We face many Giants in life, like Loneliness, Fear, and Shame. But our God is greater than them all. As the life of David shows us, when we put our Faith, Hope, and Love into God, He will give us the power to defeat any giant.
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Giants Lessons Overview:
Weeks 1-4
Memory Verse: “My faithful God, answer me when I call out to you. Give me rest from my trouble. Have mercy on me. Hear my prayer.” Psalm 4:1 (NIRV)
Lessons:
Impatience
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, David Anointed
God instructed Samuel to anoint David, king of Israel, but David had to wait many years and go through many trials before he actually took the throne. Sometimes we have to wait for God's promise, but we can have faith that our patience will be rewarded.
Objective: Little ones will say, “With God I can be patient.”
Loneliness
Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:14-23, David in Saul's Service
King Saul was racked with feelings of anger, sadness, and loneliness. David was brought to play for the king and lift his spirits. When we feel sad and alone, we can have faith that God will bring people into our lives to help us.
Objective: Little ones will say, “With God I am never alone.”
Fear
Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:32-49, The Giant Goliath
When Goliath offered his challenge to Israel's army, all of the soldiers were too afraid to fight. But David was not afraid even though he was just a boy. He had faith that God would give him victory.
Objective: Little ones will say, “With God I am not afraid.”
Faith
Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:16-42, David and Jonathan
Saul wanted to kill David, but David had faith in God to protect him and faith in his friend Jonathan to help him escape. We can have faith that God will see us through whatever struggles we face.
Objective: Little ones will say, “I can put my faith in God.”
Weeks 5-8
Memory Verse: “Be strong, all you who put your hope in the Lord. Never give up.” Psalm 31:24 (NIRV)
Lessons:
Anger
Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-19, David Spares Saul's Life
King Saul was so filled with anger that he chased after David and tried to kill him. When Saul went into a cave where David and his men were hiding, David did not repay anger with anger but showed Saul mercy. David put his hope in God to take care of everything.
Objective: Little ones will say, “I will talk to God when I am angry.”
Unforgiveness
Scripture: 1 Samuel 25:4-24 & 25:35-38, Abigail and Nabal
When Nabal mistreated David's soldiers, David held anger and unforgiveness in his heart. Only after Nabal's wife Abigail came to David, his heart softened and he made peace.
Objective: Little ones will say, “I will forgive others.”
Shame
Scripture: 2 Samuel 6:12-22, David Dances
When the Ark of the Covenant returned to Jerusalem, King David was so excited he danced with joy before the Lord. His wife, Michal, told David that he should be ashamed of himself for such behavior, but David knew there was nothing wrong with praising and worshiping God.
Objective: Little ones will say, “I can praise God every day.”
Hope
Scripture: 2 Samuel 9:1-13, David and Mephibosheth
When David became king, the former king's relative, Mephibosheth, was brought before him. Mephibosheth didn't have much hope that David would treat him well, but David showed him great kindness and care.
Objective: Little ones will say, “I can have hope because God is good.”
Weeks 9-12
Memory Verse: “I am sure that your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life. And I will live in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 (NIRV)
Lessons:
Temptation
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:1-9, Nathan Confronts David
David gave into temptation, a decision that led to many evil deeds. When we let temptation take control, we invite all kinds of terrible things to happen. If David, a man after God’s own heart can be tempted, we certainly must be on our guard against the giant of temptation.
Objective: Little ones will say “I can pray when I am tempted.”
Sin
Scripture: 2 Samuel 12:13-14, David Repents
The prophet Nathan confronted King David about his sinful behavior against Bathsheba and Uriah. David realized the sinfulness of his actions and sought forgiveness from God.
Objective: Little ones will say “I can ask for forgiveness when I sin.”
Sadness
Scripture: 2 Samuel 18:1-9 & 18:33-19:4, The Death of Absalom
David's son Absalom, went to war against King David in the hopes of taking over as king. Despite Absalom's terrible behavior, David loved him very much, and was filled with sadness when Absalom died.
Objective: Little ones will say “I can pray when I am sad.”
Love
Scripture: 1 Kings 2:1-12, David Says Goodbye
At the end of his life, David remembered the goodness, blessings, and most of all, love of God. We all can look back at times when God showed his love for us.
Objective: Little ones will say “I can thank God for loving me.”
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