Lessons From a Giant (David)

Text: 2 Samuel

  1. David’s Preparation
    1. Slaying the lion and bear
      1. Doing your regular "chores" prepares you for later
      2. We need to prepare our kids better for real life and less for ideal life
      3. Doing your duty is preparation for the future (1 Sam. 17:34)
    2. Battle with Goliath
      1. He recognized a "cause" or purpose (1 Sam. 17:29)
      2. Used what he had prepared with, not new weapons (1 Sam. 17:38)
      3. He relied on God (1 Sam. 17:37; 17:45-46)
      4. He was not presumptuous (took five stones) (1 Sam. 17:40)
        1. Some have suggested he took five stones in order to deal with Goliath’s brothers.
        2. I think he was just being wise by expecting the best and planning for the worst
  2. David’s Heart
    1. After God’s own heart
    2. He desired to do right
      1. By bringing the ark to Jerusalem (6)
      2. By wanting to build the Lord a house (7)
      3. Graciousness to Mephibosheth (9:6f)
    3. His heart led him astray at times (Jer. 17:9)
      1. In moving the ark (6)
      2. In Bathsheba (11)
        1. Not where he was supposed to be (11:1)
        2. He tried to cover his sin
        3. Nathan exposed his sin (12)
        4. Consequences (13)
          1. Amnon’s crime
          2. Absalom’s vengeance
          3. Absalom’s death (18:9)
      3. In numbering the people (24)
  3. David’s Legacy
    1. United kingdom
    2. Temple to be built
    3. Messianic line

Conclusion:

David's life is full of lessons for us to apply. The three big lessons I want us to have ingrained in us tonight are these

  1. A great faith and a great God will allow us to accomplish great things
  2. Our heart, even if it is a heart after God's, can lead us astray if we are not careful to keep it anchored to Scripture
  3. We will be known by our doings, whether our work be pure and whether it be right. (Prov. 20:11)