I Samuel 17

The Underdog: God’s Secret Weapon

Part I

 

Introduction:

Welcome to Blessed Hope Bible Church; we pray that you will be encouraged today by the message.  To those of you who are listening online, please let us know if this ministry is a blessing to you.  Our web address is www.bhbcstl.org.

 

Many years ago there was a popular cartoon superhero known as “Underdog.”  The star of the show was a mild-mannered beagle that went by the name of “shoe shine boy.” But whenever there was danger, shoe shine boy would spring into action, and become Underdog.  As he flew through the air he would say these words: “There’s no need to fear, Underdog is here!”

 

Now when the villain saw Underdog they would start laughing.  After all, how could a little beagle that shined shoes for a quarter, defeat an arch enemy that was terrorizing the community.  Well, what these villains did not realize is that Underdog had some super powers.  And he knew how to use them.  So that by the end of the episode, Underdog defeated the enemy and saved the day!

 

When we think of the term underdog it is to identify someone who is outmatched, out of their league, or simply not ready for the big time.  I have often heard sportscasters say that a specific team is coming to the game as the underdog, and that if they should win it would be an upset.

 

Expectations for the underdog are always low, and respect is often non-existent.  However, when we read the Bible, we discover that God loves the underdog.  In fact, most of the great men and women of the scriptures are the ones who were considered the least among their people.  As we launch this year’s theme, which is, victory in Christ, we begin with the series entitled, “The Underdog: God’s Secret Weapon.”

 

The purpose of this message is for us to understand that each of us is an underdog, and with God’s grace, we can achieve extraordinary things.  Our series comes from I Samuel 17, which features the timeless story of David and Goliath.  Let us look at verses 1-11 at this time.  I will be reading from the New Century translation:

 

1Sa 17:1 1 The Philistines gathered their armies for war. They met at Socoh in Judah and camped at Ephes Dammim between Socoh and Azekah. 2 Saul and the Israelites gathered in the Valley of Elah and camped there and took their positions to fight the Philistines. 3 The Philistines controlled one hill while the Israelites controlled another. The valley was between them. 4 The Philistines had a champion fighter from Gath named Goliath. He was about nine feet, four inches tall. He came out of the Philistine camp 5 with a bronze helmet on his head and a coat of bronze armor that weighed about one hundred twenty-five pounds. 6 He wore bronze protectors on his legs, and he had a bronze spear on his back. 7 The wooden part of his larger spear was like a weaver's rod, and its blade weighed about fifteen pounds. The officer who carried his shield walked in front of him. 8 Goliath stood and shouted to the Israelite soldiers, "Why have you taken positions for battle? I am a Philistine, and you are Saul's servants! Choose a man and send him to fight me. 9 If he can fight and kill me, we will be your servants. But if I can kill him, you will be our servants." 10 Then he said, "Today I stand and dare the army of Israel! Send one of your men to fight me!" 11 When Saul and the Israelites heard the Philistine's words, they were very scared.”

 

Today, we want you to consider for a topic, “Facing our Goliath.”  There are four points we want to address from the text:

1)      Who is Goliath?

2)      What is Goliath’s Strategy?

3)      What role does Goliath play in our experience?

4)      What does Goliath have in common with sin?

 

Who is Goliath?

In the scriptures we find that the nation of Israel was ready to go to war against their arch enemy, the Philistines.  They were lined up on one side and the enemy on the other.  Out of nowhere comes Goliath; a 9-foot giant who issued this challenge to Israel:  “If one of your men can defeat me, then we will serve you.  But if I defeat them, you will serve us…let’s do this!”

 

As Christians who desire to be victorious in Christ, there will be times in which we will encounter a “Goliath.”  In this sense, Goliath is not an ancient warrior; instead our Goliath is anything that stands in the way of achieving the purpose God has ordained for our lives.

 

Our spiritual Goliath, like the one in the Bible is big, strong, walks with a swagger, and is always ready to fight!  Goliath can be an addiction, sorrow, pain, despair, or anything else that overwhelms us…And if we try to take Goliath on in our own strength we will lose every time. 

 

What is Goliath’s Strategy?

So what is Goliath’s strategy?  His goals are intimidation, frustration, humiliation, aggravation and devastation.  The reason why most Christians do not see growth in their walk is because there is a Goliath standing in the way!  The reason why Christian marriages are failing is because of a Goliath; the reason why the church in America is riddled by scandal is because of a Goliath; the reason why saints are not able to walk in victory is because of a Goliath!  And here is the rub: for many of us our Goliath is the one we see in the mirror everyday!  We must face and conquer the Goliath that is in each of us, if we expect to see true victory in every area of our lives.

 

 

What role does Goliath play in our Christian experience?

When we are faced with a Goliath size problem, it tends to humble us, and challenge our faith, which is a good thing.  In some cases, God can use a Goliath experience to draw us closer to Him, which is a good thing.  A Goliath moment can often become a teachable moment, which is a good thing. 

 

A Goliath issue such as cancer and major surgery can cause us to pray in ways we never have before, which is a good thing.  The point is this: Don’t run from Goliath; put him to work!  Let your Goliath experience transform you into the person God has called you to be.

 

What does Goliath have in common with sin?

Goliath and sin have a lot in common: 1) you don’t have to look for sin, it will come looking for you…the same with a Goliath experience! 2) You cannot overcome sin in your own strength…the same with Goliath! 3) Sin has one objective, and that is to destroy us…the same as Goliath!

 

Now for those of you who think that running to church is going to keep you from dealing with the Goliaths in your life, you have another thing coming! You cannot rebuke your Goliath; you cannot hide from your Goliath by singing and shouting!

 

In order for real change to occur in our lives, we must face, fight and finish Goliath! Goliath will not negotiate with you!  Goliath wants to defeat you! 

 

You will recall that I mentioned the cartoon character known as “shoe shine boy,” and whenever there was trouble, he would run into a telephone booth and become “Underdog,” the superhero.

 

Perhaps some of you listening today are living like the mild-manner shoe shine boy, taking whatever life throws your way.  Well, this is your time to transform into someone special who can achieve great things for God!  But you do not need to run into a telephone booth to experience change.  All you need to do is place your faith in Jesus Christ who died on the cross for your sins.

 

The moment you invite Him into your heart, you will become a new person, and Christ will give you the courage to face every Goliath in your path.