This is week 2 of an 8 week study of David. The Bible says David was a man after God's own heart. What does that mean? David is a complex man; David is a servant and a leader, a sinner and a redeemed child of God, an instrument of God's creative purposes. God looked at David out in the foothills of Bethlehem tending sheep, and God says, "There's my man".

Today's reading is a familiar one - the story of David and Goliath. Many times in life we face scary situations; a job change, the death of a loved one or a life-threatening illness. How do we respond to situations that seem intimidating, overwhelming and scary?

In this passage, David doesn't face a bear or a mountain lion; he faces a mountain of a man named Goliath. What we will soon see is this battle is not between David and Goliath, but GOD and Goliath!

Our readings for this week: 1 Samuel 17.

Plan to join us this Sunday morning at 10:30am or go to our FB page to link to Youtube live on Sunday mornings or anytime on our website redoakpresbyterianchurch.com

Questions to think about:

1. Humanely speaking, why were the Israelites justly terrified of Goliath (verses 1-11)?

2. Why do you think David's brother is so harsh with him (vv. 28-30)?

3 From a human standpoint, why was David an unlikely choice as the champion of Israel (vv. 15, 33, 38-40)?

4. What risk was Saul taking in allowing David to fight Goliath (v. 8-9)?

5. Normally we select people who are humanly qualified to do a job. Likewise, we normally take on responsibilities for which we feel qualified. Does faith remove the need for human qualifications? Why or why not? When is it proper to trust God to overcome our deficiencies?

6. What do you find most significant in David's understanding of God as revealed in his words to Goliath in 17: 45-47?

7. How can previous spiritual victories encourage us when facing future battles?

8. What "Goliaths" are you currently facing - either at work, home or in your personal life?

9. In this chapter, how does David confront not only Goliath but also our myths of human adequacy?