The book of Ephesians gives a roadmap on how to fight the spiritual battle with the armor of God:
1. Father (Spiritual
Blessings): Eph. 1:3-19
2. Jesus (Jesus’ Authority
at Right Hand of God): Eph. 1:18-22
3. Church (Seated with Jesus): Eph. 2:6-10
4. Principalities and Powers (Grace Witness of Defeat):
Eph. 3:10
5. Church Versus Principalities and Powers (Stand Firm
Against Satan’s Schemes): Eph. 6:10-20 (Specific
Schemes: Eph. 4:26-32)
We see these spiritual principles of warfare illustrated in David’s physical battle against the Philistine champion, Goliath, which enabled him to stand before King Saul (1 Sam. 17). Prov. 22:28-29 says a man skilled in his work will stand before kings if he doesn’t move the ancient boundaries (putting on armor of God begins with the truth of God’s word).
The Philistines stood on one side of the mountain and Israel on the other side, with the valley between them. A champion from the Philistine army named Goliath came out and shouted to Israel, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? . . . Choose a man for yourselves . . . If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” Saul and all Israel feared greatly (1 Sam. 17:1-11). The evil one challenges you to make a choice: serve satan (world, flesh or devil) or God?
David was Jesse’s youngest son, while his three oldest brothers followed Saul into battle. David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock at Bethlehem. Goliath came every morning and evening for 40 days to take his stand. Jesse had David take food and look into the welfare of his brothers who fought against the Philistines (1 Sam. 17:12-19). Choosing who to serve is a daily and unceasing process as you go through your normal routine.
David ran to the battle line to greet his brothers. When Goliath defied Israel yet again, great fear caused them to flee from him. For whoever killed Goliath, the king would provide great riches, give his daughter to him and make his father’s house free from taxes in Israel. David said, “For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” David’s brothers burned in anger against him for coming down to see the battle (1 Sam. 17:20-30). You either embrace God’s reward by serving Him or stop persecution from friends and family by serving the world, flesh and devil.
When David told Saul he would fight Goliath, Saul said he was but a youth while Goliath a warrior from his youth. David said Goliath would be like killing the lion and bear “since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” Because the Lord delivered him from wild animals, He would deliver him from Goliath. Instead of using Saul’s untested armor, David took a stick, five smooth stones and sling to approach Goliath (1 Sam. 17:31-40). To serve God, you must be grounded in God’s truth and understand His power by putting on His armor.
By his gods, Goliath cursed David’s armor of sticks. Goliath said that he would give David’s flesh to the birds of the sky and beasts of the field. David said, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted.” David was confident the Lord would deliver Goliath and Philistine army to the birds and beasts so the earth and assemble would know there’s a God in Israel and the Lord does not deliver by sword and spear “for the battle is the Lord’s and He will give you into our hands.” David struck Goliath on his forehead and he fell on his face to the ground (1 Sam. 17:41-49). Both the world and the church must see that God is alive and He fights the battle, not you.
David prevailed over Goliath with a sling and stone, but there was no sword in David’s hand. He took Goliath’s sword, killed and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw their champion dead, they fled. Israel pursued the Philistines and plundered their camps. David brought Goliath’s head to Jerusalem, but put his weapons in his tent (1 Sam. 17:50-54). You must rely completely on God’s weapons of prayer and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, for the outcome.
Saul asked David, “Whose son are you, young man?” David said, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite” (1 Sam. 17:55-58). A person skilled in his work and ministry by relying on God’s power stands before kings.
Are you emphasizing in your life the most important spiritual boundary or landmark, which is truth or Scripture, the first one mentioned in putting on the armor of God (Eph. 6:14, Prov. 22:28)? If you are, then you can be skilled in your work and stand before kings like David (Prov. 22:29).
