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David’s Faith and Overcoming Giants

The Record of David and Goliath

Historical Context and Background

Before jumping straight into the story of the battle against Goliath, let’s look over a little background leading up to the battle. 

Saul had been the King of Israel. At this time, the Philistines and the Israelites had been at war with each other for quite a while. During a battle, Saul had been instructed by God to destroy everyone and everything. Saul did not, instead choosing to spare king Agag of the Amalekites and some of the best livestock for sacrifice. This angered the Lord. Saul’s consequence for disobeying God was being replaced as king. 

But Samuel said to him, “I will not go back with you. You have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you as king over Israel!”

1 Samuel 15:26

God instructed Samuel to travel to Bethlehem and speak to Jesse. Per the Lord’s instructions, Samuel was to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the new king of Israel. When Samuel arrived, he met Jesse’s son Eliab. Because of his height and stature, Samuel thought Eliab would be a good fit to be king. 

But God warned Samuel:

But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

1 Samuel 16:7

Jesse continued to introduce Samuel to his seven sons that were present. Samuel informed Jesse that the Lord has rejected all seven, and asked if he had another son. Jesse told Samuel that his youngest son, David, was out tending to the sheep. 

So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features.

Then the Lord said, “Rise and anoint him; this is the one.”

1 Samuel 16:12

Samuel anointed David to become King of Israel. 

By this time, Saul had become tortured, so one of his servants suggested to Saul that he should find someone to play him the lyre in order to feel better. Saul told his servants to find someone to play the lyre and bring that person to him.

One of the servants answered, “I have seen a son of Jesse of Bethlehem who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior. He speaks well and is a fine-looking man. And the Lord is with him.”

1 Samuel 16:18

This is how David began working under Saul. 

David came to Saul and entered his service. Saul liked him very much, and David became one of his armor-bearers. Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Allow David to remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

1 Samuel 16:21-22

The Battle

Chapter 17 of 1 Samuel begins by providing readers with a simple layout of the land.

Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled at Sokoh in Judah. They pitched camp at Ephes Dammim, between Sokoh and Azekah. Saul and the Israelites assembled and camped in the Valley of Elah and drew up their battle line to meet the Philistines. The Philistines occupied one hill and the Israelites another, with the valley between them.

1 Samuel 17:1-3

The Philistines had a champion from Gath, named Goliath. Goliath was about 9 feet 9 inches tall and was decked out head to toe in heavy bronze armor. 

For forty days, Goliath continued to taunt the Israelite camp, saying:

Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me. If he is able to fight and kill me, we will become your subjects; but if I overcome him and kill him, you will become our subjects and serve us.” Then the Philistine said, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.”

1 Samuel 17:8-10

This left all of the Israelites feeling discouraged. 

David’s three oldest brothers had followed Saul to battle. David would run back and forth between the Israelite camp and his family home to check on his brothers and tend the sheep. 

One day while David was back at home with his father, his dad asked him to bring food to his brothers and their commander at the Israelite camp. David set out early in the morning to make the journey to the camp. While talking to his brothers, Goliath entered the camp to dish out his daily slew of insults and taunts. Per the usual, the Israelites ran off and hid. 

David heard Goliath and noticed how the Israelites cowered in fear. 

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?”

1 Samuel 17:26

David’s oldest brother, Eliab, was angered when he overheard David speaking to the group of men. He accused David of being conceited and insinuated that the only reason David came was to watch the battle. 

Word of this episode spread; making its way back to Saul. Saul called on David. 

David said to Saul, “Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him.”

Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

But David said to Saul, “Your servant has been keeping his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and carried off a sheep from the flock, I went after it, struck it and rescued the sheep from its mouth. When it turned on me, I seized it by its hair, struck it and killed it. Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God. The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.”

Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.”

1 Samuel 17:32-37

Saul offered David his tunic, coat of armor, bronze helmet, and sword. David tried on the protective gear and quickly discarded it. It was heavy and he did not know how to carry himself while wearing it. Instead, he equipped himself with his shepherds' staff, a few smooth rocks, and a slingshot. 

Remember, Goliath was an excessively large man adorned in heavy-duty armor. Physically, the odds were in Goliath’s favor. 

Upon seeing David, Goliath mocked him. To which David faithfully replied:

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. 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. 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.”

1 Samuel 17:45-47

Squaring up, David faced Goliath, placed a stone in his slingshot, and planted it smack-dab into Goliath’s forehead, causing Goliath to fall face-first to the ground. After Goliath was dead, the Philistines ran, and the Israelites were victors in the war. 

The Armor of God

David was the underdog who stood tall and conquered the untouchable giant, with seemingly nothing more than a slingshot and a stone. But that is not all David had. 

David wore the Armor of God which gave him the confidence and faith required to defeat Goliath. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Ephesians 6:10-17

How Does The Account Of David Overthrowing Goliath Apply Today?

The Lord has your back. If you are facing a difficult situation, no matter what it may be, you will be able to face it effectively and seek a solution with more clarity if you put your trust in Him. When we put on The Armor of God, clinging to Him in obedience and faith, we are backed with the love, support, and assurance that we will be able to get through the darkest of times and conquer any giants that stand in our way.

- Torrance Church of Christ

Proverbs to Live By Part 2

Not Too Long Ago…

Previously we had shared a post full of Proverbs full of great insight and wisdom. They are a prominent source of valuable information that one could use to shape their actions, attitudes, and words to live a more Christlike life. Today, we are sharing more of these profound messages Solomon wrote for us. 

If you missed our first post with Proverbs to live by, check it out here. 

Getting Into It

Stay away from a fool, for you will not find knowledge on their lips.

Proverbs 14:7

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Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

Proverbs 25:28

 

Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them.

Proverbs 29:20

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Gold there is, and rubies in abundance, but lips that speak knowledge are a rare jewel.

Proverbs 20:15

The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

Proverbs 12:26

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Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him.

Proverbs 26:4

Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.

Proverbs 29:11

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Fools find no pleasure in understanding but delight in airing their own opinions.

Proverbs 18:2

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves.

Proverbs 11:17

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When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.

Proverbs 21:15

The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

Proverbs 18:23

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Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.

Proverbs 13:20

Do not envy the violent or choose any of their ways.

Proverbs 3:31

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The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.

Proverbs 15:28

As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.

Proverbs 26:11

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The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old.

Proverbs 20:29

All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.

Proverbs 15:15

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Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.

Proverbs 21:13

In Short

Take time to ponder these scriptures, jot down your favorite verses in a journal, recognize the areas in your life that need improvement, and apply the underlying message of each verse to those areas and your life, share the verses with others, and always strive to become more Christlike. 

-Torrance Church of Christ

135 Questions Every Christian Should Ask Themself to Evaluate Their Faith

The Importance of Reflecting and Evaluating your Faith

Taking the time to deliberate on your faith is imperative for your spiritual well-being and growth. Consistently evaluating your faith offers you the opportunity to really get to know and understand where you stand as a Christian. It can provide insight into where you stand solidly in your beliefs and relationship with God. Conversely, you will be able to see areas that are lacking, and are in need of focus and polishing up. Moreover, reflecting on your faith affords you the freedom to exercise awareness, allowing you to better take notice of God’s presence in your daily life. 

Taking a hard look at yourself is a valuable tool that can be used to enhance your spiritual development. We have assembled a list of questions every Christian should ask themself in order to get down to the nitty-gritty and truly understand where they stand in their faith. 

The Questions and Suggestions About Answering Them

• These questions allow you to examine your faith, beliefs, and stances. Some of the questions may require much vulnerability on your end, causing you to feel overly exposed and uncomfortable. Feel free to skip over any question that makes you feel this way, but take note that answering these questions will provide the greatest insight into your strengths and weaknesses. It is in our discomfort that we latch onto the ability to grow. 

• Consistency is key. Create and keep to a schedule where you can set aside the time to routinely check in and ruminate on your faith. This can be done weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or whatever works best for you. You can break up the questions and answer 3 (or however many you’d like) of them at a time, according to your schedule. 
• Sometimes it is too difficult for us to be fully honest with ourselves. Turn to God and ask Him to show us where in our lives need improvement and guidance on how to make it possible.
• You can answer a question once, write your answer in a journal, and come back to it at a later date to compare and assess how you feel now. Tracking your answers is a fantastic way to chart your growth. 
• It is expected that your answers will fluctuate over time. Don’t let that deter you from working on your spiritual health. 
• Some of the questions may not seem like they are targeted toward your faith. They’re in there so you can analyze who you are as a whole person. While some of the questions seem irrelevant, they aim to give you a deeper understanding of the various roles you take on each day and how your faith factors into them. 
• Many of the questions can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”. Try to explore your answers further. 
• Remember! Pray to God for guidance and help in any area you feel you are falling short. 

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1. Would I be disappointed in someone else for behaving in a manner that I behave?
2. Why do I follow Christ?
3. Is there evidence that contradicts God’s existence?
4. Do I think all sins are equal or are some worse than others?
5. Do I tend to go against my values and conform to the group?
6. Is there anybody I have not forgiven?
7. Am I comfortable praying out loud?
8. Is my faith a component of my personality?
9. Why does God want a relationship with me?
10. Am I a good example?
11. What role does the Bible play in my life?
12. What makes God, God?
13. Am I the same person around others as I am by myself?
14. Am I the kind of person that I would like to be friends with?
15. What kind of people do I associate with?
16. What is my purpose in this life?
17. I know the Bible is historically reliable because…
18. What do I pray for?
19. Do I strive to be more Christlike every day?
20. Do I stop and give a dollar or two to a person with a sign on a corner? Why or why not?
21. Do I show patience?
22. What do I expect from others?
23. Do I hold grudges?
24. What do I do to promote spiritual growth?
25. What are my values?
26. Something I do to stay true to my values is….
27. Do I share any of the same traits with Christ?
28. Do I serve others without complaint?
29. What are my talents?
30. Three ways I pray for others are:
31. Sometimes I disobey God when….
32. Am I easily irritated?
33. Am I content with what I have or do I find myself always wanting more?
34. How do I know God is listening?
35. One thing I would tell a non-believer who was interested in learning more would be….
36. My favorite thing about church is….
37. Do I put others first?
38. My favorite book in the Bible is….      Because….
39. Do my thoughts reflect those of Christ?
40. Is there someone in my life who doesn’t respect my relationship with God?
41. Is it difficult for me to admit to my wrongdoings?
42. How do I measure my spiritual development?
43. I know prayer works because….
44. If I were to meet Jesus today, what would I be ashamed of?
45. How would I like to be remembered most in life? What steps do I need to take to get there?
46. How often do I pray?
47. Do my actions and words place God as my first priority?
48. How much effort am I putting into my relationship with God?
49. Do I ever experience doubts about my faith? 
50. Do I enjoy praying?
51. Do I embellish my stories?
52. How much does His Word influence my decisions?
53. How have I experienced feeling God’s presence?
54. Is it enough to only pray for someone in need when I know I can serve them in another way too?
55. How has my faith been influenced?
56. How do I show praise to God?
57. Do I put others' opinions above God’s?
58. How do I show gratitude to God?
59. How do I say no to temptation?
60. Do I truly trust God?
61. Something that inspires me is….
62. How do I discern whether or not something is a temptation?
63. How do I ask for forgiveness?
64. Have I read the entire Bible?
65. Are there limits to God’s grace?
66. Are there any truths I am ignoring?
67. Do my actions reflect those of Christ?
68. Do I view myself as worthy of forgiveness or am I unable to push past guilt?
69. Do I uplift and encourage others?
70. Why are my values important to me?
71. Who do I connect to most in the Bible? Why?
72. Do I trust others with ease?
73. When I repent, do I make a commitment to not repeat the sin?
74. What steps do I take to study the Bible beyond just reading it?
75. Do I unconsciously cast judgment on others by saying or thinking, “I would never do that”?
76. Do I try to repair broken relationships?
77. Do I take my faith into consideration when consuming media? (TV, movies, music, podcasts, books, etc.) 
78. Do I surround myself with those who influence and encourage me to stay true to my values?
79. Am I overly critical of anyone in my life?
80. Am I open to receiving God’s answers?
81. Do I show my real self to others or do I put on a performance?
82. I know my relationship with God is at risk when….
83. Do I show kindness and respect to those who don’t show it to me?
84. Do I share my faith with others?
85. Am I humble?
86. Am I hiding from the purpose God has given me?
87. One unanswered prayer of mine is….       I think it is unanswered because….
88. Do I self-sabotage?
89. Am I able to push away negative thoughts and feelings, instead opting to focus on the positive?
90. Am I able to confidently stand up and defend my faith?
91. Do I recognize the silver lining in situations?
92. Do I often find myself judging others? 
93. Do I minimize my mistakes?
94. What benefits do I get from praying?
95. Do I keep my promises?
96. Do I justify my actions?
97. Am I double-minded?
98. Am I doing my part to fulfill God’s purpose?
99. Do I interact daily with God?
100. Do I hold myself accountable for my mistakes and wrongdoings?
101. Do I have to always be correct?
102. Have I centered my life around God?
103. Do my words reflect those of Christ?
104. Do I have meaningful relationships with my church family?
105. Do I have healthy habits?
106. Do I have a problem with authority?
107. Do I allow day-to-day life to interfere with my relationship with God?
108. Do I accept corrections or am I defensive?
109. Does my attitude align with my faith?
110. Are there times I feel undeserving of His love?
111. Are there some things I don’t think I need to repent for?
112. Do I love money to the point of idolizing it?
113. Do I look down on others?
114. Are there any aspects of my life where I can see the devil planting temptation?
115. Are there any aspects of my life where I am prideful?
116. Do I see the Bible as figurative or literal?
117. Do I respond to everyone with love?
118. Are my priorities in the correct places?
119. In social situations, do I stand up for what is right?
120. Are my actions driven by seeking approval from someone else?
121. Am I trustworthy?
122. Do I gossip?
123. Do I focus on what I don’t like about someone, refusing to see the positive in them?
124. Do I feel resentment toward anyone?
125. Am I too busy to notice those in my community who need help?
126. Am I sorry for all of my sins? 
127. Why do I attend church service?
128. Am I looking for ways to serve others?
129. Am I fulfilling my purpose?
130. Who can I share my testimony with?
131. Where can I improve my faith?
132. Am I aware of Satan in my life?
133. If I could change one thing about church, it would be…
134. Do I always turn to God for help?
135. Am I a fake forgiver?

Scriptures Emphasizing the Need for Reflection

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 

James 1:22-26

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As water reflects a face, so a man's heart reflects the man.

Proverbs 27:19

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"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!

Matthew 7:7-11

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Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Romans 12:2

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Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it. For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.

Romans 8:12-13

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As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance.

1 Peter 1:14

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How many wrongs and sins have I committed Show me my offense and my sin.

Job 13:23

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“I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.”

Jeremiah 17:10

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Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord.

Lamentations 3:40

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 5:22-26

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Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:5-8

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Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5

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Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

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If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.

Galatians 6:3-6

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There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.

Luke 12:2-3

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Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

1 Peter 3:9-12

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This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

1 John 1:5-10

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Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters

Colossians 3:23

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To Conclude

Scheduling time for regular evaluation is an effective instrument that positively promotes your spiritual journey. It grants you the chance to pinpoint your position in your faith to develop an invaluable awareness and discernment allowing for a deeper and honest look past your perception of yourself. Reflection assists in assuring your actions, thoughts, and words are in accordance with your values. Seek out the guidance of the Lord to better understand and accept your shortcomings and how to navigate through them. He wants to help keep you on the path of righteousness. 

-Torrance Church of Christ