GIANT SLAYING I Samuel 17: 32-37

Pop Culture reflects the human condition. We can gain insights from the “Faxes” of Pop Culture

The new SUPERMAN RETURNS movie furnishes us with such an opportunity. It is a pop culture reflection on difficulties that we all face. In this clip Lex Luther (aka Lucifer) conspires against Superman.

Defeating Lex Luther. What are your giants?

1 Samuel 17:32-37 (Message Bible) "Master," said David, "don't give up hope. I'm ready to go and fight this Philistine." [33] Saul answered David, "You can't go and fight this Philistine. You're too young and inexperienced—and he's been at this fighting business since before you were born." [34] David said, "I've been a shepherd, tending sheep for my father. Whenever a lion or bear came and took a lamb from the flock,

1 Samuel 17:32-37 (Message Bible) continued… [35] I'd go after it, knock it down, and rescue the lamb. If it turned on me, I'd grab it by the throat, wring its neck, and kill it. [36] Lion or bear, it made no difference—I killed it. And I'll do the same to this Philistine pig who is taunting the troops of God-Alive. [37] God, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine." Saul said, "Go. And God help you!"

TAKE HOME Rehearsing a battle plan makes sense. Giants jump into our paths unexpectedly. I need to always rely on God’s help With all of my natural skills and tools I'll be tempted to face enemies in my own strength. Forget it!

Lord, keep me from my foes. I promise to trust you for power and protection. I'll stay close beside you and follow your leading. Lord, keep me from my foes. I promise to trust you for power and protection. I'll stay close beside you and follow your leading. Commitment:

Often our “Giants” come as unexpected disappointments

GIANTS, DEMONS, DISAPPOINTMENTS: EXPECT THEM! Life happens.

1. BE READY TO STAND UP WHEN OTHERS INSIST OF STAYING SEATED. Vs Life’s contradictions will leave the unprepared confused. God will say “yes” when history and well meaning friends might say “no.” Who will you listen to? DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

“STANDERS” ARE IN GOOD COMPANY ● Daniel (survived the lion’s den) ! ● Moses (liberated slaves) ! ● Noah (rode out the floods in life) ! ● Jesus (overcame the enemy death) ! DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

2. MAKE UP YOUR MIND TO BE FAITHFUL, DESPITE THE ODDS Vs Critics will abound, Doomsday Prophets will cry out and Hand-Wringers will be in good supply. Ask Joseph and Jesus about their doubting families. DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

Do not forget your God-History

3. REMEMBER YOUR 'GOD HISTORY' Vs Pull up File L: Oh, yes, deliverance from a L ion. Check out File B: And then there was the Bear story, another dramatic victory Get started on File G: "How I slew a Giant (with God's help). You have the promise of God’s help! DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

4. RELY ON GOD'S POWER, even when my own isn't too shabby. Vs. 37b-47 Saul's armor wasn't enough. My arsenal is inadequate too: ● Money ● Personality ● Will Power ● Education ● Experience DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

5. BE READY TO ENJOY THE HARVEST, THE VICTORY. THE CONQUEST! Vs The Giant's forehead was exposed. So is Satan's Romans 8: Is anything too big for God? Genesis 18: 14 DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

6. SICK 'EM!! DAVID’S GUIDELINES FOR SLAYING GIANTS

PRAYER & PRAISE

TAKE HOME Rehearsing a battle plan makes sense. Giants jump into our paths unexpectedly. I need to always rely on God’s help With all of my natural skills and tools I'll be tempted to face enemies in my own strength. Forget it!

Lord, keep me from my foes. I promise to trust you for power and protection. I'll stay close beside you and follow your leading. Lord, keep me from my foes. I promise to trust you for power and protection. I'll stay close beside you and follow your leading. Commitment:

God, who delivered me from the teeth of the lion and the claws of the bear, will deliver me from this Philistine." Saul said, "Go. And God help you!" Go in the power of God and defeat your Giants.

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