Trusting Jesus: The True Hero of Our Battles

 

Summary

In today's exploration of 1 Samuel 17, we delve into the iconic story of David and Goliath, drawing parallels between David's triumph and the gospel of Jesus Christ. The narrative begins with Goliath's taunts and David's bold declaration of faith, emphasizing that the battle belongs to the Lord. This story is not just about a young shepherd defeating a giant but serves as a profound illustration of the gospel message. David's victory over Goliath is a foreshadowing of Jesus' ultimate victory over sin and death. Just as David used a stone to defeat Goliath, Jesus, the chief cornerstone, overcame the grave, symbolized by the stone rolled away from His tomb.

The sermon series "Theology vs. Meology" challenges us to shift our focus from self-centered interpretations of scripture to a Christ-centered understanding. It emphasizes the importance of exegesis—understanding the original context and intent of biblical texts—over isogesis, which imposes personal biases onto scripture. This approach helps us see Jesus throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, and in every aspect of our lives. By recognizing that the Bible was written for us, not to us, we can appreciate its transformative power without making ourselves the focal point.

The message encourages us to rely on the "stick and stone" of the gospel—the cross and the resurrection—as the foundation of our faith. It reminds us that we are not called to be the heroes of our own stories but to trust in Jesus, who has already won the victory. By seeing Jesus in every situation, we can find strength and hope, knowing that He fights our battles and leads us through life's challenges.

Key Takeaways:

- The Battle Belongs to the Lord: David's confrontation with Goliath teaches us that our battles are not fought with physical weapons but through faith in God. Just as David declared that the battle was the Lord's, we must trust that God is in control of our struggles and will bring victory in His time. [01:50]

- Exegesis vs. Isogesis: Understanding scripture requires us to seek the original context and intent of the text, rather than imposing our own biases. This approach allows us to see the Bible as a bridge to life, rather than a weapon of destruction, and helps us align our views with God's truth. [11:04]

- Seeing Jesus in Scripture: The Bible is a unified story that points to Jesus. By recognizing Jesus in every book and chapter, we can see His presence in our lives and trust that He is working all things for our good, even in difficult circumstances. [40:59]

- The Gospel of Sticks and Stones: The cross and the resurrection are the foundation of our faith. Just as David used a stone to defeat Goliath, Jesus' victory over the grave is symbolized by the stone rolled away from His tomb. This "stick and stone" gospel reminds us of the power of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. [32:14]

- Trusting Jesus to Fight Our Battles: We are not called to be the heroes of our own stories. Instead, we must trust in Jesus, who has already won the victory over sin and death. By relying on Him, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He fights for us. [39:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - David and Goliath: The Battle Begins
- [01:50] - The Lord's Battle
- [02:35] - Theology vs. Meology Series
- [03:59] - Prayer and Introduction
- [05:23] - Legacy Essentials Course
- [06:32] - Childhood Memories and Lessons
- [09:41] - The Power of Words
- [10:25] - Exegesis vs. Isogesis
- [12:18] - The Importance of Scripture
- [14:46] - Consistency and Humility in Faith
- [17:07] - Using Theology as a Bridge
- [21:21] - Connecting Old and New Testaments
- [24:54] - David's Courage and Faith
- [28:08] - The Gospel of Sticks and Stones
- [32:14] - Jesus' Victory Over the Grave
- [39:47] - Trusting Jesus to Fight Our Battles
- [46:05] - Invitation to Faith and Closing Remarks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: David and Goliath - A Gospel Illustration

Bible Reading:
- 1 Samuel 17:41-50
- Luke 24:1-3
- John 19:17-20

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Observation Questions:

1. What was David's response to Goliath's taunts, and how did he express his faith in God during the confrontation? ([00:30])

2. How does the sermon describe the significance of the "stick and stone" in the story of David and Goliath, and how is it related to the gospel? ([28:08])

3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of understanding the original context of biblical texts, and how does this relate to the concept of exegesis versus isogesis? ([11:04])

4. How does the sermon connect the story of David and Goliath to the life and mission of Jesus Christ? ([28:08])

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the story of David and Goliath serve as a foreshadowing of Jesus' victory over sin and death? How does this perspective change the way we view the story? ([28:08])

2. How does the sermon challenge the common interpretation of the Bible as a self-help tool, and what does it mean to have a Christ-centered understanding of scripture? ([18:14])

3. What are the potential dangers of reading the Bible with a focus on personal gain or self-centered interpretations, as discussed in the sermon? ([11:04])

4. How does the sermon illustrate the idea that we are not the heroes of our own stories, and what implications does this have for our faith journey? ([39:47])

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a current struggle or "giant" in your life. How can you shift your perspective to see this battle as belonging to the Lord, as David did? ([01:50])

2. Consider your approach to reading the Bible. How can you practice exegesis to better understand the original context and intent of the scriptures? What steps can you take to avoid imposing your own biases onto the text? ([11:04])

3. Identify a situation in your life where you have been trying to be the hero. How can you trust Jesus to fight this battle for you, and what practical steps can you take to rely more on Him? ([39:47])

4. The sermon emphasizes seeing Jesus in every book and chapter of the Bible. How can you cultivate a habit of looking for Jesus in your daily life and scripture reading? ([40:59])

5. Reflect on a time when you used scripture to justify your own views rather than submitting to God's truth. How can you approach the Bible with more humility and openness to transformation? ([12:18])

6. How can the "stick and stone" gospel—representing the cross and resurrection—become a more central part of your faith and daily life? ([32:14])

7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need to let go of control and allow Jesus to lead. What is one action you can take this week to surrender this area to Him? ([39:47])

Devotional

Day 1: The Battle is the Lord's
In the story of David and Goliath, we see a profound truth: the battle belongs to the Lord. David, a young shepherd, faced a giant not with physical weapons but with unwavering faith in God. He declared that the battle was the Lord's, trusting that God would deliver victory in His time. This narrative reminds us that our struggles are not ours to fight alone. We are called to place our trust in God, knowing that He is in control and will bring about victory according to His will. In our own lives, we must learn to relinquish control and trust that God is fighting for us, even when the odds seem insurmountable. [01:50]

"For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory." (Deuteronomy 20:4, ESV)

Reflection: What is one battle you are currently facing that you need to surrender to God, trusting that He will fight for you?


Day 2: Exegesis Over Isogesis
Understanding scripture requires us to seek the original context and intent of the text, rather than imposing our own biases. This approach, known as exegesis, allows us to see the Bible as a bridge to life, rather than a weapon of destruction. By aligning our views with God's truth, we can gain a deeper understanding of His word and its application in our lives. This method challenges us to move beyond self-centered interpretations and embrace a Christ-centered understanding of scripture. As we study the Bible, we are encouraged to seek the truth of God's word, allowing it to transform our hearts and minds. [11:04]

"Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15, ESV)

Reflection: How can you commit to studying the Bible with an open heart, seeking to understand its original context and meaning rather than imposing your own interpretations?


Day 3: Seeing Jesus in Scripture
The Bible is a unified story that points to Jesus. From Genesis to Revelation, we see His presence and work throughout the narrative. By recognizing Jesus in every book and chapter, we can see His presence in our lives and trust that He is working all things for our good, even in difficult circumstances. This perspective encourages us to look for Jesus in every situation, knowing that He is the author and finisher of our faith. As we read scripture, we are invited to see how each story, prophecy, and teaching points to the redemptive work of Christ. [40:59]

"And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27, ESV)

Reflection: As you read the Bible this week, how can you intentionally look for Jesus in the passages you study, and what difference might this make in your understanding of scripture?


Day 4: The Gospel of Sticks and Stones
The cross and the resurrection are the foundation of our faith. Just as David used a stone to defeat Goliath, Jesus' victory over the grave is symbolized by the stone rolled away from His tomb. This "stick and stone" gospel reminds us of the power of Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. It is through the cross and the empty tomb that we find hope, redemption, and new life. As believers, we are called to rely on this foundation, trusting in the power of Jesus' victory over sin and death. This gospel message is a reminder of the transformative power of Christ's love and grace in our lives. [32:14]

"And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus." (Luke 24:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' resurrection impact your daily life, and how can you live in the power of the "stick and stone" gospel today?


Day 5: Trusting Jesus to Fight Our Battles
We are not called to be the heroes of our own stories. Instead, we must trust in Jesus, who has already won the victory over sin and death. By relying on Him, we can face life's challenges with confidence, knowing that He fights for us. This trust requires us to let go of our desire to control and to place our faith in Jesus' finished work on the cross. As we navigate the trials and tribulations of life, we are reminded that we are not alone. Jesus is with us, guiding us, and fighting on our behalf. [39:47]

"The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." (Exodus 14:14, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop striving and start trusting Jesus to fight for you, and what steps can you take to surrender this area to Him today?

Quotes

You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of heaven's armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled. Today, the Lord will conquer. I love that. Tell the person next to you, today. They're they're waiting to feel happy based on a diagnosis tomorrow. They're waiting to feel happy based on the 15th and they're they're check the brick deposit coming in. Tell them today. Today, I love that God's doing miracles today. Today the Lord will conquer you and I will kill you and cut off your head. [00:30:00]

A healthy view of God results in you finding your identity in God, not in anything and anyone else. And then we talked about how church history matters. The legacy you come from matters. Then we talked about how true wisdom brings you closer to God, not further away from him. And that matters. And then last week, my my wife brilliantly taught about the the the need to to be a part of a local church. And today, my assignment is easy. I just want to teach you how to properly read your Bible. [02:52]

I I would I would I would say that's technically what happens with isogesis is isogesis is harmful because it takes the word of God which should be a bridge to life and it turns into this weapon of mass destruction. Matter of fact, if you were curious what does isogesis actually mean, it's isogesis is characterized by imposing external meanings onto a text, often driven by the interpreter's own biases, agendas, or preconceived notions. Exugesis focuses on understanding the text's original context, authoral intent, and the meaning it conveyed to its original audience. [10:27]

You can know the word of God and still not know God. Because I don't know if you know this, but the devil knows scriptures. He quoted them at Jesus in in an attempt to get them to sin. Atheists know scriptures. They use it to attack the credibility or validity of God. Church people know scriptures, but that doesn't mean they have a healthy relationship with or share the heart of the author. Because for all those types of people that I mentioned, the Bible is just a source of information, not transformation. [13:17]

Transformation from the word of God requires consistency or we say consistency and humility. Consistency meaning I have to keep going back. I didn't get it. I I wasn't feeling it. Keep going. Stay consistent. Consistently. Though Jesus says this, those who seek me will find me, those who knock, the door will be opened. But again, the consistency of I'm going to keep I'm going to keep diving into the scripture, but I'm going to do it with a level of humility because I understand I can't make God talk to me on my time when I want to. [14:39]

I want to understand the meaning of the text. So in a society where more and more people are taking scriptures out of context and making themselves the focal point of the story, we have to ask ourselves this question. What do I see when I read the Bible? Well, first of all, we're assuming you read the Bible. But once you read it, you have to, well, I I don't get it. I don't understand. Okay. So then you got to ask you got to ask yourself this question next. What am I looking for? [17:46]

Instead of using scripture for what it can add to your life, what if you give up your life and submit it to scripture? What if instead of trying to use the Bible for you, you say, "God, I want this to change me. I want to see your word in a way that it causes me to be less of who I was and more become like the author of the scripture. So you need to understand this when it comes to what you're looking for in scripture. The first thing you need to know is the Bible was written for me, not to me. [18:25]

David was a shepherd. Jesus is the good shepherd. David loved picking up stones. Jesus is the chief cornerstone. David was rejected by his brothers. He was rejected by Saul. Even to get to the king, it was after his brothers told him to go away. The Bible says that the stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone. Oh, y'all not kidding. Okay, let's just Ben start doing I see y'all rushing me like they're not here for it. Just go. Okay, that's fine. It's fine. I got a few minutes. [28:14]

David carried a stick to fight Goliath. Jesus carried a stick to defeat sin. Okay. 1st Samuel 17:50. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a what? And a stone. Without a sword in his hand, he struck down the Philistine and killed him. Let's jump down to the Eastern passage. You all know Luke 24. On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the I expected you. My bad. I put it I put that was pressure. [31:00]

I was a youth pastor and I would tell the kids, "God wants to use your life to kill every Goliath." and you got to be out there and say, "Don't worry. I'll fight for my family and I'll fight for my school." And I meant it. But then years later, they would come back to me as young adults and they say, "Pastor, I'm still struggling with that pornography addiction. I can't shake it. Pastor, I'm still struggling with lust. Pastor, I'm still struggling with this this insecurity. I'm still struggling with this shame. I'm still struggling with this guilt that from what happened when I was a teenager or a young adult and and I can't shake it. [38:05]

I just need to learn how to trust the stick and a stone. I just need to make sure I know that there is a cross that was given for my life over 2,000 years ago. Let me just get to the feet of the cross. Let me be like everybody. Let me be like Mary. Let me be like John that says if I can just stay near the feet of the cross, everything else will be taken care of. Let me make sure that I find the solid rock that I can stand on. I don't need it to throw it or sling it at anybody. It's already been slumped. It's already been defeated. [39:47]

If you can see Jesus in every book in the scripture, then you can see Jesus in every chapter in your life. You see Jesus in that situation. You used to be like, "Man, they rejected me. They let me go. They fired me." No, no, no. I see Jesus redirecting me because the righteous man's steps are ordered by the Lord. So if he closed the door, it's cuz I needed to go in a different direction. I see Jesus in that divorce because Jesus didn't abandon me even though they did. [42:00]

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Transcript
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