GOLIATH A Lesson For Young People I. Introduction. A. There lived in ancient times a giant warrior: I Samuel 17:4. 1. Size: about 9 feet and two inches. 2. Armor of immense size and strength protected him: I Samuel 17:5-7. 3. The head of his spear weighed about 17 pounds(sledge c5 lbs). B. This giant challenged the armies of Israel: I Samuel 17:8- 10. 1. The reactions of the Hebrews: I Samuel 17:11. 2. Goliath was persistent: I Samuel 17:16. 3. Where is the faith they should have in God? 4. Why, with all of them fighting, could they not conquer this enemy along with the other enemy soldiers? 5. They were scared--have you ever been scared-- frightened so badly you did nothing? C. Into this event, there came a young man: I Samuel 17:17- 19. 1. David followed his father's directions: I Samuel 17:20. 2. An obedient son carried out his father's wishes-- but he would find more than hungry brothers on the battlefield. II. Body. A. David approaches the army where he would find his brothers: I Samuel 17:22. 1. David hears the giant: I Samuel 17:23. a. So does the army: I Samuel 17:24. (1 A natural fear--- (2 How would you react? b. Even promised: I Samuel 17:25. c. Accused by elder brother that he came to see the battle. 2. David's reaction: I Samuel 17:32. a. Saul said, "...for thou art but a youth." b. David's answer: I Samuel 17:34-37. 3. Refuses the armor of a soldier: I Samuel 17:38-39. B. David gathers his own weapons for war: I Samuel 17:40. 1. These are to be used on a 9 foot giant? 2. Paul's weapons: I Corinthians 10:4. 3. The Philistines' boast: I Samuel 17:43-44. 4. David had: I Samuel 17:45. 5. The victory: I Samuel 17:49-50. C. My young friend, there are many Goliaths to be faced in your future. 1. They will not be as the one David confronted--but there could be "bullies" who harass you. 2. The Goliaths you face will be those more harmful to the soul than the body. 3. They will come in different sizes(some giants, some not), at different times and in different ways--but they will come. 4. As David mastered the Goliath of his day, you can master those of today. D. Modern Goliaths appear with the intent of destroying your faith and claiming your soul. There are the Goliaths of... 1. Temptation. a. Strong in youth: Satan knows if he can capture one while young, he has a good start on holding that one through life. b. Note: Matthew 26:41. c. Resisting gives strength: James 1:12. d. You must make choices. e. God's ammunition: I Corinthians 10:13. 2. Unbelief. a. Growing number of doubters in present generation: could grow. b. Warning: Hebrews 3:12. c. An example: Romans 4:20. d. You will be bombarded with theories, ideas, positions, etc. that attack your faith; never let it waver! e. God's ammunition and armor: II Corinthians 5:7. 3. Association. a. The warning: I Corinthians 15:33. b. Associations come in various ways. (1 Ungodly friends: II Samuel 13:3. (2 Find friends you can trust or depend upon: Psalm 41:9. (3 Entertainment(movies, books, music, videos, etc.) can lead your thinking astray. c. The social pressure from friends and acquaintances has led many young people(and older) into behaviors that rob one of spiritual life. That pressure is strong to youth. d. Always influence others with a proper example: never be led by an improper. e. David associated with Jonathon; no friend of Goliath. f. God's ammunition: I Timothy 4:12. 4. Substance abuse. a. A real monster that will leave you helpless and defenseless. b. Getting "high" on drugs is a spiritual low. c. Discuss I Thessalonians 5:18. d. Temperance and self-control will lead you into satisfaction and happiness. e. God's ammunition: I Peter 5:8. 5. Material desires. a. Properly controlled, nothing wrong with wanting and having material possessions. b. Always keep in proper place: Do not trade salvation for things of this world. c. Not just riches, but power and prestige included. d. Demas made a mistake: II Timothy 4:10. e. God's ammunition: I Timothy 6:6-10. III. Conclusion. A. The Goliaths you face will not be like the giant of David's day. B. Your Goliaths will not always be visible or easy to see-- but they will appear. C. As God allowed David to slay his Goliath--God gives you the power of righteousness to conquer every foe: I John 5:4.jy