Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1889-08-30
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Int Lcsson-scpt, 1.


TOpIC.-The Obeilent Triumphant.
LESSON ouTLlNE-l. Conildenco IN the
Lord, VS.. a2-S7. 2, Fearless before, the Foe, VS..
GOT DEN TE2T~ii God be for ,f u.s. who Z; can
be agninst us ?-Romnns sal.
CENTRAL. TRUTIi-NictOry over evil through
faith In God by the wise use Of means.
LESSON CONNECTION.
Saul was troubled with IAN evil spirit
from the Lord" This will be learned
by reading the entire history that in
tervenes between the preceding lesson
and this one. This must be read in
order to understand the events here
detailed. The shepherd-boy became
armor bearer to the king, and soothed
him by playing on his harp. 1t seems,
however, that David had returned to
his sheep.fold at Bethlehem. The
Philistines had again invaded Israel.
David's brothers were in Sauls army,
and Jesse sent David with provisions to
his brethe,n, and to learn how they
Jared. Goliath had challenged the
entire army of Israel, to decide the
battle in single combat. For forty days
this challenge was repeated. David
heard the defiance, and began inquiries,
when he was rebuked by his overbear-
ing brother. Duvid's inquiries were
brought to the notice of Saul, which
uo W tiC ltSSoll
tion.
LESSON CHARACTERS.
Time-About three years after the
last lesson.
Place-In the valley of Elah, fourteen
miles southwest of Jerusalem. A
ravine separated the two armies.
Goliatb-A giant of the Anakin tribe,
over nine feet high. He had brazen
coat OF mail weighing 157 pounds. His
spear-head weighed 10 pounds. He had
shield bearer, leaving his hands free.
David, son OF Jesse. skilled in music,
an adept in the use of the sling hls fav-
orite weapon. He had largely developed,
physically and spiritually, since he
charmed away the evil spirit from Saul
several years before.
Lesson SUGGESTIONS.
The story of David and Goliath pos
sesses a singular fascination. Its charm
for children lies in the spirit of adven-
ture, but TO the thoughtful mind it is
found in the suggestive picture of the
conflict which is ever raging between
might and right, good and evil, the
friends and enemies of God.
The practical lessons may be found
along the lines of Davids preparation
and equipment for his encounter with
the giant. We may, however, first
notice the giants which have now to be
fought. Those in our own hearts are,
Passion, Pride, Selfishness, Unbelief,
Worldliness. These around us are, In.
temperance, Vice, Dishonesty, Unbelief,
Self-seeking.
1. The Untried Armor. The coat OF
mail, helmet and sword were the same
sort of equipments as that used by the
oppnny Dayid pnickly cou, that tbax,
were not his best means of defense.
Only familiar weapon would do for
so important a conflict.
1.-The great danger that besets the
christian is that of attempting to fight
with the worlds weapons. The world
ling will always overcome him when lie
does so, because the christian in such
armour is not at home. Let him 60
fourth with the cross of Christ in Ills
hand, and by that he will conquer but
if he seeks lower weapon, and try to
fight with force of law, or with earthly
philosophy, or with mere social expe-
dients, he will inevitably fail. "-Tay lor.
2, The Proved Weapons. Daily use
had given David skill in using the sling.
He had become good shot" by prac-
tice. He was wise enough to make use
of simple though tried weapon.
Every person CAN do best with the
weapon with which he is most familiar
and has the most skill. If we are to
overcome giants, it will be by accustom-
ing ourselves TO the use OF
the sword of the Spirit in daily life. 1t
is too late when the giant attacks us, to
learn the use of our weapons."-Dr.
Peloubet.
3. Humility, Courage, Faith. The
crowning interest in the story of David's
conflict is found, however. in the spirit
which animated him. He looked not
for personal honor and glory, but for
the success of right. He realized his
dependence on God, as the only source
of strength. His courage was based
upon his faith.
FOR THE PRIMARY TEACHER.
We have the stoiy of n very interes-
ting battle. Two armies are stationed
opposite each other on the hill.sides.
Between them runs brook. One army
is the Israelites, the other their enemies,
the Philistines. Tell the whole of the
story of Goliath's challenge and of
DavId's coming TO the camp and accept
ing it. We can almost hear Goliath's
mighty voice 81 defy the armies of
Israel this day give me a man, that we
may fight together" David has put
aside the heavy armor. and is getting
the stones to Use in his sling. The con-
tinuation of the story here is unnecessary
as il Is SO familiar to every teacher. Be
sure to make it as vivid as possible,
emphasizing the skill of David, which
had come by Practice, his courage,
which was the result of his trust in
Gods help, his reliance upon strength
greater than his own, and his victory,
which came by the assistance OF the
Lord.
Is there any giant now that the boys
and girls have to meet Yes as truly
as there was Goliath for David, there
is one for every boy and girl. 1t Is a
giant that assumes many forms, meets
us in many places, and is anxious TO
overcome us. 1t is the giant SIN, and
from the story of David we learn how
we may conquer. We may take as our
stones to hurl at this giant the words of
the Bible. 1t was in this way Jesus
overcame the tempter. A boy who
had to meet the giant covetousness
used the stone Thou, God, seest me-"
a gIrl who had TO meet the giant sell
fishness, used the verse, Even Christ
pleased not himself" Another whose
giant was her unruly tongue, used the
stone, "Speak not evil"
We learn, too, from David another
very useful lesson. In fighting against
SIN we need Gods help. 1t was because
he had that, that David overcame
Goliath. Our Golden Text will help us
To remember this. "If God be for us,
who can be against usf" God is
greater than sin his help is greater
than temptation if we trust in him
we shall be more than eouquerors.