Facing the Giants Part 3 – Becoming Giant Killers

A quick review of Israel’s “giant” history will begin today’s study.  You will remember that in Numbers 13-14 Moses sent out 12 spies.  Upon returning to the camp ten of the 12 fixated on the giants and failed to exhibit faith causing the Israelites to wander for 40 years in the desert. 

In Deuteronomy 9, Moses reminds the people that they will now have to face the descendants of Anak as they go in to take the land God has given them. 

Then again in Joshua 14 Caleb, at 86, defeated the giants in the land God had given him. 

We will look again today at the most famous giant story in the Bible; David and Goliath.  We will use David as our model for becoming Giant Killers.  Each of us face giants on a regular basis.  How do we become Giant Killers?

1. We must make sure our motives are right. 

David’s motives were called into question by his brothers.  1 Samuel 17:28 But when David’s oldest brother, Eliab, heard David talking to the men, he was angry. “What are you doing around here anyway?” he demanded. “What about those few sheep you’re supposed to be taking care of? I know about your pride and deceit. You just want to see the battle!”

David’s motives appear to be right to me. 

                a. The glory of God. 1 Samuel 17:26, 36-37 ²⁶David asked the soldiers standing nearby, “What will a man get for killing this Philistine and ending his defiance of Israel? Who is this pagan Philistine anyway, that he is allowed to defy the armies of the living God?” ³⁶ I have done this to both lions and bears, and I’ll do it to this pagan Philistine, too, for he has defied the armies of the living God! ³⁷The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine!”

                b. To fulfill his role as the newly anointed king of Israel.  We read in 1 Samuel 16:1-12 that David was anointed to be the new king of Israel.  He was protecting the nation of Israel from the giants that were a constant threat to their survival and well-being. 

We must exhibit the right motives too.

                a. God’s glory to be revealed in our lives.  When we face a giant that we want to see killed, we need to ask ourselves, “Why do I want this giant dead?” Do we want it to die just to give us peace, freedom, etc.?  Those are good motives; however, God’s glory should be our primary motivation in everything we do. 

1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”

                b. Desiring for God’s plans to be fulfilled in our lives. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God has plans for each of our lives.  We must get on board with God’s plans for us and desire to see them fulfilled.  When giants arise we must work to rid our lives of their influence so we can fulfill the plan God has for us.

Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

2 Corinthians 4:17 “For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!”

2. We must use the right weapons.

Why did David take 5 stones?  He was a finisher.  I believe he wanted to be sure he could finish the job if the giant did not go down with one shot.  He was a practiced marksman with a slingshot, but this was not a lion or a bear.  If he missed he needed a quick reload. 

The giants in our lives don’t always go down on the first swing either! In my experience I have to hit hard repeatedly to see the giant fall dead. 

We can read self-help books, attend seminars, or listen to thousands of sermons but none of these will defeat the giant.  The key to killing the giants we face is FAITH!!!!

                a. Faith that God is bigger than our giant.  Matthew 28:18 Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.” 

Ephesians 3:20 “Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

                b. Remember that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever!!  If he helped the children of Israel defeat their giants, he will help us defeat ours! Malachi 3:6a “I am the Lord, and I do not change.”

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

                c. Use tried and true weapons, prayer, faith, and the Word of God. Ephesians 6:12-18 “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

                d. God didn't save us to let us fall at the hands of giants.  Philippians 1:6 “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

3. We must expect a miracle. Even when we don’t see with our physical eyes we must see the giants fall with our spiritual eyes.   Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.”

In conclusion, to be Giant Killers we must:

1. Have the right motives.

2. Use the right weapons.

3. Expect a miracle.

All Scripture is NLT unless otherwise stated.