WELCOME ICEBREAKER

This is a key part of the evening. As leader and host work together to make sure everyone feels welcome. The younger the group the longer this period needs to be.

WORSHIP

Follow the protocol by coming into His presence with thanksgiving.

WORD

Key text: 1 Samuel 17:1-54

The story of David slaying Goliath is a classic for many reasons. Every one of us can identify with this story because we all face giants as we pursue going to the next level. Can you remember your first day in grade school? What was the biggest “giant” you had to deal with?

It is how we deal with the giants that will make the difference. The giant looming down the valley could take the form of the neighborhood bully while growing up. But now it takes on new forms like debt, a supervisor, discouragement, loss of a job, and problems in the family. Giants also face our community and our nation. The issue of money mismanagement in our government, racial tensions, the perversion of the justice system, the collapse of morality in our country, the national debt and the list goes on. What other giants may have been reported on last night’s news?

Note David transferred the battle from himself to the Lord in verse 45. The battle belongs to the Lord. David knew his God connection.

QUESTIONS AND RESPONSES

1. What was so intimidating about this giant?
2. What kind of shadow did Goliath cast over Israel?
3. How did David prepare to face the giant?
4. David kept stuffed lions and bears in his trophy case. What is the value of remembering past victories?
5. Not one of David's countrymen came alongside him in battle. As a home group how can we encourage each other before, during and after battles?
6. What was the ripple effect in the land once the giant fell?
7. Killing the giant was a key part in David fulfilling his destiny. How did his family members respond to him when he told the king his plan? How do those that are closest to us often respond when we pursue our destiny? How does the response of our family impact us, positively or negatively, compared with others?
8. What is the hardest part of the battle with the giants you are facing now?
   
   
   1. Trusting the Lord
   2. Courage to advance
   3. Using God’s weapons
   4. Battle fatigue
   5. Feeling alone
   6. Facing too many battles at once

WORK

Pray with those facing giants in their lives. Coastal Church Leaders please contact the church office regarding our Leadership Summit meeting. Home group leaders, apprentices and department heads will all be meeting on February 25.

Note: Sunday February 29 I will share a message in conjunction with the new movie The Passion of the Christ that will make for great discussion the following week. Please preapre to use this great film as an outreach for your group. — Pastor Dave

Has this lesson helped you? Please let us know! Email home group testimonies with this form!

David shouted in reply, “You come to me with sword, spear, and javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD Almighty--the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. Today the LORD will conquer you ... and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel...!”