Passage
1 Samuel 17:1-16 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
Goliath Taunts Israel
Date: May. 4, 2018
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 17:11
1. The Philistine champion (1-7)
The Philistines were Israel's long-term adversaries during Saul and David's lifetimes. At this time the two nations' armies faced each other for a climactic battle. The Philistines revealed that they had a warrior named Goliath who had almost superhuman size and strength. He looked indestructible. God's people have very powerful enemies.
2. The Israelites are terrified (8-16)
Goliath stepped forward and offered a deal to the Israelites, to let a one-on-one battle decide the future of both nations. But the real purpose of Goliath's words was to terrify Israel. It was a spiritual attack. The power of fear in our hearts is a deadlier foe than Goliath. Saul and all the Israelites were dismayed and terrified, because there seemed to be no one who could face Goliath. In fact, it was a lack of faith in the power of God.
Prayer: Lord, help me not give in to fear, which is the opposite of faith. Grant me spiritual eyes to see your power, which is greater than any Goliath's power.
One Word: Faith, not fear
