Message Video & Notes

MAN UP - David and Goliath

1 Samuel 17:32-51

Most people have heard of the story of David and Goliath. It is actually a true story. You can go to the valley in what is now Israel and see the hill that the Philistine army was on and the hill on the other side of the valley where the Israeli army was.

The Philistines worship idols and false gods. They practiced religious prostitution and at times child sacrifice. They were seeking to destroy God's people—the nation of Israel. This is a foreshadowing of the battle that is being fought against God's people today in our world and in our lives.

From this study we will seek applications for our lives, families, churches, and our world.

“Man Up” in this study means to say yes to God's call and to fight God's battles in a broken and lost world.

3 Keys to Winning the Battles of Life

1. The battle is first won in your heart.

2. Remembering small victories gives you faith for bigger victories.

3. You must first recognize and win the spiritual battle.

The battle is first won in your heart. – 1 Samuel 17:32–33

• Key Concept: Life is a series of challenges, adventures, and yes, even battles. There will always be giants to subdue and dragons to slay. I have already decided to die with my sword in my hand. You are strong enough for the battles ahead. - Erwin Raphael McManus

• Key Verse: Deuteronomy 20:1 - When you go to war against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than yours, do not be afraid of them, because the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt, will be with you.

• Community Group Application: An essential strategy for keeping your heart strong is meeting weekly in church and in community group.

Remembering small victories gives you faith for bigger victories. - 1 Samuel 17:34-40

• Key Concept: Each small step of faith you take, relying on God’s strength, builds your spiritual strength and prepares you for the battles ahead.  

• Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:10 - He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.

• Community Group Application: As we take small steps of faith, our faith grows.

You must first recognize and win the spiritual battle. - 1 Samuel 17:41-51

• Key Concept: Beneath every battle we face in life there is a spiritual battle.

• Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 20:15 and 17 - He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.  You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.’” 

• Community Group Application: We inspire each other with our faith and commitment to God.