True Victory
True Victory / 1 Samuel 17:1-58
(Series: Bible Overview #2 of 54)
One Main Truth: God is Victorious, Therefore I am victorious
New to GameLife 123 Bible Discovery? Click here to see lesson essentials & how to use the “Three Thirds Method.”
In the Game: “You are Victorious in the Game because Your Representative is Victorious”
In the Bible: “Israel is Victorious because Israel’s Representative David is Victorious”
In Your Life: “You are Victorious because Your Representative Jesus is Victorious”
1 GAME: Rock Paper Scissors
- Find a partner to play against.
- On the count of three, make a fist with your hand.
- While saying ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors,’ swing your hand down three times.
- On the third swing, choose to show Rock (a fist), Paper (an open hand), or Scissors (two fingers).
- Here’s how it goes: Rock beats Scissors, Scissors beat Paper, and Paper beats Rock.
- Find a partner, but here’s the twist: if you don’t win, line up right behind the winner, and you two become a team.
- Round two, winners! Find another pair of winners to play against. If you do not win this round, join in the line behind the winners, and now you’re a team of four!
- Keep going and give it your best shot until there are just two champs left standing.
- Final round! The player who wins this round is not just winning for themselves—it’s a victory for the entire team! Wait! if you want can switch to the other team before the final round. Let’s cheer for our winning team!
2 BIBLE DISCOVERIES: Gospel & Truth - 1 Samuel 17:1-58
CIRCUMSTANCE (1 Samuel 17:8-9)
In the land of Israel, between the mountains of Socoh and Azekah, a valley stretched out, the Valley of Elah. On one side stood the Philistine warriors, their champion towering above them—a giant named Goliath, fearsome in stature and armor. On the opposite side, the army of Israel encamped, with King Saul leading the way. Goliath challenged the Israelites, his voice booming across the valley. “Why have you come out to battle? Send forth a champion to face me. If he defeats me, we shall serve you; if I prevail, you shall serve us.” (from 1 Samuel 17:8-9) The Israelites trembled at his words. Among them was a young shepherd named David, sent by his father to check on his older brothers serving in the army. Goliath’s taunts echoed in David’s ears as he observed the fear in the eyes of his people.
CHOICE (1 Samuel 17:3-58)
David’s heart burned with indignation. “Who is this uncircumcised Philistine to defy the living God?” he questioned. His question ignited hope in the hearts of those around him. David’s words reached King Saul, and he was summoned to the king’s presence. Saul hesitated. “You are but a youth and Goliath is a seasoned warrior,” he warned. But David recounted how God had helped him overcome lions and bears while tending his father’s sheep. He declared, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the bear will deliver me from this Philistine.” (1 Samuel 17:37) David refused Saul’s armor and chose a sling and stones from the brook instead. With unwavering faith, he faced Goliath. The giant scorned him, yet David stood resolute. “You come to me with sword and spear, but I come in the name of the Lord.” (1 Samuel 17:45)
CONSEQUENCE
Triumph and Inspiration: David’s stone flew true, striking Goliath in the forehead. The giant fell, defeated by a shepherd boy’s faith and a single stone. The Philistines fled, and the Israelites pursued them in victory. David, now a hero, returned to Saul with Goliath’s head in his hand. The triumph was not only David’s but the Lord’s. Israel witnessed the power of God and the strength of faith. Saul questioned David’s lineage, and the young shepherd revealed his humble origins.
LIFE LESSON
The story of David and Goliath is a reminder to trust in God, not the weapons or the ways of the world. (from 1 Samuel 17:3-58)
3 LIFE CONNECTIONS: Connecting Jesus to Every Child
(1) The One Main Truth Rooted in MY HEART, Shaping MY ATTITUDE
POWER WORDS: “David said to Goliath, “You are coming to fight against me with a sword, a spear and a javelin. But I’m coming against you in the name of the Lord who rules over all. He is the God of the armies of Israel. He’s the one you have dared to fight against.” I Samuel 7:45
(2) The One Main Truth Anchored in MY MIND, Leading MY CHOICES
POWER QUESTIONS:
Game Questions:
- In the game “Rock Paper Scissors,” which hand gesture represents “Rock”? Which one represents “Scissors”?
- How did our game of “Rock Paper Scissors” and the final round relate to the idea that “You are Victorious in Life because Jesus is Victorious”?
- Just like the final round of the game, where the player’s victory benefits the whole team, how can our victories and triumphs in life impact those around us positively, reflecting Jesus’ victory in our lives?
Bible Questions:
- Who was the giant that challenged the Israelites, and how was he defeated?
- How did David’s trust in God’s victory over Goliath lead to his own victory? How can this teach us about our own battles in life?
- In the story of David and Goliath, what army was victorious because of David’s victory? How does the parallel between the truth that “You are Victorious in Life because Jesus is Victorious”? How does Jesus’ victory impact the way we face challenges?
Life Questions:
- Boys and Girls, your game-winner made that “entire team victorious,” David’s victory made the “entire nation of Israel victorious,” because Jesus won the victory over the devil because Jesus is victorious over everyone, including you, “we can join God’s family and also be victorious!”
- Have you ever faced a situation where you felt like an underdog, just like David against Goliath? How did you approach it?
- How can the truth “You are Victorious in Life because Jesus is Victorious” help you overcome feelings of fear and doubt when facing challenges?
- Can you think of a personal experience where you relied on Jesus’ victory to overcome a difficult situation?
(3) The One Main Truth Ignited in MY SOUL, Inspiring MY ACTIONS
POWER PRAYER:
REPEAT AFTER ME “God thank you that you won a great battle through David and all Israel became victorious. Jesus thank you for winning the greatest battle as my representative and making me victorious. Boys and girls ask Jesus to show you victories He wants to win in you now and in the future, Listen close
*Let’s be still and quiet, opening your heart to hear God’s whisper*
(Coach, wait at least 14 seconds, allowing God to connect to every child)
Jesus because you are victorious I am victorious!”
Ask the children what is their favorite worship song and then sing several worship songs with hand-motions
(click here for worship songs “GameLife Strong & Powerful Worship Motions”)
Now, remember to share this truth, practice this truth, and bring a friend back with you! Boys and girls, let’s go out as the “Champions for Eternity” that God expects us to become!