IS THERE NOT A CAUSE?
Remember the Cause. Know the Enemy. Remember Your Training.
Based on the message by Promise Bradley
OVERVIEW
This message asks a deeper question than just, “Are you a Christian?”
It asks:
Do you remember your cause?
In 1 Samuel 17, trained soldiers lost heart when they saw Goliath. But David asked one question that changed everything:
“Is there not a cause?”
Promise Bradley connects David’s courage to 2 Corinthians 5: 18–20. We have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. And now we have been given the ministry of reconciliation.
That is the cause.
We are not here to drift through life distracted, offended, entertained, or overwhelmed.
We are here as ambassadors for Christ.
The question is not whether there is opposition.
The question is whether you remember why you’re standing.
HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE
Biblical Principle → Read → Respond → Reflect
- Read anchors you in Scripture
• Respond helps you understand what the Bible says
• Reflect applies it to real life — school, sports, friendships, social media, family, work, and church
Have your Bible open. Let Scripture define truth.
SECTION 1 — KNOW YOUR CAUSE
Biblical Principle — When we forget the cause, we lose heart.
READ
1 Samuel 17: 28–32
2 Corinthians 5: 14–20
RESPOND
- What accusation did Eliab make against David in 1 Samuel 17?
- What question did David ask that exposed the real issue?
- According to 2 Corinthians 5: 18–20, what ministry has been given to believers?
- What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?
REFLECT
- Where have you been distracted by lesser causes (drama, image, comparison, politics, comfort, entertainment)?
● Who in your life might not be your enemy — but part of your assignment?
● What would shift this week if reconciliation became your primary lens?
SECTION 2 — KNOW YOUR REAL ENEMY
Biblical Principle — We do not wrestle against flesh and blood.
READ
Ephesians 6: 10–12
2 Corinthians 10: 3–5
RESPOND
- According to Ephesians 6: 12, who is not our enemy?
- What kind of battle are we actually fighting?
- What are spiritual strongholds according to 2 Corinthians 10?
- How does understanding the real enemy change how you respond to conflict?
REFLECT
- Where have you treated a person as the problem instead of recognizing a spiritual battle?
● How would love respond differently than pride or offense?
● What stronghold of thinking needs to be torn down in your life?
SECTION 3 — REMEMBER YOUR TRAINING
Biblical Principle — The enemy wants you to forget what God has already done.
READ
1 Samuel 17: 33–37
Psalm 103: 1–5
RESPOND
- What past victories did David recall before facing Goliath?
- Why was remembering those moments important?
- According to Psalm 103, what are we commanded not to forget?
- How does gratitude strengthen courage?
REFLECT
- What has God already brought you through that you need to remember?
● Where has the enemy tried to relabel you by your past?
● What testimony do you need to speak again so your faith stays anchored?
SECTION 4 — WEAPONS THAT WIN
Biblical Principle — Our weapons are spiritual, not natural.
READ
Ephesians 6: 17–18
Revelation 12: 11
Psalm 149: 5–6
RESPOND
- What is the sword of the Spirit?
- What role does prayer in the Spirit play?
- According to Revelation 12: 11, how do believers overcome the accuser?
- What connection does Psalm 149 show between praise and victory?
RESPOND FURTHER
Which of these weapons have you neglected?
• The Word spoken aloud
• Prayer
• Praise
• Testimony
• Humility
• Unity
• Rest
REFLECT
- When pressure rises, do you reach for distraction — or your weapons?
● What would change if you replaced your feelings with Scripture declarations?
● What one weapon will you intentionally use this week?
SECTION 5 — FIGHTING FROM VICTORY
Biblical Principle — The battle belongs to the Lord.
READ
1 Samuel 17: 45–47
Proverbs 18: 10
RESPOND
- What did David refuse to trust in?
- What did he trust in instead?
- What was the ultimate purpose of defeating Goliath?
- What does Proverbs 18: 10 reveal about the name of the Lord?
REFLECT
- What “giant” are you facing right now?
● Are you fighting for victory — or from victory?
● Where are you hesitating because you fear failure?
Remember: Peter stepped out of the boat and sank — but Jesus lifted him. Failure is not final when Jesus is your defender.
WEEKLY APPLICATION
Reclaim the Cause. Step Into It.
Step 1 — Identify the Distraction
Ask yourself honestly: “What has been pulling my attention away from the cause?”
Is it:
• Comparison?
• Social media image?
• Offense?
• Fear of failure?
• Comfort?
• Drama?
Write it down.
Naming it weakens it.
Step 2 — Reclaim the Cause
Now ask: “What is my cause this week?”
According to 2 Corinthians 5: 20, you are an ambassador for Christ.
That means:
• You represent Jesus.
• You carry His message.
• You help people be reconciled to God.
Say this out loud:
“I am not here by accident. I am here on assignment.”
Step 3 — Choose Your Weapon
Now that you’ve named the distraction and reclaimed the cause, choose a weapon.
Will you use:
• The Word (speak Scripture out loud)?
• Prayer (especially praying in the Spirit)?
• Praise (worship instead of worry)?
• Testimony (tell what God has done)?
• Humility (go low instead of reacting)?
• Unity (refuse offense)?
Pick one intentionally.
Step 4 — Take One Bold Action
This is where distraction dies.
Do one visible thing that advances the cause:
- Forgive someone.
• Initiate a hard conversation.
• Pray for someone at school.
• Share your testimony.
• Refuse gossip.
• Step into leadership instead of hiding.
• Declare Scripture over your situation.
Promise’s message wasn’t about surviving the week.
It was about stepping into Kingdom authority.
You don’t fight for victory. You fight from victory.
So ask yourself: “What would someone who remembers the cause do next?”
Then do that.