Introduction: “…when good people do nothing?”

In a previous sermon, I made reference to one of my favorite Batman movies, “Batman Begins”. In this movie, we see Bruce Wayne become one of the most iconic superheroes of all time. But, before he was Batman, he was just a normal person who also happened to be heir to the one of the wealthiest families in Gotham City. His parents were good people, but while Bruce was still young, his parents murdered by a desperate man living on the street, leaving Bruce an orphan.

Fast Forward several years; Bruce is still not Batman, but he’s grown up when he learns that Eventually, that a really bad man named Carmine Falcony was destroying everything Bruce’s parents stood for. He was destroying the city by “…keeping the bad people rich and the good people scared”. The people were too scared to do something about this bad man. They needed a hero! In the hope of driving Bruce to do something good, his childhood friend, Rachel Dawes said, “What chance does Gotham have when the good people do nothing?” 

This would eventually drive Bruce Wayne to become the hero, the champion Gotham needed. Today we’re going to study a passage of scripture where we see a similar scenario at play. We’re going to be in the book of 1 Samuel 17, and in this passage we will see God’s people scared and in need of a hero. Today, we’re talking about David and Goliath. 

This story is a timeless example of how God can and will do miraculous things through those who trust in Him. It’s a reminder that no opposition is too great for the Lord. This is a story about hope. Unfortunately, it doesn’t start this way. As the passage opens, we see God’s people at war and they’re afraid and discouraged. It’s an unpleasant reality that God’s people can and will face opposition that can result in fear and feelings of defeat. So, as we study this passage, I want us to remember a very important truth Jesus tells His disciples. In John 16:33,

“33I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.”

This is the beautiful truth of the gospel; this is the “good news”, that Jesus Christ has overcome the world in spite of the suffering we may experience. As we study 1 Samuel 17, we’re going to see the gospel truth displayed in a very unique way through David’s encounter with Goliath. So, I’ve entitled this sermon, “David and the Gospel”. Before we begin to study this passage, let’s pray together and ask God to speak to us as we study His word.

(pray)

As we study our passage, we’re going to look at three truths that point us to the gospel. The first truth we see is this: God’s people face opposition.

Point I: God’s People Face Opposition (v. 1-11)

I mentioned earlier that, as this passage opens, God’s people (Israel) are preparing for war against their enemies, the Philistines. Verse 1-2 shows the Philistines forming battle lines against Israel in a place called the Valley of Elah, and in verse 3 we get a picture of this battlefield: the Philistines camped on one hill and Israel on another with a valley between them. 

It’s unfortunate, but war was fairly common for God’s people at that time. They were constantly surrounded by enemies, but this time was unique. This time, they experienced an enemy so great, that even Saul, their mighty King ran away in fear. Take a look at 1 Samuel 17:4-7.

“4Then a champion named Goliath, from Gath, came out from the Philistine camp. He was nine feet, nine inches tall 5and wore a bronze helmet and bronze scale armor that weighed one hundred twenty-five pounds. 6There was bronze armor on his shins, and a bronze javelin was slung between his shoulders. 7His spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam, and the iron point of his spear weighed fifteen pounds. In addition, a shield-bearer was walking in front of him.”

This is the enemy God’s people faced. One man stood against God and His people, shou