Illustration: An example of a "Spirit-empowered – self-controlled" life of David – the shepherd boy.
David is first mentioned at the end of the Book of Ruth. (A short book that illustrates and foreshadows Christ as our kinsmen redeemer.) And then how David is in the linage of God's promised Messiah. Then the next book in the Bible is 1 Samuel.
Saul, the first king of Israel, had been rejected by God because Saul turned his back from following the Lord and not performing the Lord's commandments. (1 Samuel 15:1-35)
"Now the LORD said to Samuel, "How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king among his sons." (1 Samuel 16:1 NKJV)
As Samuel starts going through the sons – oldest to youngest…
"But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV)
It is not until Samuel takes the horn of oil and anoints Jesse's youngest son that David's name is mentioned. (1 Samuel 16:13) David is secretly anointed to be the next king.
The story of David and Goliath
Next Chapter: I Samuel 17:1-58
We find David – resting in the Lord -> doing what is right. David will be demonstrating a "Spirit-empowered – self-controlled" life in meeting Goliath.
The Philistines gathered against Israel. Philistines stood on a mountain on one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side with a valley between them.
Goliath was six cubits and a span tall (9' 6") Bronze helmet, bronze coat of mail: 150 to 200 lbs., spear like a weaver's beam with the iron spearhead of 18 lbs. Along with his armor-bearer holding his shield.
The challenge: Send one man to fight, and the winner takes all. "I defy the armies of Israel."
(v 16) forty days both morning and evening: Goliath keeps mocking God and challenging Israel. Israel was already defeated by fear.
Forty days reminds me of Jesus' temptations for 40 days – Satan, mocking God and challenging Jesus. (Matthew 4:1-11)
(v 17-20) David was sent by his father – "check on your brothers." In the same way – Jesus was sent by His Father.
(v 26) David is viewing the "problem" from God's perspective: "For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?" David kept up this question – And Saul heard this report.
"Then David said to Saul, "Let no man's heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine." (1 Samuel 17:32 NKJV)
(v 34-37) David the good shepherd: fought a lion and a bear in protecting the sheep.
"Your servant has killed both lion and bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, seeing he has defied the armies of the living God." (37) Moreover, David said, "The LORD, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." And Saul said to David, "Go, and the LORD be with you!" (1 Samuel 17:36-37 NKJV)
David was a man after God's heart, who will do all of God's will: (Acts 13:22)
Psalm 63 – Notice David's focus and what consumed his thoughts.
"A Psalm of David when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You In a dry and thirsty land Where there is no water. (2) So I have looked for You in the sanctuary, To see Your power and Your glory. (3) Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips shall praise You." (Psalm 63:1-3 NKJV)
The Lord consumed David's thoughts.
7. What consumes your thoughts? What do you think about during the day?
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