Chose Your Weapons Well
Read the story found in 1 Samuel 17.
David has arrived at the battle to deliver a care package to his older brothers. He has seen the giant challenge Israel and even more God. He has decided that he will defend the challenge to (and honor of) God.
v 37 …and Saul said unto David “Go, and the Lord be with thee’.
King Saul wants to be part of this fight so he offers his armor and weapons to David. (Saul’s Pride) (of course he didn’t go to the fight).
v 38, 39 David tries his armor and arms and decides to use his own trusted weapons.
Remember WE are in a spiritual battle also. We need to be spiritually armed. Compare David’s weapons to our weapons.
David’s list of weapons:
1. A Staff
This testified that David was a shepherd. Our first weapon has got to be a good testimony. If we don’t have a testimony of salvation then we aren’t even in the battle, in fact we are on the other side. If our testimony is poor we will be like David’s brothers.
2. Stones, second in the list (see more later)
3. A shepherd’s bag
This is where a shepherd carries all his valuables, his food. Without this pouch he’s have to carry everything in his hands and would have difficulty in defending himself. Our third weapon. This pouch is likened to our hearts. Here is where we store all things of value.
4. A sling
This is a very valuable weapon, it gives him the ability to reach out and slay the enemy. (Judges 20:16 illustrates how accurate these weapons are). Our forth weapon is our Bible, a two edged sword, a weapon to reach out.
Yes, David had his weapons. He had chosen them well. He knew how to use them and he was ready to meet his foe. Are your weapons ready to meet your foe?
What about weapon number 2? The stones v 40 …and chose five smooth stones.
Why smooth? (Round) they fly truer
Why 5 stones? He only needed one to fell the giant. Lack of trust? Nay, Goliath had 4 brothers (2 Sam 22:15-22) and David was prepared for them.
These stones became projectiles, they are what made the ling dangerous, without the stones the sling was a useless weapon, an empty threat. These stones are to David what Bible Verses are to Christians. The devil doesn’t care if you own a Bible, or 6 Bibles as long as you don’t use it. If you don’t know what your Bible teaches it as useless as a sling without a stone.
Let’s give names to these 5 stones:
1 ⟶ SALVATION: first you have to have it (Romans 10:9-13) and second you have to know you are saved (1 John 5:13, John 20:31).
2 ⟶ Forgiveness of Sin: How many Christians walk around depressed, defeated, because they have sinned! Get forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and live like it.
3 ⟶ Know His eternal presence: He is always with us. (Mathew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5)
4 ⟶ Know His concern: He loves us and wants our best. (Romans 8:31-39)
5 ⟶ He wants us to be winners (Soul). Share your faith (1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 24-26)
Paul says it best in Ephesians 6:11-17: Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
It is a daily spiritual Battle. We need to stand, in the strength of the LORD, and He has provided the weapons.
Remember, you are already in the Battle.
The only question is, which side?
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