Sermon Title: The Battle Before the Battle
Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 17:1–30
1. Key Scriptures
• 1 Samuel 17:1–30
• 1 Samuel 8:20
• Psalm 27:1–2, 4
• John 1:11
• 1 Peter 2:23
• 1 Corinthians 15:57–58
2. Sermon Flow & Takeaways
I. The Threat and the Terror (vv. 1–11)
Goliath’s presence terrifies Israel and exposes their misplaced trust in Saul’s appearance rather than God’s power. Fear grows when faith forgets who is truly on the throne.
-
Fear thrives when faith is silent.
-
Don’t just assess the size of the enemy—remember the faithfulness of your God.
II. The Shepherd and the Sovereign Hand (vv. 12–19)
David appears insignificant, yet God is sovereignly preparing him through humble, unseen obedience.
-
Faithfulness in obscurity is how God forges spiritual strength.
-
God sees and values your small obediences.
III. The Provocation and the Perspective (vv. 20–27)
David sees the battlefield differently—through the lens of God’s honor, not personal safety or cultural pressure.
-
There is a holy cause worth courage.
-
Apathy in the face of evil is agreement with it.
IV. The Rebuke and the Resolve (vv. 28–30)
David is scorned by his own brother but responds with humility and persistence, keeping his eyes on the mission.
-
Sometimes the fiercest discouragement comes from within the camp.
-
You’ll never face Goliath if you can’t walk past Eliab.
Conclusion: Fixing Our Eyes on the Greater David
David points us to Jesus, the truer Champion who entered the greater valley, crushed the serpent, and offers victory not by striving but by grace.
-
The gospel is not a call to earn salvation but to trust the One who won the battle for us.
-
When the cause is holy, the cost becomes holy too.
3. Primary Sources (cited)
• Robert D. Bergen – 1, 2 Samuel (New American Commentary)
• Matthew Henry – Commentary on the Whole Bible
• Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown – Critical and Explanatory Commentary
• Faithlife Study Bible
• Charles Simeon – Horae Homileticae
4. Additional Resources
• Desiring God: “The Champion We Need” – Article on Christ in 1 Samuel 17
• The Bible Project: Overview of 1 Samuel
• Sermon Illustration: William Carey’s Missionary Calling