October 19, 2025

A Champion #

1 Sam 17:1-4

Introduction

We have a familiar Bible story, and yet, maybe it has been years since you heard a message out of it. Sometimes familiar stories get overlooked because of their familiarity. And yet there are so many lessons that can be drawn from them.

One summer, a man bought a fancy new car—a bright red sports model that turned heads wherever it went. Everyone was impressed as it rolled down the road. Sadly, it often broke down, and sat on the side of the road. It was a problematic car, with a bad engine, lots of problems. It is easy to be impressed with appearances, but what is on the inside, and how reliable is far more important than what it looks like!

I. The Conflict (1 Sam 17:1-4) #

A. Adversary “The Philistines…” (1) #

i. Philistines were the enemies to Israel – All through the book of Judges, they are against Israel. #

ii. There is an enemy #

• Devil

1Pet. 5:8 ¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

• The World

1 John 5:4 -4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

• Self

James 1:14–15 -14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

• The enemy seeks to catch you off guard! – to get an advantage

2Cor. 2:10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

iii. The enemy doesn’t wait till you are ready! #

B. Assembly - Valley of Elah “belongeth to Judah” (1) #

i. Don’t think the enemy only exists out in the world! #

    ◦ There is a spiritual battle in the church house - distractions
    ◦ There is a spiritual battle in the school house – brain washing, information
    ◦ There is a spiritual battle in your house!

ii. The enemy will come into your territory, and wage war! #

C. Aware #

1 Peter 5:8 —8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Timothy 1:18–19 -18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:

Ephesians 6:11 -11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

II. The Champion - Goliath #

• Goliath was called their champion.
• He is a great example of what is considered to be a champion

A. Appearance (1 Sam 17:4) #

i. Sons of Anak – Most students of the Bible associate Goliath with the children of Anak, though it is not specifically stated. #

Numbers 13:33 —33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

ii. Height – 6 cubits = 9 feet! #

• Average American male 5’ 9”  - European 5’ 11” 

iii. His mass – it was not mentioned, but certainly implied… Goliath looked like a soldier, not a thin, sickly tall man… a warrior, who was intimidating! #

B. Armor (1 Sam 17:5-6) #

i. Helmet of brass #

ii. Coat of mail 5000 shekels of brass… 125 lbs. #

iii. Greaves of brass – boots #

iv. In the coat of mail, likely a target #

v. Shield bearer before him. #

C. Arms – weapons (1 Sam 17:7) #

i. Spear – like a weavers beam perhaps 12’ in length #

ii. Spear head weighing 15 lbs roughly… #

D. Ability - Physical strength #

• To carry the weight, and fight… he was strong, and had great ability!

E. Aggression (1 Sam 17:8-11, 16, 26) #

i. Mocked, threatened, and defied God! #

III. The Courageous – David #

A. Adolescent (1 Sam 17:12, 14) #

i. David was the youngest, and looked down upon by his brothers #

B. Appearance (1 Sam 16:6-12) #

• He wasn’t even considered… because he was young.
• He didn’t look like a warrior
• Man considers the strength, physical appearance, impressiveness… God looks on the heart!

C. Availability (1 Sam 17:32) #

D. Arms – FAITH! #

i. Word of God #

Deuteronomy 9:1–2 —1 Hear, O Israel: Thou art to pass over Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and mightier than thyself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, 2 A people great and tall, the children of the Anakims, whom thou knowest, and of whom thou hast heard say, Who can stand before the children of Anak!

ii. Walk with God (1 Sam 17:34-37) #

• David developed a walk with the Lord while in the fields keeping sheep
• He learned to depend on God through those experiences (no Bible college).
• David was the true Champion… Goliath was just a ‘wannabe’, ‘poser’, imitation.