For Further FOCUS - 1 Samuel 17

Open It

What is your image of a totally intimidating person?

Explore It

What were the superhuman characteristics of Goliath?

What was Goliath’s challenge to the Israelites? (17:8-9)

How did Saul’s army react to the challenge? (17:11)

How did David happen to be going to the front lines?

What was happening just as David arrived where the army was camped? (17:20-23)

In David’s view, why should the Israelites not have been intimidated by Goliath? (17:26)

How confident was young David when he met the king? (17:32)

Why was Saul skeptical about David’s ability to defeat Goliath? (17:33)

What experiences helped David to believe that God would deliver him? (17:34-37)

How did David end up arming himself for the confrontation with Goliath? (17:40)

How did Goliath react when he saw David approaching? (17:42-44)

What was David’s answer to the Philistine champion’s taunts? (17:45-47)

What was David’s weapon of choice? (17:48-49)

How did the Philistines react to the defeat of their hero? (17:51-52)

How did the Israelite army follow up David’s victory? (17:52-54)

Get It

What part do words and posturing play in intimidation?

Why was the Israelite army paralyzed at the Valley of Elah?

Why was it so surprising that David took an interest in confronting the giant Goliath?

What circumstances can make a group of people lose heart?

In what sense is there a fine line between bravery and stupidity?

What viewpoint on spiritual warfare can give courage to the seemingly helpless?

In the story of David and Goliath, what "weapons" were the most powerful?

Apply It

How can you move from cowering to courage the next time you find yourself the underdog?

In what concrete way can you confront a "giant" problem or trouble with faith?