Main Thought

The story of David and Goliath is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible. It’s been taught in every Sunday school class, and used by every sports broadcaster. The illustration of David vs. Goliath is usually conjured up when there’s a big difference between two opposing teams or individuals. It’s the classic tale of an undisputed champion and an underdog. Although Goliath was twice his size and had more combat experience, David ran toward the giant and defeated him. There was one element that switched the odds in David’s favor: He trusted in God, who has never lost a battle, and trusted in his promises. David’s faith in God was bigger than Goliath.

Main Passages

21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers. 23 As he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the ranks of the Philistines and spoke the same words as before. And David heard him.
24 All the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were much afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father's house free in Israel.” 26 And David said to the men who stood by him, “What shall be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in the same way, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.”
- 1 Samuel 17:21-27

11 Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. And Samuel rose up and went to Ramah.
- 1 Samuel 16:11-13

37 And David said, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you!”
- 1 Samuel 16:37

for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. 
- 1 John 4:4

Discussion Questions

1. What stood out to you from the Main Thought and Passages above?

2. Are there any situations in your life that make you feel like an underdog because the odds are stacked against you?

3. Jesus makes us into giants! What are some of His promises that might address the situations you’re in right now? Use this opportunity to share scriptures with each other. You can use Bible apps or Google to help you if you need to look for some.

Family Discussion

1. How would you feel if you went into a battle against a giant who was 9ft tall, wore an armor, and had a sword? Would you feel scared? Or would you feel like David, unafraid and ready for battle because your faith in God and why?