now i'm sure most of you know how the story ended but what you may not know is this how david became the shepherd boy who did what he did and that's what we're going to talk about today how did this little shepherd boy become the man" [00:04:37] (90 seconds)
"All of us that have jobs, we're going to be submissive to those who we are employed under, who have authority over us and spiritual authorities. And I know none of these things are popular in the day and age that we live in. Nobody wants to be under authority. Listen, it is God's plan. Part of God's development plan in our lives is to submit to authorities. And let me tell you something. God, as you already got saved each and every one of us on purpose, for a purpose, and God's got big plans for your life, just like he did for David. And let me repeat, God wants you to be a giant slayer. He doesn't want you to be slay." [00:11:32] (38 seconds)
"The Bible says this, And David rose up early in the morning and left his sheep with the keeper and took and went, and as Jesse had commanded him, he did what? Came to the trench. Okay? He came to the trench as the host was going forth to the fight and shouted for the battle. Well, for Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army." [00:13:51] (23 seconds)
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