In life, we have a choice: to succumb to “Grasshopper Syndrome”—characterized by insecurity, fear, and lack of faith—or to adopt the mentality of a “Giant Killer,” someone who triumphs over seemingly insurmountable challenges.
REVIEW: To overcome the ‘Grasshopper Syndrome’ and be winners, we need to be aware of what we hear, see, and say.
- READ: Numbers 14:6-10 “But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes;”“and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying: “The land we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. “If the LORD delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land which flows with milk and honey.’ “Only do not rebel against the LORD, nor fear the people of the land, for they are our bread; their protection has departed from them, and the LORD is with us. Do not fear them.”All the congregation members said to stone them with stones. Now, the glory of the LORD appeared in the tabernacle of meeting before.
- DISCUSS: Comparing Joshua and Caleb to the other spies in Numbers 13-14, what specific attitudes and actions set them apart as "Giant Killers"? How can we apply their mindset of faith and confidence in our own lives when facing challenges?
REVIEW: We should make affirmations every morning to remind us who God is and who we are.
- READ: 1 Samuel 17:41-46 ‘So the Philistine came, and began drawing near to David, and the man who bore the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him; for he was only a youth, ruddy and good-looking. So the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and the beasts of the field!” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with 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 defied. “This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the camp of the Philistines to the birds of the air and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. “Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give you into our hands.”
- DISCUSS: How can we emulate David's declaration of faith in our daily lives, and what practical steps can we take to strengthen our trust in God when facing our own "Goliaths"?
REVIEW: Jesus has given every New Testament believer a wonderful promise and a mission.
- READ: Ephesians 3:20 ‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
Ephesians 6:10-20 “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.”
DISCUSS: Reflecting on Paul's perspective in Ephesians 6:10-20, where he views life as a spiritual battle, how does this view contrast with the mindset of "Grasshopper Syndrome"? What spiritual disciplines or practices can help Christians cultivate a "Giant Killer" mentality in their spiritual warfare?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
For help focusing on Jesus, trusting in his plan, supporting his people, and celebrating his work.