True Victory: Humility, Love, and Reconciliation

Devotional

Day 1: True Victory Belongs to God, Not to Us

To win in God's way is to recognize that victory is not about our own strength, skill, or glory, but about what God is doing through us and for us. David refused to wear Saul's armor or rely on worldly methods of power, instead trusting in the God who had delivered him before. This humility is the first mark of true victory for followers of Jesus Christ: acknowledging that every triumph is ultimately God's, not ours. When we step out of the spotlight and let God's light shine, we point others to His redeeming work rather than our own accomplishments. [34:23]

1 Samuel 17:48-51 (ESV)
When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground. So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

Reflection: Where in your life are you tempted to claim credit for a victory or success that truly belongs to God? How can you give Him the glory today?

Day 2: Humility Over Personal Glory

Humility is not weakness but the willingness to step aside and let God's work be seen through us, rather than seeking our own recognition. Like Joanna Sadler, who created spaces for reconciliation and pointed others to Christ rather than herself, we are called to let our actions and leadership reflect Jesus' love and not our own ambition. True victory is found not in personal glory, but in God's redeeming work shining through us, making us secure enough to step out of the spotlight and let God's light shine. [35:13]

Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you sought recognition or praise—how might you shift your focus to highlight God’s work and the contributions of others instead?

Day 3: Love, Not Domination, Is the Mark of Christ’s Victory

As followers of Jesus, we are called to reject the myth that victory comes through domination or violence, and instead embrace the liberating love that forgives, reconciles, and seeks justice without hatred. The stories of Erica Kirk and the civil rights movement remind us that the answer to hate is always love, even for our enemies and those who persecute us. This kind of love is not weakness but the power that liberates us from hatred’s grip and opens the door to healing and transformation, both personally and in our communities. [39:45]

Matthew 5:43-45 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Reflection: Who is someone you struggle to love or forgive? What is one step you can take today to show Christ’s love to them, even if it’s just in prayer?

Day 4: Resilience and Patient Faith in the Face of Setbacks

Victory in God’s kingdom is rarely instant or complete; it requires resilience, patient faith, and the courage to keep working for justice and reconciliation even when progress is slow or setbacks occur. The story of Ireland’s long journey toward peace and Dr. King’s reminder that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice” teach us that God’s fierce love is not defeated by setbacks. We are called to keep showing up, keep believing, and keep working for God’s purposes, trusting that in the end, love wins. [45:48]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

Reflection: Where are you feeling discouraged or tempted to give up in your pursuit of justice, reconciliation, or healing? What would it look like to persevere in faith today?

Day 5: The Battle Is the Lord’s—Trusting God with Our Giants

When we face the giants in our own lives—whether personal challenges, fear, injustice, or division—we are called to remember that the battle is the Lord’s and the victory is God’s. We are invited to share in this victory not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of the world God loves. This trust in God’s providence frees us from anxiety and striving, and empowers us to act with humility, love, and resilience, knowing that God’s purposes will prevail. [47:58]

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: What is one “giant” you are facing right now? How can you surrender this battle to God and trust Him to lead you through it?

Sermon Summary

What does it mean to truly win? The world often tells us that victory is about domination—crushing our enemies, proving ourselves superior, and basking in personal glory. But the story of David and Goliath, especially its conclusion, invites us to see victory through a different lens. David refuses to wear Saul’s armor, choosing instead to trust in God’s strength rather than the world’s methods of power and intimidation. His triumph is not about his own prowess, but about God’s faithfulness and deliverance. True victory, then, begins with humility—recognizing that any success is not for our own acclaim, but for God’s redeeming work to shine through us.

Yet, the story is undeniably violent, and as followers of Jesus, we must wrestle with these difficult texts. We do not imitate the violence of the Old Testament, but instead interpret these stories through the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Jesus calls us to a victory that is not about defeating or humiliating others, but about reconciliation, love, and the breaking down of dividing walls. In a world—and a nation—so often torn by division, we are reminded that our true enemy is not our neighbor, but the spirit of division itself. We are called to resist the myth that violence or domination can bring about lasting good. Instead, we answer hatred with love, even when it is costly, even when it feels impossible.

Forgiveness and love for our enemies are not signs of weakness, but of liberation. They free us from the grip of hatred and open the door to healing and justice. The civil rights movement, the long journey toward peace in Ireland, and countless other stories remind us that real victory is not instant, nor is it achieved through force. It is the fruit of patient faith, persistent action, and a resilient hope rooted in God’s purposes. Even when setbacks come, we trust that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice, and that in the end, love wins. Our calling is to embody humility, love, and resilience—not for our own glory, but for the healing of the world God so dearly loves.

Key Takeaways

1. Humility is the Foundation of True Victory David’s refusal to wear Saul’s armor is a powerful reminder that God’s victories are not achieved by adopting the world’s methods of power and self-promotion. True triumph begins with humility—acknowledging that our gifts and successes are not for our own acclaim, but for God’s purposes. When we step out of the spotlight and let God’s light shine, we participate in a victory that is bigger than ourselves. [33:46]
2. Violence is Not the Way of Christ The violence in the David and Goliath story challenges us, but as followers of Jesus, we interpret such stories through the lens of Christ’s life and teachings. We are not called to imitate the violence of the past, but to embody the reconciling love of Jesus, who breaks down dividing walls and refuses to answer hate with hate. Our calling is to seek justice and reconciliation, not domination or retaliation. [36:21]
3. Resist the Spirit of Division In our polarized world, it is tempting to see victory as the defeat or humiliation of those who disagree with us. But the true enemy is not our neighbor across the aisle, but the spirit of division that fractures communities and deepens hatred. As Christians, we are called to hold space for nuance, to resist demonizing others, and to pursue reconciliation even when it is difficult. [38:48]
4. Forgiveness and Love Liberate Us Forgiving those who have wronged us is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and liberation. Love for our enemies frees us from the destructive cycle of hatred and opens the way for healing and transformation. This kind of love is costly, but it is the only path to true victory and lasting peace. [41:33]
5. Victory Requires Resilience and Persistent Faith Just as Israel’s struggle with the Philistines did not end with one battle, our work for justice and reconciliation is ongoing and often marked by setbacks. True victory is not about quick fixes, but about patient faith, resilience, and the courage to keep showing up, trusting that God’s purposes will prevail. Even when progress is slow, we hold fast to the hope that love will ultimately win. [45:48]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:52] - Opening and Announcements
[05:24] - Upcoming Events and Book Study
[06:37] - Composting and Youth Group Update
[07:44] - St. Paul Polo Shirts and Birthdays
[08:41] - Meals from the Heartland Mission
[08:57] - Call to Worship and Hymn
[12:24] - Passing the Peace
[26:44] - Special Music
[29:10] - Reading: David and Goliath’s Final Battle
[31:00] - What Does Winning Mean?
[33:20] - David’s Humility and God’s Victory
[35:49] - Wrestling with Violence in Scripture
[38:48] - Love, Forgiveness, and Reconciliation
[43:36] - The Long Road to Justice and Peace
[46:44] - Humility, Love, and Resilience
[47:58] - Prayer for Humility and Reconciliation
[52:44] - Prayers for the World and Community
[58:24] - Offering and Dedication
[63:01] - Benediction and Sending Forth

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Samuel 17:48-54 (ESV) — 48 When the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.
49 And David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the ground.
50 So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David.
51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.
52 And the men of Israel and Judah rose with a shout and pursued the Philistines as far as Gath and the gates of Ekron, so that the wounded Philistines fell on the way from Shaaraim as far as Gath and Ekron.
53 And the people of Israel came back from chasing the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.
54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent.

Observation Questions

What did David refuse to do before facing Goliath, and why was this significant? ([33:20])
How did David actually defeat Goliath, and what weapons did he use or not use? ([29:33])
After Goliath was killed, what was the response of both the Philistines and the Israelites? ([30:31])
According to the sermon, what is the first mark of true victory for followers of Jesus? ([33:46])

Interpretation Questions

Why is David’s refusal to wear Saul’s armor an important detail in understanding the kind of victory God desires? ([33:20])
The sermon points out the violence in the story of David and Goliath. How does the preacher suggest Christians should interpret violent Old Testament stories in light of Jesus? ([35:49])
The sermon says, “the true enemy today...is this dualistic way of thinking, this division, this divisive way of thinking.” What does it mean to see division itself as the enemy, rather than people? ([36:21])
How does forgiveness and love for enemies, as described in the sermon, lead to liberation rather than weakness? ([41:33])

Application Questions

The world often tells us that victory is about domination and proving ourselves superior. Can you think of a time when you felt pressure to “win” in this way? How did it affect your relationships or your faith? ([31:49])
David’s humility was shown by refusing Saul’s armor and trusting God’s strength. Is there an area in your life where you are tempted to rely on “the world’s armor” instead of God? What would it look like to step out in humility instead? ([33:20])
The sermon challenges us not to imitate the violence of the Old Testament, but to interpret these stories through the life of Jesus. Are there situations where you are tempted to “fight fire with fire” or respond to hurt with retaliation? What would it look like to choose reconciliation instead? ([35:49])
In our polarized world, it’s easy to see those who disagree with us as the enemy. Is there someone in your life (family, work, church, or community) whom you have struggled to see as more than an opponent? What is one step you could take this week to resist the spirit of division? ([36:21])
The sermon shared stories of forgiveness, even in the face of deep hurt. Is there someone you need to forgive, or a situation where you need to let go of resentment? What is holding you back, and what might help you move toward forgiveness? ([41:33])
True victory, according to the sermon, is not instant but requires resilience and persistent faith. Is there a cause, relationship, or area of justice where you feel discouraged by slow progress? How can you keep showing up and trusting God’s purposes, even when it’s hard? ([45:48])
The preacher said, “If love hasn’t won, it’s not the end yet.” How does this hope shape the way you face setbacks or disappointments in your own life? ([45:48])

Sermon Clips

But if all we see is David smashing Goliath, right, we are missing the point of the story. This is not just a battlefield story. It is a revelation of the kind of victory that God makes possible. The victory. A victory that looks very different than the way the world perceives victory. [00:33:00] (26 seconds) #GodsVictoryNotWorlds

So let's begin by reminding ourselves that David has refused to wear Saul's armor. Right? He will not play by the world's rules of strength and intimidation. He won't pretend to be a warrior when he, in fact, knows that he is a shepherd. Instead, he trusts in the God who has already delivered him from lions and bears. And declaring that the battle is the Lord's victory belongs to God, not to David. [00:33:26] (36 seconds) #TrustOverArmor

Her humility pointed people not to her own accomplishments or her own charisma, but rather to Christ. And that's what victory looks like. Not personal glory, but God's redeeming work shining through us. Followers of Christ are secure enough that we can step out of the spotlight and let God's light shine. [00:35:02] (29 seconds) #GodsLightNotGlory

As Christians, our calling is not domination, but reconciliation. Victory requires love, the kind of love that refuses to answer hate with hate, the kind of love that insists on seeing Christ's image in and those who oppose us politically. [00:38:48] (29 seconds) #LoveLiberates

Now I'm here to tell you, friends, that kind of forgiveness is not weakness. It is love that liberates, freeing us from hatred's grip and opening the door to healing. [00:39:59] (18 seconds) #MythOfRedemptiveViolence

``Victory comes not instantly, but through patient faith and persistent action rooted in God's purposes. Victory requires resilience, toughness. The courage to keep showing up, to keep working, to keep believing, to keep protesting if needed, even when turning on the news, is an act of faith itself. It is so painful to see because in the end, in the end, love wins. And if love hasn't won, it's not the end yet, is it? [00:45:58] (46 seconds) #VictoryInGodsWork

Victory for us is not about our glory, but God's redeeming work. And that requires humility. It's not about domination, but liberation. And that requires love. It's not about quick fixes, but it trusts in God's providence. And that requires resilience. That's the truth behind the story of David and Goliath. [00:46:44] (28 seconds) #GodsVictoryOurCalling

And when we stand before the giants in our own lives, personal challenges of one form or another, fear or injustice and division, we are called to do the same. This battle is the Lord's. The victory is God's. And because of Christ, we are invited to share in it, not for ourselves alone, but for the sake of the world that God so dearly loves. [00:47:12] (40 seconds) #CourageToFaceGiants

Go now into the strength of God who delivers to the one who calls us to humility, not pride, to love, not dominion, to resilience, not despair. May the same Spirit who gave David courage give you courage to face the giants in your life and in our world. May the love of Christ free you from hatred's grip and open your heart to reconciliation. And may the providence of God steady your steps, reminding you that the arc of history bends towards justice and that in the end, love wins. Go in peace, and may the victory of God go with you. [01:03:13] (43 seconds)

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