Every great story has a natural progression, and Old Testament narratives are no exception. These texts often follow a clear arc: rising action, conflict, climax, and resolution. Previously I’ve talked about how this plays out in the story of David and Goliath. The rising action builds as Goliath taunts Israel, the conflict deepens with Saul’s fear and inaction, the climax arrives when David confronts the giant with nothing but a sling and faith, and the resolution comes with Goliath’s defeat and Israel’s triumph. When you honor the flow of a story like this in your preaching, you draw people into the drama that already exists within scripture. The goal is for us to make the congregation feel the truth of the text as Jonathan Edwards said, “I should think of myself in the way of my duty to raise the affections (emotions) of my hearers as high as possibly I can, provided that they are affected with nothing but truth.” If a conservative giant in the world of Theology had that perspective, perhaps we should as well.
So the spirit of a sermon isn’t just about what happens—it’s also about how it’s told. As you are telling the story, incorporate the senses. For example, in the story about David and Abishai sneaking into Saul’s camp (1 Sam 26:3-8), you could talk about the smells and sounds of thousands of sleeping men of war. This technique helps immerse listeners in the scene. You can even pick out details in the narrative that seem odd or puzzling to you, because the people in the pews are likely wondering the same thing. In 1 Samuel 26:11 and then 22, we learn that David took the spear and jug of water from Saul but only returned the spear – while keeping the water jug. Small details like these show the reader that you are paying attention to details, and invite them to do the same thing.
Once you tell the relevant part of the story, pausing at each section of your plot outline, you can make relevant applications and bring in other relevant scripture. This series of articles has focused on David and Goliath, and used the following outline:
Now, the preacher can work on connecting the audience to the story at each plot point. At this point, the preacher can move from description to prescription. You can mention that David faced a challenge in the form of a Giant, while the audience may face challenges in the form of a dishonest boss, or a family member who has cheated them. Then you can mention that all of us are probably facing some sort of a challenge right now. You can tell them that’s the challenge you want them to think about the rest of the morning, to see what God has to tell them about that situation.
In the preaching the rising action section, you might turn the end of the descriptive portion to reminding the reader of the fact that David was the youngest, overlooked child in a seemingly insignificant assignment. Then describe a few situations that your audience may be in that feel overlooked or insignificant. At this point you should use a tone that conveys empathy, and reminds your congregation that you have dealt with that emotion too. It might be a time to connect with the audience by sharing a personal anecdote or testimony.
Next, as this episode climaxes and we remind the congregation that Victory comes from the Lord, tell a story or two of how God has won a victory in some congregation members’ lives. You don’t have to name names to show how powerful God is, sometimes people will raise their hand and say “that’s me!” This approach builds engagement and allows people to personally identify with the message. I’ve seen this happen in a call for baptism when an evangelist mentioned that one Sunday a couple was watching online at home during an early service, then got convicted about Baptism and drove to the church for the late service to get baptized. The couple raised their hands and said “that’s us!” The evangelist didn’t use their names, but told a true story (that’s very important) that people were so excited about, they couldn’t help but testify to God’s goodness.
In the fourth section, that shows how faith inspires others (David’s victory emboldened Israel for victory), you might also attempt to communicate the emotions that come along with seeing a victory. If you have a congregation with many veterans, you might tell a short historical story from WW2. If not, you could tell a short sports story of an inspirational moment that led a team to a turnaround. Tailoring examples to your congregation’s experiences will make this more impactful. Then point the listener to the way that God wants them to share their story of victory with others once it happens so that their small group, or even the entire church can be inspired just like Israel was and just like that unit or team was.
Then in the last section, as you describe David’s identity as the true leader of Israel, do it in a way that allows you to easily point to the similarities between David and Jesus. Be theologically clear about the differences but also the parallels. I like to crescendo during the parallels so that my wife and friends will say, “I could tell you really like to talk about that stuff.” You probably have a tone like that too. This personal touch adds warmth and relatability. Then you can clearly communicate the gospel as an invitation to accept Jesus as the true leader for your life.
So the final outline that you use in preaching this text may look something like:
- Facing Giant Challenges
- Highlight the overwhelming challenge posed by Goliath and Israel’s fear, setting the stage for God’s power to be revealed.
- Maybe you have a dishonest boss, or a family member who has cheated you. We all face challenges.
- What giant challenges do you face today? We all have one. This story can show you how to properly handle that challenge.
- Focus on God, not your status in comparison to the challenge
- Introduce David as a faithful and unlikely hero whose confidence in God sets him apart.
- God can use ordinary people like you. Even if you feel insignificant, or unimportant.
- The point is to focus on God, and trust him more than you fear the challenge.
- Victory comes by trusting the Lord
- Show how David’s declaration of faith and God’s power leads to victory.
- Share a story or two of how God has changed a congregant’s life or circumstances.
- How can we trust God? How can we be faithful to the last thing he gave us to do? How can we live a purposeful life for Jesus in the midst of a challenge?
- Faith Inspires Others
- Key Idea: David’s victory emboldens Israel, showcasing how faith can inspire others.
- Short inspirational quote or story that was the catalyst for turning something around.
- Our faith can encourage others to trust God. Who is watching our faith in action? Family? Co-workers? Teammates?
- David’s significance points to Christ’s significance
- Key Idea: The conclusion shifts focus to David’s identity, hinting at his future as king.
- This battle is more than a victory, it points to God’s plan for David to lead Israel. Biblically speaking, David points us to Christ. Faith in Jesus results in victory over death and sin, and it brings eternal life.
- Have you made Jesus Christ the leader and king of your life?
