ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH SERMON OUTLINES
Be A Goal-oriented Believer
Text: I Samuel 17:32-33 IBCSWS October 28, 2007
Preacher: Pastor Jose B. Cabajar
A goal-oriented believer will never be a loser. His faith-triggered life will garner much reward because his hope is in the Lord. His steps of faith will reach milestone after milestone of success and the Living God will be exalted through his well-lived life.
Christians are never meant to be losers, but to be winners. Christians must realize who they are in this present world and what they really have in Christ, and surely, they will gain hope which will give them a good jumpstart in pursuing their God-impressed goals. The fact that we are on the Lord’s side and have the Holy Spirit working in us, surely put us in a position to achieve good success.
David was a God-fearing, goal-oriented and prudent believer whose life was used by God to demonstrate His power because he possessed the needed faith and courage to face the challenges of life. In his prime of youth and strength, he attained historic victories and inspired many to trust in the Living God.
As we see the worsening condition of the world, we must realize our vital role each of us has to play in this sin-darkened place. We must do something to shine for Christ till He comes. We need to be sensitive toward God-impressed goals in our hearts and to seriously work on them to achieve. God could use us marvelously if we only take heed of His important and beneficial instructions.
Taking note of David’s excellent attitude toward setting goals will motivate us to take a big step of faith and face courageously the Goliaths of our lives.
(I) Accept Rewarding Challenges Of Life
I Samuel 17:32-33
-Be optimistic
Optimistic people are wiser and stronger than the giants of the world. Behind the believer’s optimism is his strong faith in the Lord. Look through the eyes of faith and see what God has prepared for you.
-Take advantage of the prime time of your life
The prime of youth and strength are said to be the most productive years of one’s life, but it would be in vain if not being used for the glory of God. Every Christian should use the remaining years of his life in proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and in contributing good image to Christian faith and practices.
-Look back on what God has done for you
David was not discouraged of what the people told him concerning Goliath because he looked back on what God has done for him. He trusted the Lord and counted the challenge as another stepping stone to victory. Don’t be afraid of challenges. Accept them and God will reward your faith.
In I Samuel 17:34-37, it is written, And David said unto Saul, Thy servant kept his father's sheep, and there came a lion, and a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock: And I went out after him, and smote him, and delivered it out of his mouth: and when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and smote him, and slew him. Thy servant slew both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing he hath defied the armies of the living God. David said moreover, The LORD that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, he will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said unto David, Go, and the LORD be with thee. (KJV) We must keep in mind and ponder the things God has done for us so we may be strengthened and become courageous to face any challenge we encounter in life.
(II) Rely On God
I Samuel 17:34-45
-Don’t rely on other people
David’s undeniable secret of success was his reliance to God and His Word. True believers must be reliant on the Lord in all areas of life and even more as they handle critical and sensitive matters in life. He who puts his trust in the Lord will be trusted by God. Consequently, he will attain extraordinary success and God will be glorified through his Spirit-controlled life.
(III) Exalt God In A Remarkable Way
I Samuel 17:46-58
-Have a God-centered goal
Christ-centered goals are being blest by God. David gained the loving-favor of God because his goal to defeat Goliath was God-glorifying whereas Goliath’s words were defiant to the Almighty God.
In I Samuel 17:45-46, it is written, Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. (KJV) Set a God-centered goal, work on to achieve it with the help of God and exalt Him in a remarkable way.
-Be courageous (vs23-24)
True courage is always triggered by faith. David was so courageous because he believed that his God is more powerful than the gods of the Philistines. He who doubts the power of God will surely be led to mediocrity and cowardice. Take courage and exalt the Lord God Almighty. In I Samuel 17:40, it says, And he took his staff in his hand, and chose him five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in a shepherd's bag which he had, even in a scrip; and his sling was in his hand: and he drew near to the Philistine. (KJV) True courage can not be intimidated even by the presence of the shadow of death, and such courage was present in David’s life.
-Inspire others
David did a heroic act against Goliath and his victory inspired many people. Inspire others by your strong faith and God-given opportunity to excel and exalt the Living God.
In I Samuel 17:50-52, it is written, So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and smote the Philistine, and slew him; but there was no sword in the hand of David. Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled. And the men of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until thou come to the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. (KJV)
-Stay humble
God-glorifying victories are specially prepared for believers with unquestionable humility. God resists the proud, but his sufficient grace is always available to the humble. David’s humility was apparent when he defeated Goliath.
In I Samuel 17:58, it is written, And Saul said to him, Whose son art thou, thou young man? And David answered, I am the son of thy servant Jesse the Bethlehemite. (KJV)
Set great goals, live by faith, stay humble and the Lord will use you in a significant way for His honor and glory.
ILAGAN BAPTIST CHURCH
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