The giant’s incredible size loomed over the valley as he hurled his insults toward the
armies of Israel. He was a champion among the Philistine warriors, and everyone knew
why: he was huge! Several feet taller than the average man, no one could hope to
survive hand to hand combat with Goliath of Gath. No one, that is, except a youngster
named David. Armed with faith in God, David displayed remarkable courage as he
challenged and then defeated this giant of a man. His confrontation with Goliath is a
truly remarkable display of faith, courage, conviction, impressing on us the victory God
gives those who rely on Him (1 Samuel 17).
David’s brothers scolded him when they heard of his proposal to fight Goliath. David’s
response was simple and persuasive: “Is there not a cause?” (1 Samuel 17:29). His
declaration reminds us that even today there are many giants that defy the army of the
living God. Causes still exist that move the faithful to action. We are in the Lord’s army,
and our faith equips us to fight His foes (Ephesians 6:10-18). When the enemy seems
much too large for us to defeat, our faith must cling to the power and truth of God. God
assures victory to His people who trust and obey Jesus Christ (Revelation 11:15;
17:14).
The enemy of false doctrine must be battled. Contending for the faith is not fashionable
to many these days (Jude 3-4). When a soldier of the cross engages in a battle of faith
with a false teacher over his false doctrine, the advocate of error often gets more
sympathy, respect and encouragement than the one standing for the truth.
Nevertheless, wherever error tries to infiltrate the church and hold men captive, a cause
exists that compels the faithful to action (Galatians 2:4-5). Do you join the brothers of
David in faithlessly rebuking faithful conflict against error? Or, in the day of battle, do
you join the fray and hold up the hands of those fighting the good fight of faith?
The enemy of worldliness is a formidable giant which we must engage in battle. The
world defies the armies of the living God every day. Living amidst the enticements of the
world induces some Christians to retreat from the high and holy ground they have
gained with Christ as their Captain (Hebrews 12:1-2). Soldiers of Christ can be
intimidated into silence and inaction by this giant enemy of faith. Others succumb to the
power of worldliness (1 Peter 2:11-12; 2 Peter 2:18-22; Romans 13:12-14; Galatians
5:19-21). Like David, we must stand our ground by living holy lives, trusting in God to
deliver us from the enemy’s assaults (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The enemy of complacency is an insidious giant. Infecting Christians with a lethargic
approach to godliness, complacency is an intimidating opponent. Complacency leads to
neglect, procrastination, toleration, and compromise with sin. Complacency prevents the
lost from being Christians. It causes the strong to grow weak and the weak to grow
weaker. However, through faith, this giant can also be slain (Romans 12:11).
David knew the urgency of stopping the mouth of Goliath. Like David, we must assess
the causes for which we fight to be sure we are on the Lord’s side (Matthew 12:30).
Then, as soldiers of Christ, let us engage the enemy. With faith in God and His power to
deliver us from the foe, let us “fight the good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12; cp. 2
Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-13).
