Called to Slay a Giant

Text: 1 Samuel 16–17

“David and Goliath”—just those words carry history. That phrase communicates so much.

Today, let’s reexamine this powerful story—when a teenager faced a giant and stepped into God’s call.

I. David Before Goliath

We first meet David in 1 Samuel 16. King Saul had failed the Lord, and God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint the next king of Israel.

Samuel visited Jesse and asked to see his sons. One by one, seven of them passed by—but none were chosen. Then:

1 Samuel 16:11–13
“So he asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’
‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered. ‘He is tending the sheep.’
Samuel said, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’
…Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’
So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.”

Imagine being the youngest of eight boys—or one of the seven who weren’t chosen. How would that feel?

Notice: The Spirit of the Lord came upon David. In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit would come and go based on obedience and God’s purposes. This happened with Saul—the Spirit left him when he disobeyed.

We don’t have that issue. Look at this promise:

Ephesians 1:13–14
“…When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…”

This is a blessing. We are sealed by the Spirit—permanently part of God’s family.

Later, Saul’s attendants searched for someone to bring him peace, and David was chosen:

1 Samuel 16:18
“I have seen a son of Jesse…who knows how to play the lyre. He is a brave man and a warrior…And the Lord is with him.”

David served Saul well, even becoming one of his armor bearers. His reputation preceded him—brave, skilled, and godly.

Eventually, David offered to fight Goliath. When Saul questioned him, David recalled his past victories:

1 Samuel 17:34–37
“When a lion or bear came and carried off a sheep…I went after it…struck it and killed it…This Philistine will be like one of them…The Lord who rescued me…will rescue me from this Philistine.”

Yes, David may have been a bit dramatic (grabbing a lion by the hair?), but his confidence in God was real. And let’s not forget—he said he killed both a lion and a bear… sounds like a Viking!

II. David Pre-Battle

Before David speaks to Saul, he’s talking with other soldiers:

1 Samuel 17:25–26
“The king will give great wealth…his daughter in marriage…and exempt his family from taxes…
David asked…‘What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine?’”

David heard the reward and asked again—just to be sure. Wealth? Royal marriage? No taxes?! He was interested!

But then, his oldest brother Eliab shows up and rebukes him:

1 Samuel 17:28
“Why have you come down here? …I know how conceited you are…you came only to watch the battle.”

Sound familiar, youngest siblings? Eliab had been there when David was anointed. Was there jealousy?

Eliab was the firstborn—he would traditionally receive the blessing. But God often flips the script: “The last shall be first.”

Saul eventually offers David his armor:

1 Samuel 17:38–39
“David fastened on his sword…tried walking around…‘I cannot go in these,’ he said…So he took them off.”

When facing our giants, we must trust that God has already equipped us. Saul tried to prepare David with his methods, but David chose to fight in the way God had prepared him.

III. David in the Battle

Let’s look at Goliath:

1 Samuel 17:4–7
Goliath was over 9 feet tall. His armor weighed 126 pounds. His spear tip alone weighed 15 pounds!

This man was massive—he made André the Giant (7’4″) look small. He terrified all of Israel.

1 Samuel 17:16
“For forty days the Philistine came forward every morning and evening and took his stand.”

Forty days of taunting. No one dared face him—until David.

David, with courage from God, prepared for battle:

1 Samuel 17:40
“He took his staff…chose five smooth stones…with his sling in his hand, he approached the Philistine.”

David brought a shepherd’s tools—his familiar instruments of defense. From Psalm 23, we know: “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Now, the main event:

1 Samuel 17:41–51
Goliath mocked him: “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?”
David replied, “You come against me with sword and spear, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty…”
Then he ran toward the battle line, slung a stone, and struck Goliath in the forehead.
The giant fell.
David used Goliath’s own sword to cut off his head. The Philistines fled.

IV. The Result

1 Samuel 17:52–53
“The men of Israel and Judah surged forward…pursued the Philistines…and plundered their camp.”

The same army that was frozen in fear for 40 days now surged with boldness—because of one young man’s faith and obedience.

David was likely 16–19 years old. A teenager led the nation into victory.

So I ask: Who will be the David in your family, in this church?

• Will you be the one who answers God’s call?

• Will you be the husband or father who steps up spiritually?

Key Lessons

1. The Lord will be with you.

2. Faith in God brings courage.

3. With God, you can do the impossible.

What Giants Are You Called to Slay?

• A broken relationship or marriage?

• A spirit of grumbling or discouragement?

• A lack of love for your enemy? Or your neighbor?

What is the giant God is calling you to slay today?

Discussion Questions

1. What stands out most to you about David’s preparation and confidence before facing Goliath?

2. How does David’s refusal to wear Saul’s armor speak to our own struggles with comparison or inauthenticity?

3. What does this story teach us about how God prepares us for our personal battles?

4. Can you think of a “giant” in your life that has kept you frozen in fear? What would it look like to face it in faith?

5. How might your faith and obedience influence others around you to trust God more?