“A Champion For The Lord”

A champion is defined as a person who fights for another or for a cause; a champion is a defender, protector and supporter. As Christians we must understand that there will be many occasions for a fight and many causes worth fighting for but God is in need of His champions for such a time as this!

As God’s ambassadors and soldiers we’re fighting on His behalf and these are our causes, that which is right and good. Now remember there’s no champion without a battle or cause to fight for.

Throughout history we’ve had many champions for many different causes, but we’re going to look at I Samuel 17: 1 - 53, Gods’ Biblical account of David and Goliath to identify the qualities of a champion.

In verse four Goliath is referred to as a champion not David, but David possess all of the characteristics of a Godly champion, so titles are not important, it’s what’s inside that makes you a champion, because God looks at the heart. But keep in mind that it takes a champion to defeat a champion and that’s just what David did!

Goliath issues the challenge and the conditions are given…

Principle # 1 (Vs 8) – a champion never starts a fight, but when the opportunity presents itself they rise to the challenge. Satan started the battle in the Garden of Eden, but it was God who rallied to the cause on our behalf so that we would not be eternally lost and He declared war on Satan!

Principle # 2 (Vs 17 – 22)  – A champion is submissive and obedient to authority, they’re not necessarily the person in charge. Jesus said, “I came not to do My will but the will of My Father.” You can’t be a godly champion and have a haughty spirit.

Principle # 3 (Vs 23 – 24 & 26) – A champion is provoked to action, not to fear; fear is a hindrance to our purpose. David hears the threats of Goliath but his response is not one of fear like the others.

Principle # 4 (Vs 25) – A champion never allows the opposition to become greater than the cause, never make the enemy our focus. “You are of God little children and have overcome them, because He that is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
I John4: 4

In verses 28 - 29 there’s another battle on the horizon for David, and there’s nothing worse than having to fight two wars simultaneously, but David defused what could have been another fight.

Principle # 5 (Vs 28 – 29) - A champion knows how to choose their fights and we do not allow ourselves to become distracted. This ties into our next principle.

Principle # 6 – A champion does not take things personal! Proverb 19: 11 says, “The discretion (spiritual understanding) of a man makes him slow to anger, and it is to his glory to overlook a transgression (offense).” Taking things personal makes us easily offended, and less likely to be used by God because we would be engaged in our own personal fights.
News flash…”It’s not about you!” David said, “Is there not a cause?” Nehemiah encountered the same personal attacks from Sanballat and Jesus encountered them from the religious leaders of his day but neither engaged them in personal fights.

Principle # 7 (Vs 31- 33) – A champion cannot listen to the naysayers, those who say you can’t do what God has clearly shown you to do! The naysayers can be our flesh, others and the adversary. But “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil. 4: 13

Principle # 8 – (Vs 34 – 35) A champion becomes one by personal experience with God. David expressed confidence in the LORD based on past experiences and God has an excellent track record! He’s on time, faithful, mighty, good and gracious, there’s no half stepping with God!
 
Principle # 9 (Vs 36) – A champion identifies and fights for a worthy cause. Ask yourself if it is God sent or kingdom related, is it for righteousness and is it for the good of others?

Principle # 10 (Vs 37) – A champion inspires the champion in others. We need people in our lives that inspire us and we need to inspire others, especially in the things of God.

Principle # 11 (Vs 38 – 40) – A champion is familiar with and has tested his or her weapons, and is always prepared. Eph. 6: 11 – 18 tells us we’re to put on the whole armor of God for our defense as well as our offense. We cannot use the same weapons as the enemy for II Cor. 10:3 –5 tells us that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty in God…

Principle # 12 (Vs 45 – 46) – A champion speaks words of victory. Goliath didn’t know that David had a secret weapon… “The LORD of host, the God of the armies of Israel…” In Ps 50: 15 God asks us to call upon Him in the day of trouble and He will hear and deliver us.

Principle # 13 (Vs 47) – A champion knows the first step to victory is to recognize that the battle is the LORD’s. Remember, it’s not about you! And because the battle is the LORD’s He will do whatever brings Him glory!

Principle # 14 (Vs 47) – A champion is not self-seeking. David was seeking no glory for himself, it was about God’s glory and fighting for the good of all. Phil. 2: 3 – 4 tells us to “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind esteem others better than yourself and to look out not only for your interest but also for the interest of others.”

Principle # 15 (Vs) 48 – A champion is on the offense and not the defense, we don’t run from the battle we run toward it! An example of a defensive stand is when we say things like “Why am I going through this, what have I done to deserve this.” Wipe your nose and dry up your tears there’s a fight going on and you have been chosen by God!

Principle # 16 (Vs 49 – 51) – A champion fulfills his or her purpose, secures the victory and brings glory to the Father.

There may be many opportunities to be a champion, some may be noticed but most will go un-noticed.  And we may not be crowned or titled on this side, but on the other side of eternity when we receive our crown we can honor our Lord, the One who made us champions and counted us worthy!

Email Comments

Back to Wanda's Wisdom

Back to Home Page