Facing the Giants 2 Samuel 21:15-22 Rev. Dr. Ernest Brodie Jr.
We have all faced impossible tasks that kept us from moving forward. How do we defeat these giants? Our figurative giants or impossible tasks may be family, financial, marital, or illness, but Israel’s giants were real. Things to remember when facing giants. Conflict will come to all (verse 15). Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, were aware of all the internal conflicts in Israel and were emboldened to attack. Proverbs 16:7: “When a man's ways pleases the Lord, He maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Israel had strayed from God, and now must face the giants from Philistia. Satan looks for our weaknesses and piles on adversity. Time catches up with everyone (verse 15b). Due to age and exhaustion, David became weak during the battle. Galatians 6:9: “And let us not be weary in well doing:for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Even in spiritual areas, we can become weak. Proverbs 24:10: “If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.” Proverbs 24:16: “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Be faithful and tenacious, even if others give up. The wicked are encouraged by weakness in others (verse 16). Ishbibenob (man from Nob) was the son of Goliath (verse 16). He was eager to kill David, because David had killed his father in battle. He almost succeeded. The enemies of God are encouraged by our weaknesses. This puts us within their grasp. They are encouraged by our failures and when we turn away from God, and they are encouraged by the smell of victory. We will all need assistance at times (verses 17-22). Abishai, David’s nephew, saved David’s life (verse 17a). When facing giants, we often cannot stand alone. Even Jesus sent His disciples out two by two. There is strength in numbers. The Apostle Paul always worked with others. Why? • Encouragement - Battling the devil is emotionally exhausting. • Accountability - It keeps foolishness at bay. • Discipleship - We should be training others (2 Timothy 2:2). • Sounding board - Our ideas may seem good until they are verbalized. • The gifts and strengths of others compliment our gifts and strengths (1 Corinthians 12:12-18). • Weakness of the flesh - Everyone has physical limitations at some point. • We need each other - We may face giants that may crush us if we are alone (Galatians 6:1-6). David’s men no longer allowed him to go to battle (verse 17b). His loyal relatives slew the rest of the giants (verse 18-22). When we take a stand against giants, we may influence our families to take a stand. Things to know when facing giants. When facing giants, we must know ourselves and avoid entering into temptation. Do not become arrogant. Be prepared by getting an accurate understanding of the situation. We are insufficient without the Lord’s help. Proverbs 28:26: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool: but whoso walketh wisely, he shall be delivered. When facing giants, we must know our enemies. We cannot fight in our own strength. Many giants are of a spiritual nature. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15: “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” When facing giants, we must know the Lord. First, by trusting in Him as our Savior. Then by daily reading the Word of God and walking with Him. When facing giants, we must know the Bible. It gives us the standard for right and wrong and for truth and error. Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Ephesians 6:10-11 tells us to put on the whole armor of God. “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” We all face giants. Some giants will be illness, addictions, depression, heartache, or the flesh. We all need God’s help and the help of others. |