NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 17
Discussion Questions:
- How can our faith in God transform the ways we typically respond to threatening circumstances in our life?
- How might recognizing your own weakness help you rely on God’s power through life’s battles?
- How can you better prepare for life’s challenges, knowing to expect difficulty as a follower of Jesus?
Food for Thought:
Life comes with challenges. No one would ever doubt that. But in the challenges, our character is revealed and our character is developed. Jesus said, “You will have suffering in this world,” in John 16:33 (CSB). But how we deal with our suffering is a testament to our faith and belief.
In 1 Samuel 17, we encounter the story of David and Goliath, a story even known by nonbelievers as the ultimate underdog story. But is it? If we lifted the curtain, so to speak, we would find a powerful God at work during the battle the whole time.
When Goliath of the Philistines taunted King Saul and the Israelites, no one was brave enough to fight him because he was big and mighty. And no one was faithful enough to see who really had the upper hand, until David arrived. David knew the Israelites had Almighty God on their side. David knew He would rescue them and defeat the Philistines for His glory.
David’s response to the Philistines and the battle was motivated by a zeal for the Lord’s glory and honor. David’s words to the Philistines showed that: “I come against you in the name of the Lord of Armies, the God of the ranks of Israel — you have defied Him” (1 Samuel 17:45). David knew any victory would be because of the Lord. And he knew a victory would result in the world knowing “that Israel has a God” (v. 46). With a sling and a stone, David killed Goliath with the Lord’s help. And the world knew that Israel has a God.
David was an unlikely hero who saved the Israelites. His future descendant, Jesus, did even better: He saved the whole world. Jesus is the ultimate victor, defeating our greatest enemies — sin and death.
Even when we are challenged or feel like we are the underdogs, we can trust God to be sovereign over all our battles. He provided victory for David and the Israelites and provided victory for us through Christ’s work on the cross. Today, He can provide victory for us through our everyday challenges as well. We simply need to trust Him and fight for His glory and honor. In doing so, we are a testament to the world of who God is and we can partner with God in growing His kingdom.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
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