King David Champion

Characteristics of a Champion

King David was a champion and his list of accomplishments and victories are a testimony to his ability in God; however, in 2 Samuel 23 David gives a list of champions that were a part of his life. This list is what I call the champion’s list of champions. These were warriors that made it to David’s hall of fame and were men used by God in some very supernatural ways to obtain the victory. This list gives several names and a few of them even have a description of their battle accomplishments and it is from these descriptions that I find five characteristics that we can learn from and even apply to our lives as we to are called to be more than champions in our own lives. Romans 8:37 states that in all the battles

we face in life, “We are more than Champions.”
So let’s take a look at five characteristics of a “More than a champion.”
1.

Adino killed 800 warriors at one time. A characteristic of a Christian Champion is to understand that with God all things are possible. Regardless of how overwhelming a life situation may seem to be and how the natural odds may be stacked against our victory, we know, we live and we act on the Biblical fact that with God the odds are always in our favor!

2. Eleazar fought the Philistine warriors by himself and his battle was so difficult and intense, his hand would not release from his sword; however, he would not quit. A characteristic of a Christian Champion is to understand that in every battle we face, we must give our all. We can not afford to quit but to fight with all of our strength and believe that our God will intervene on our behalf and give us what it takes to win. It may be exhausting and intense but so should be our personal efforts. God can give the victory to those who give

everything!

3. Shammah. The Israelites had planted acres of beans and the Philistines showed up to take the harvest from God’s people. As the Warriors arrived the Children of Israel ran to surrender their harvest to the enemy; however, Shammah stood in the middle of the field and declared to defend the harvest from the enemy and he fought and destroyed the Philistines and saved the harvest. A characteristic of Christian Champion is to understand that we must stand for what is right even if we have to stand alone. There are times in life in which the battle is just doing what is right in God and it can be a lonely act but as champions we stand for truth even if we have to stand alone.

4.

Three Mighty Men. One day, three of David’s champions heard David say that he wanted a drink from the well of Bethlehem; however, the problem was that the well was guarded by a host of Philistine warriors. These three champions took it upon themselves to break through the enemy lines and retrieve a cup of water for their leader. They risked their own lives so that David could have a drink of water. It seemed to be an unnecessary act but these men teach us that Christian champions are not selfish and understand the power of using their abilities to serve the leadership of the Kingdom of God. Regardless of our championship status, it is for our benefit that we submit to God’s Kingdom

leadership.

5. Benaiah killed two lion-like warriors and jumped in a snowy pit and killed a lion. Benaiah teaches us not to be afraid of the LION! Jesus said that our enemy is like a roaring lion, looking to find someone he can destroy. When in battle, we are not to be afraid of the lion no matter what form his fight appears to us. Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world and we are more than champions in our battles in life!
I hope that these quick excerpts will be a blessing to your walk with God and beneficial in assisting you this year in facing those battles that may seem overwhelming.
God bless and I pray that your weekend worship will be filled with the Spirit of God.