Forward in Faith - Faith that Conquers (1 Samuel 17)
Forward in Faith - Faith that Conquers:
This 5-day devotional is based on the sermon, “Faith That Conquers,” from the sermon series, “Forward in Faith.” If you haven’t yet watched or listened to the sermon, we encourage you to do so before or during your time in this devotional—it will enrich your understanding and strengthen your faith as you reflect on these truths.
This 5-day devotional is based on the sermon, “Faith That Conquers,” from the sermon series, “Forward in Faith.” If you haven’t yet watched or listened to the sermon, we encourage you to do so before or during your time in this devotional—it will enrich your understanding and strengthen your faith as you reflect on these truths.
Day 1: Identifying with Israel’s Fear
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:1–11
Devotional Thought
When we picture the David-and-Goliath story, it is tempting to cast ourselves as David—the underdog who musters up courage to defeat a giant. But if we read closely, we see that the entire Israelite army, including their king, was consumed by fear and unable to confront the threat. They had forgotten God’s power and the covenant promises that He would fight for them.
In reality, we often mirror the fearful Israelites. Whether facing life’s obstacles—illness, broken relationships, financial strain, or personal weaknesses—we can feel “dismayed and terrified.” Our first inclination may be to look for help within ourselves, only to discover we are no match for the challenges that loom large.
This is exactly the kind of situation in which God’s grace shines brightest. The people of Israel needed someone to stand in for them, to face the giant they could not. We, too, need a champion who can do what we cannot—someone whose victory we can share. The opening verses of 1 Samuel 17 remind us to acknowledge our powerlessness in the face of sin and life’s trials. Only then do we fully appreciate the magnitude of the deliverance God provides through Jesus Christ.
Reflection/Action Step
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Day 2: A Foreshadowing of the True Champion
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:12–27
Devotional Thought
David’s arrival at the battlefield seems almost accidental—he was sent to deliver food to his older brothers and report back to his father. He wasn’t officially part of the army, and nobody thought he was important enough to be a real factor in the conflict. Yet Scripture reveals that God had specifically anointed David for a mission far beyond his outward appearance or status.
In a similar way, Jesus didn’t come with the fanfare and external might the world expected of a “savior.” Born in humble circumstances, He grew up in an ordinary household and was dismissed by many as just “the carpenter’s son.” Nevertheless, He was—and is—God’s anointed, arriving at exactly the right time to address humanity’s greatest crisis: the reign of sin and death.
The parallels between David and Jesus aren’t a coincidence. David’s stepping onto the battlefield to represent Israel points forward to the incarnation of Christ, who stepped into our broken world to represent all of humanity. Where David rescued his people from the threat of Goliath, Jesus rescues us from the threat of sin’s penalty. Recognizing David as a foreshadowing of Christ helps us read the Old Testament with eyes that look to the ultimate Redeemer—Jesus—rather than trying to claim David’s heroic role for ourselves.
Reflection/Action Step
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Day 3: Jesus, the Giant-Slayer of Sin and Death
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:32–37; Hebrews 2:14–15
Devotional Thought
David confidently told Saul that he would fight Goliath on Israel’s behalf. David had already experienced God’s saving power when defending his sheep from wild animals. Now, he believed with unwavering certainty that God would rescue him—and the entire nation—from this new threat. His confidence wasn’t grounded in his own strength; it was grounded in God’s proven faithfulness.
Where David’s victory over Goliath rescued Israel from military defeat, Christ’s victory on the cross and in His resurrection rescues us from the eternal defeat of sin and death. Hebrews 2:14–15 explains that Jesus broke the power of the devil, freeing us from the fear of death. He is far more than just a moral example or wise teacher; He is the champion who steps forward when we are powerless, conquering the very enemies that terrorized us.
The analogy runs deep: just as Israel won a battle they did not personally fight, we inherit a victory we did not earn. Jesus took on sin, evil, and death—our most impossible foes—and overcame them completely. Instead of trying to replicate David’s heroics, we look to Jesus, who is the true Giant-Slayer. This perspective changes our response to challenges: we don’t need to prove ourselves “strong enough,” because Jesus has already faced and defeated the giant on our behalf.
Reflection/Action Step
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Day 4: Relying on Our Champion’s Strength
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:45–47; Ephesians 6:10–11
Devotional Thought
Goliath came with impressive weaponry—spear, sword, javelin—and a fearsome reputation. David came with a sling, five stones, and complete confidence in “the name of the Lord.” The real power didn’t lie in David’s skill or his rudimentary gear; it lay in God, the true defender of Israel. David’s bold declaration—“the battle is the Lord’s”—encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: knowing who actually wins the fight.
In the New Testament, we learn that our strength likewise comes from the Lord. Paul’s admonition to “put on the full armor of God” clarifies that our real battle is spiritual, and it cannot be fought with mere human resolve. This is good news because it means victory isn’t reliant on our personal greatness. We rely wholly on Jesus—His righteousness, His truth, His salvation. He is the Champion who equips us to stand against the enemy.
This shifts our perspective: when adversity strikes, we stand not as self-made warriors, but as participants in a victory already accomplished. Our “battle” is resisting sin, holding fast to truth, and reflecting the victory Jesus has secured. If our confidence were in ourselves, we would eventually break down. But because our Champion is Christ, our footing can be unshakable in every trial.
Reflection/Action Step
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Day 5: Sharing in the Champion’s Victory
Scripture Reading
Romans 8:31–39
Devotional Thought
After David defeated Goliath, the entire Israelite army surged forward with renewed courage. They shared in David’s victory even though it was David alone who had fought the giant. Likewise, the outcome of Jesus’ death and resurrection is that those who belong to Him share in His triumph. Paul writes in Romans 8 that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
The point here is not that we become “giant-slayers” in our own right; it’s that we benefit from the One who has already slain the giant. Because Jesus overcame sin, we are no longer condemned. Because Jesus rose from the dead, death no longer holds eternal terror over us. Because Jesus ascended and intercedes for us, we can face every trial with the assurance that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Living in the Champion’s victory means walking through life with a steadfast confidence: whether you’re dealing with personal failure, health setbacks, relationship strains, or even global crises, the final word belongs to the risen King. You do not fight for victory; you fight from victory. The invitation is to rest in Christ’s accomplished work and let that permeate your mind, heart, and actions.
Reflection/Action Step
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:1–11
“A champion named Goliath… came out of the Philistine camp… On hearing the Philistine’s words, Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” (vv.4, 11)
Devotional Thought
When we picture the David-and-Goliath story, it is tempting to cast ourselves as David—the underdog who musters up courage to defeat a giant. But if we read closely, we see that the entire Israelite army, including their king, was consumed by fear and unable to confront the threat. They had forgotten God’s power and the covenant promises that He would fight for them.
In reality, we often mirror the fearful Israelites. Whether facing life’s obstacles—illness, broken relationships, financial strain, or personal weaknesses—we can feel “dismayed and terrified.” Our first inclination may be to look for help within ourselves, only to discover we are no match for the challenges that loom large.
This is exactly the kind of situation in which God’s grace shines brightest. The people of Israel needed someone to stand in for them, to face the giant they could not. We, too, need a champion who can do what we cannot—someone whose victory we can share. The opening verses of 1 Samuel 17 remind us to acknowledge our powerlessness in the face of sin and life’s trials. Only then do we fully appreciate the magnitude of the deliverance God provides through Jesus Christ.
Reflection/Action Step
- Name Your Fear: Think about a specific situation that makes you feel helpless or afraid. Identify it, acknowledging how you relate to Israel’s fear.
- Shift Perspective: Instead of trying to suppress your fear, take a moment to confess, “I cannot fight this on my own.” Recognizing your inability sets the stage for seeing Christ’s sufficiency.
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Day 2: A Foreshadowing of the True Champion
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:12–27
“David was the son of an Ephrathite named Jesse… David left his things with the keeper of supplies, ran to the battle lines and asked his brothers how they were.” (vv.12, 22)
Devotional Thought
David’s arrival at the battlefield seems almost accidental—he was sent to deliver food to his older brothers and report back to his father. He wasn’t officially part of the army, and nobody thought he was important enough to be a real factor in the conflict. Yet Scripture reveals that God had specifically anointed David for a mission far beyond his outward appearance or status.
In a similar way, Jesus didn’t come with the fanfare and external might the world expected of a “savior.” Born in humble circumstances, He grew up in an ordinary household and was dismissed by many as just “the carpenter’s son.” Nevertheless, He was—and is—God’s anointed, arriving at exactly the right time to address humanity’s greatest crisis: the reign of sin and death.
The parallels between David and Jesus aren’t a coincidence. David’s stepping onto the battlefield to represent Israel points forward to the incarnation of Christ, who stepped into our broken world to represent all of humanity. Where David rescued his people from the threat of Goliath, Jesus rescues us from the threat of sin’s penalty. Recognizing David as a foreshadowing of Christ helps us read the Old Testament with eyes that look to the ultimate Redeemer—Jesus—rather than trying to claim David’s heroic role for ourselves.
Reflection/Action Step
- Look for Christ in the Old Testament: Next time you read an Old Testament story, ask, “How does this point to Jesus as the ultimate Savior?”
- Embrace Humble Beginnings: Consider an area of your life where you feel “ordinary” or overlooked. Remember that God loves to work through what appears modest or insignificant to fulfill His purposes.
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Day 3: Jesus, the Giant-Slayer of Sin and Death
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:32–37; Hebrews 2:14–15
“David said to Saul, ‘Let no one lose heart on account of this Philistine; your servant will go and fight him… The Lord who rescued me… will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’” (1 Sam. 17:32, 37)
“…by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.” (Heb. 2:14b–15)
Devotional Thought
David confidently told Saul that he would fight Goliath on Israel’s behalf. David had already experienced God’s saving power when defending his sheep from wild animals. Now, he believed with unwavering certainty that God would rescue him—and the entire nation—from this new threat. His confidence wasn’t grounded in his own strength; it was grounded in God’s proven faithfulness.
Where David’s victory over Goliath rescued Israel from military defeat, Christ’s victory on the cross and in His resurrection rescues us from the eternal defeat of sin and death. Hebrews 2:14–15 explains that Jesus broke the power of the devil, freeing us from the fear of death. He is far more than just a moral example or wise teacher; He is the champion who steps forward when we are powerless, conquering the very enemies that terrorized us.
The analogy runs deep: just as Israel won a battle they did not personally fight, we inherit a victory we did not earn. Jesus took on sin, evil, and death—our most impossible foes—and overcame them completely. Instead of trying to replicate David’s heroics, we look to Jesus, who is the true Giant-Slayer. This perspective changes our response to challenges: we don’t need to prove ourselves “strong enough,” because Jesus has already faced and defeated the giant on our behalf.
Reflection/Action Step
- Meditate on Christ’s Victory: In a journal or on a note app, list “giants” Christ has conquered for you—especially the giant of sin. Reflect on how that victory changes your approach to daily trials.
- Respond with Gratitude: Take time to express thanks that you no longer have to fear death. Consider how this freedom could transform the way you live.
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Day 4: Relying on Our Champion’s Strength
Scripture Reading
1 Samuel 17:45–47; Ephesians 6:10–11
“David said to the Philistine, ‘You come against me with sword and spear… but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty… for the battle is the Lord’s…’” (vv.45, 47)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God…” (Eph. 6:10–11)
Devotional Thought
Goliath came with impressive weaponry—spear, sword, javelin—and a fearsome reputation. David came with a sling, five stones, and complete confidence in “the name of the Lord.” The real power didn’t lie in David’s skill or his rudimentary gear; it lay in God, the true defender of Israel. David’s bold declaration—“the battle is the Lord’s”—encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: knowing who actually wins the fight.
In the New Testament, we learn that our strength likewise comes from the Lord. Paul’s admonition to “put on the full armor of God” clarifies that our real battle is spiritual, and it cannot be fought with mere human resolve. This is good news because it means victory isn’t reliant on our personal greatness. We rely wholly on Jesus—His righteousness, His truth, His salvation. He is the Champion who equips us to stand against the enemy.
This shifts our perspective: when adversity strikes, we stand not as self-made warriors, but as participants in a victory already accomplished. Our “battle” is resisting sin, holding fast to truth, and reflecting the victory Jesus has secured. If our confidence were in ourselves, we would eventually break down. But because our Champion is Christ, our footing can be unshakable in every trial.
Reflection/Action Step
- Assess Your Confidence: Ask yourself where your confidence really lies. Is it in your own abilities, or do you rest in Christ’s finished work and His continuing help?
- Practical Surrender: Identify one area of your life—finances, relationships, future plans—where you often take matters into your own hands. Consciously surrender that area to Jesus, acknowledging, “This battle is the Lord’s.”
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Day 5: Sharing in the Champion’s Victory
Scripture Reading
Romans 8:31–39
“In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” (v.37)
Devotional Thought
After David defeated Goliath, the entire Israelite army surged forward with renewed courage. They shared in David’s victory even though it was David alone who had fought the giant. Likewise, the outcome of Jesus’ death and resurrection is that those who belong to Him share in His triumph. Paul writes in Romans 8 that we are “more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
The point here is not that we become “giant-slayers” in our own right; it’s that we benefit from the One who has already slain the giant. Because Jesus overcame sin, we are no longer condemned. Because Jesus rose from the dead, death no longer holds eternal terror over us. Because Jesus ascended and intercedes for us, we can face every trial with the assurance that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Living in the Champion’s victory means walking through life with a steadfast confidence: whether you’re dealing with personal failure, health setbacks, relationship strains, or even global crises, the final word belongs to the risen King. You do not fight for victory; you fight from victory. The invitation is to rest in Christ’s accomplished work and let that permeate your mind, heart, and actions.
Reflection/Action Step
- Embrace Being “More Than Conquerors”: Reflect on any areas of life where you still feel defeated. Ask how the reality of Christ’s victory can transform your mindset there.
- Pay It Forward: Consider someone who needs encouragement or is feeling overwhelmed. Remind them—through Scripture, a message, or a conversation—that the real Champion has already prevailed, and we can share in His triumph.
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