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Sermon Notes of Rev.Dr.I.J.W.Oakley (3-10-1976 Standtown Baptist Church)
1 Samuel 17 is the greatest scene of David’s life, his encounter with Goliath, the Philistine giant. Possibly the best-known Old Testament story.
The Philistine giant was 9 foot 6 inches in height, and
heavily armed. His armour’s weight was equivalent to two hundred weight. An
immense shield protected Goliath, and he wielded a spear, a sword and a javelin.
In arrogance and bombast he shouted defiance at Israel and King Saul and the
living God Himself. He asked for a champion to come forward and fight with him
– knowing full well no one in Israel would dare to do so. Everyone was struck
down by fear and shame. No one would do a thing except one youthful shepherd
boy, who was furious that the heathen Philistine should defy the armies of the
living God and get away with it, however big he was.
David’s concern was not only for the army’s honour but also for God’s honour. The idol worshipper insulted the living God, and nothing was being done about it. Godly men are always concerned for God’s name and honour. They never hear God’s name and Word treated lightly without feeling it. Swearing is bad enough, but blasphemy cuts even deeper. A test of love and loyalty is a man’s jealousy for God’s name.
In contrast to David’s attitude when God is insulted,
we see his attitude when he himself is insulted. His big brother Eliab shows
such contempt. What have you come here for? Who did you leave the sheep with?
The little boy was fitter among lambs than among warriors. His place was under a
tree with his shepherd’s pipe rather than on the battlefield. Spiritual
confidence is always an embarrassment to those weak in faith. Therefore they
joke at the expense of someone inferior.
David answered the charge in the
wisest way, with a few soft words. Then he turned away. He did not argue because
to do so would only increase ill feeling. “He who is first silent is the
conqueror” David restrained himself even though the provocation was severe. He
knew how to control his temper and master his tongue. He had conquered the
natural inclination to retaliate. Therefore he turned from him toward another
(1 Samuel 17:30).
Failure to control the tongue is at the root of much spiritual disaster. “Careless talk costs lives” was the caption on a poster in wartime. These words are still relevant in spiritual warfare. Much damage is caused by hasty words, which would have been better unsaid. There is a time for silence as well as for speaking. It is not an easy thing to be silent, for we all love to justify ourselves before men. But as Christians we are called to face spiteful attacks with meekness, not to be overcome with evil, maintain unbroken composure. Only possible when a dove like the Spirit has its abiding place in the heart, giving us the peace of God. The soft answer turneth away wrath but grievous words stir up anger (Proverbs 15:1). He that ruleth his spirit is better than he that taketh a city (Proverbs 16:32). When he was reviled, he reviled not again (1 Peter 2:23).
When David offered to fight the Philistine, Saul was
anxious to put David off. David could not possibly fight with Philistine for
Goliath had been a soldier from early days, but David was just a youth.
David’s answer was that he had killed both lion and bear when they had
attacked his father’s sheep. The Lord who delivered him from the paw of the
fierce wild animals would do the same when he faced the Philistine.
Saul did the same years before
David was born. It was a difficult time for God’s people. Saul raised a
memorial stone to remind Israel of God’s unfailing power. It was called
Ebenezer, “hitherto has the Lord helped us”. One of the advantages of
growing older is longer experience. Sometimes there is danger in looking back,
because we might be tempted to rest on our laurels, thinking of times past as
“the good old days”, forgetting what has to be done at present. Yet looking
back also has advantages. It is a pity when we have such short memories. “We
write benefits in dust and injuries in marble. We inscribe afflictions on brass
and record deliverances in water.”
To remember God’s mercies in the past is to gain courage and strength for the future, and the incentive to nobler enterprises. What is your situation now? Are you not too happy about it? Then look back. Recall the help given, guidance bestowed, prayers answered. On what grounds do you feel He will desert you this time? The Psalmist learnt from his experience of the past. I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread (Psalm 37:25).
So to David’s confrontation
with Goliath the giant. Having refused Saul’s armour, which was too large and
cumbersome, he declared complete reliance on God alone. Picking up five smooth
stones, and with sling in hand, he went forward to meet the giant. Using the
skills and gifts of God, he was strong in God’s strength. I come to thee in
the name of the Lord of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast
defied. This day will the Lord deliver thee into my hand…. That all the earth
may know that there is a God in Israel… The battle is the Lord’s and He will
give you into our hands (1 Samuel 17:45-47). What thrilling, confident and
challenging words. David knew the task was way beyond him, but not impossible
with God.
He started to run towards
Goliath, and as he gathered speed his prayer was that God would be true to His
promise and give him the necessary power at the right moment. The first stone
was slung in God’s mighty power, and the job was done. Notice the combination
– all David’s energy, but with immense trust in God. “The
whole thing took Goliath completely by surprise – such a thing had never
entered his head before!” (Dr Graham Scroggie).
God’s people can go and face
life with confidence, doing the work of witnessing and preaching, in the name of
the Lord of Hosts. It is a tremendous claim. Is it an arrogant claim? It is only
possible when concern for the honour of God is paramount in our lives and work.
It must be our motive and intention that our lives will show that there truly is
a God, and that all achievements are really His.
It can be easy to confuse zeal
for God’s glory with concern for our church, our cause, prejudices and
opinions. We can easily confuse our selfish motives with zeal for God. We need
to expose ourselves to the searching, cleansing and filling of the Holy Spirit.
But when we do face life and do our work and serve in the name of God, relying
on His power, everything is really transformed. It makes it possible for a man
to stand alone, face opposition calmly, confidently and fearlessly.
Let us live alone with God. The weakest man, who knows God, can do exploits. All God’s might is at the disposal of our faith. This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith (1 John 5:4).
