Main Thought
David is one of the Bible’s great underdog stories. He was an overlooked shepherd boy, the youngest son in his family, when God chose and anointed him to become king of Israel. David trusted God enough to face Goliath with only a sling and a stone, and God used him to bring victory to His people. Over time, David became a national hero who united the kingdom. Yet David’s story also reminds us that even the strongest people can lose battles beneath the surface. David defeated giants on the battlefield, but struggled against hidden giants like greed and lust. He wounded himself, his family, and the kingdom he led after he allowed his desires to drive his decisions.
Even David needed a true and better King. In Psalm 110, David looked forward to someone greater than himself: “The LORD says to my lord…” Humanity’s deepest need would not be met by an earthly king, but by Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life; the greater Giant-Slayer who defeated sin and death; and, He is the perfect King. Everyone ultimately follows some “king” - whether it be our desire, pride, fear, approval, ambition for success, or Christ. When we allow Jesus to rule our hearts, He begins to reorder our desires in a way that blesses God, others, and ourselves. As King, Jesus leads us into true and better freedom and victory.
Main Passages
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
- 1 Samuel 16:7b
“As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground. So David triumphed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone; without a sword in his hand he struck down the Philistine and killed him.”
- 1 Samuel 17:48-50 NIV
'The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”’
- Psalms 110:1-4 NIV
Discussion Questions
David defeated Goliath publicly, but struggled with hidden sin privately. Why do you think it’s often easier to confront visible problems than the deeper issues inside us?
In Psalm 110, David looks ahead to the coming of Jesus Christ. David describes Jesus as both a King and a Priest. In what ways does Jesus operate as a King? How does He operate as a Priest?
Like David, Jesus leads those who follow Him into freedom and victory. What does finding victory in Christ look like for you practically - or, what could it look like?