I will be with you in the Fight - Gideon
Notes
Transcript
Sermon 1
Sermon 1
The Condition of Gideon and God’s People
The Condition of Gideon and God’s People
Committed Sin
This was a repeating pattern for the Children of Israel. Time and time again they turned away from the Lord and participated in evil actions
Did they forget the mistakes of their ancestors? Sin has consequences, sin has a price tag
We are no different today, time and time again we do the same thing and continue to turn around to the broken cistern that is polluted with sin
Condemned to Slavery
The Concern of God’s People
The Concern of God’s People
Price of God’s People
“greatly impoverished”
Prayer of God’s People
“cried unto the Lord”
I have prayed with various people over the years that was in trouble, no matter if the trouble was of their own making or if it just happened. When people get into trouble they tent to turn to the Lord and pray.
I encourage you when you get into trouble to turn to the Lord
15 And call upon me in the day of trouble:
I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.
44 Nevertheless he regarded their affliction,
When he heard their cry:
16 Lord, In trouble have they visited thee,
They poured out a prayer when thy chastening was upon them.
7 The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble;
And he knoweth them that trust in him.
9 And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea; 10 And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day. 11 And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters. 12 Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
The Communication of God
The Communication of God
7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites, 8 That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel, which said unto them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; 9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; 10 And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.
Reception
“And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites, That the Lord”
When you are a Child of God he will receive your prayers, but know Repentance is expected when you are praying while partaking in sin
1 Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save;
Neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God,
And your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Repentance
The text does not say in these particular verses that one must repent however when you read the complete picture it is implied.
When believers pray and they have sin in their life the Lord expects repentance to take place.
We cannot expect the Lord to receive and respond to our prayers when we retain sin in our lived. The Lord expects us to Repent from our sin.
3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Response
“That the Lord sent a prophet unto the children of Israel”
15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble;
I will deliver him, and honour him.
24 And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer;
And while they are yet speaking, I will hear.
12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. 13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
9 And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Remembrance
“Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage; 9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and drave them out from before you, and gave you their land; 10 And I said unto you, I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but ye have not obeyed my voice.”
Remember God’s Devotion “Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt”
We can never say God is not devoted to His children
Remember God’s Deliverance “brought” “brought” “delivered”
Remember God’s Demonstrations “drave them out from before you, and gave you their land”
Remember God’s Discussions “And I said unto you”
Remember God is Divine “I am the Lord your God; fear not the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell”
Remember God’s Demands
God is not a convenience store to go get you fuel, a snack and soda. He expects us to be close to him at all times.
Remember God’s People’s Disobedience
Sermon 2
Sermon 2
The Commission of Gideon
The Commission of Gideon
The Messenger
11 And there came an angel of the Lord, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.
The Message Recipient
From “Ophrah”
Tribe of Manasseh “Manasseh”v15
Father “Joash the Abi-ezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress”
Israel’s fifth judge
Farmer “threshed wheat by the winepress”
Didn’t view himself as a great leader, didn’t view himself as someone that the Lord could use for great things
Too focused on what he could not do rather than what the Lord could do thru him.
Had doubts and needed confirmation from the Lord regarding what the Lord was asking him to do.
Questioned God as opposed to just trusting the Lord
Mentioned in Heb 11 the Hall of Faith
The Message
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
This Message is one of Accompaniment
“The Lord is with thee”
The Lord wants His children to know today that He is with them
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee:
Be not dismayed; for I am thy God:
I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee;
Yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
8 And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.
23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.
This Message is one of Encouragement
“thou mighty man of valour”
The Lord desires to encourage you today
God seems more in you than you see in yourself, God is not looking at who or what you are right now but He sees the finished goods, He sees what He is going to make you into.
13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.
13 For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand,
Saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.
The Misconceptions
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
Why is this happening - “why then is all this befallen us?"
Where is God - “Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then"
What is our purpose - “Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt”
We are Forsaken and Alone - “now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites”
The Mission
14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
Obedience to the Mission - “Go”
Obligation of the Mission - “thy might”
Objective of the Mission - “thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites”
Object of the Mission - “I”
Obstacles of the Mission - “have not I sent thee”
Doubt
Discouragement
Deception
Detours
The Confidence of Gideon
The Confidence of Gideon
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Least Tribe - “Manasseh”
Least family in the Tribe - “my family is poor in Manasseh”
Least in the Family - “I am the least in my father’s house”
Gideon is basically saying that I am a nobody and I am nothing. I am the least of the least
The Lord has made history with people that were nobodies and nothings.
26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Who was Gideon before this story, Gideon was a Nobody that God turned into Somebody
Who was Rahab before the sheltered God’s people, Rahab was a Nobody that God turned into Somebody
Who was Noah before God asked him to build the Ark, Noah was a Nobody that God turned into Somebody
Who was the Woman at the Well before Jesus, The Woman at the Well was a Nobody that God turned into Somebody
Who were the Disciples before Jesus, For the most part the Disciples were Nobodies that God Turned into Somebodies
Who was Mary before the Lord visited her, Mary was a Nobody that God turned into Somebody
Perhaps you consider yourself a Nobody, the Lord wants to turn you into Somebody. It His eyes you are Somebody, you are Somebody that He desires to use to fulfill His will.
To turn from a Nobody to a Somebody in the Lord, here is how that can happen.
Observe a Personal Relationship with the Lord
Obedience, Personally to the Lord
Obstinate resistance to sin Personally thru the Lord
Overcome Personal struggles thru the Lord
The Confidence of God
The Confidence of God
16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
United with God- “Surely I will be with thee”
This is the second time the Lord is saying to him I will be with you
Unshaken God “thou shalt”
Undefeated God - “thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man”
The Lord was putting his undefeated record on the line, we need to remember that God’s people all thru history has experienced defeats but that does not mean God has. The Lord has not ever experienced defeat. God always emerges as the Victor.
Sermon 3
Sermon 3
The Confirmation (first) of Gideon
The Confirmation (first) of Gideon
17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. 18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
19 And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it. 20 And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.
Petition for Confirmation - “And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me”
Precondition in the Confirmation - “Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again”
Passion in the Confirmation - “ And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.”
Presentation the Confirmation - “And the angel of God said unto him, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and pour out the broth. And he did so.”
The Consumption of God
The Consumption of God
21 Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.
Dedicated the Present “Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in his hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes”
Devoured the Present “and there rose up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes”
Departed after the Present “Then the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight.”
The Conclusion of Gideon
The Conclusion of Gideon
22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face. 23 And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.
Realize it is God - “And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord”
Recognize God - Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.”
Response from God - “And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.”
Peace - “Peace be unto thee; fear not”
Pledge - “ thou shalt not die.”
The Commendation of Gideon to God
The Commendation of Gideon to God
24 Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord, and called it Jehovah-shalom: unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites.
Prepare - “Then Gideon built an altar there unto the Lord”
Peace - “called it Jehovah-shalom”
Persevere - “unto this day it is yet in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites”
Sermon 4
Sermon 4
The Conquest of Gideon (First)
The Conquest of Gideon (First)
25 And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: 26 And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. 27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. 28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. 29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing. 30 Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it. 31 And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar. 32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar.
33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel.
Objective - “And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: 26 And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down”
Obedience - “Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.”
Observation - “And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. 29 And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing”
Outrage - “Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die: because he hath cast down the altar of Baal, and because he hath cut down the grove that was by it”
Opportunity - “And Joash said unto all that stood against him, Will ye plead for Baal? will ye save him? he that will plead for him, let him be put to death whilst it is yet morning: if he be a god, let him plead for himself, because one hath cast down his altar. 32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal plead against him, because he hath thrown down his altar. Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east were gathered together, and went over, and pitched in the valley of Jezreel..”
The Consuming of Gideon
The Consuming of Gideon
34 But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him.
Consumed by the Spirit - “But the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon”
Convened together - “he blew a trumpet; and Abi-ezer was gathered after him.”
Sermon 5
Sermon 5
The Compelling of Gideon
The Compelling of Gideon
35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; who also was gathered after him: and he sent messengers unto Asher, and unto Zebulun, and unto Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.
The Ask - Come
The message for them from a high level would have been simple. “Come”
Our message is the same, “Come”
Jesus said “Come”
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
The Ambassadors “he sent messengers“
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
In 1993, 89% of Christians who had shared their faith agreed this is a responsibility of every Christian. Today, just 64% say so—a 25-point drop. - Barna
Ninety-five percent of all Christians have never won a soul to Christ.
Eighty percent of all Christians do not consistently witness for Christ.
Less than two percent are involved in the ministry of evangelism. -Parrott
A majority of those who attend Protestant church at least once a month (56%) say they pray for opportunities to tell others about Jesus at least once a week, according to a Lifeway Research study, with 23% praying for such moments daily.
Yet, a similar percentage (55%0 say they have not shared with someone how to become a Christian in the past six months. - Lifeway
The Areas “ throughout all Manasseh”
Those called first are Gideon’s fellow Abiezrites—would most of them have been Baal worshipers at Ophrah just days ago? Next, messengers solicit the support of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, those northern tribes surrounding the Jezreel Valley and therefore at greatest risk - Brensinger, T. L. (1999). Judges (pp. 84–85). Scottdale, PA: Herald Press.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
The Acceptance “they came up to meet them”
Based on Judges 7:3 32,000 came, many would say that was not enough, they needed more than four times that but on the other side of that coin I wonder if that is more than Gideon expected
This relates to us because we have been commissioned to compel. We have been commissioned to compel to join not Gideon’s army but to join God’s army.
Our job is to compel, not coerce, God will coerce and God will convert. But in no way will He force Himself upon someone but He will press them.
We cannot control results, we only control our readiness, our response, and our reaction. The Results belong to God.
We must be simply willing to allow the Lord to work in and thru our lives.
If we go and obey the Lord and no one comes to the Lord we have still done our job. If we go and one soul comes to the Lord that is one soul that the Lord has used us to save. Many Christians go their entire life and never lead anyone to the Lord.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
Sermon 6
Sermon 6
The Confirmation (second) of Gideon
The Confirmation (second) of Gideon
36 And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, 37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. 38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. 39 And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.
Gideon was Reluctant
“And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand”
Gideon was Reluctant because Gideon Doubted
“if”
Inadequate
Insecure
If should not be in the vocabulary of the believer
He was the least of the least of the least. He was the least in his fathers house, his fathers house was the least in his tribe and his tribe was the least of the twelve tribes. But he took his doubts to the Lord
At times we doubt, at times we feel inadequate, we feel insecure. But we must remember the Lord has a plan and a purpose for us no matter what we think. No matter how inadequate or insecure we feel.
We doubt, Gideon doubted, Thomas doubted, Sarah Laughed but yet time and time again God prevails.
No matter what when we doubt let us take those doubt to the Lord
As a Christian we like to stay in our comfort zones, the time has came that believers get out of our comfort zones and trust the Lord and live out our faith outside those comfort zones. Yes the Lord may uproot your life but that is okay, He’s got you.
Christian,be Strong, be Bold, be Courageous, if you can trust the Lord to get you to Heaven you can trust Him to get you thru this life and His next task
Gideon was Reluctant because Gideon was Dilettante (amateur)
“by mine hand”
All of the sudden he is working with 32,000 men
The disciples were amateur, they were greenhorns, they were ordinary men with no experience but He chose them and He called them. HE has Chosen you and Called you. Don’t worry about your experience level. The Lord will teach you and the Lord will train you
Gideon was Reluctant because Gideon was Defeated
This was the 8th year that they were under attack, and each year they did not have a chance
At times in life we feel defeated, seem like we always lose and cannot get ahead,it is hard, it hurts but is our faith in the things of this world? Is our faith in this world? or is our Faith in the Word
When the devil knocks you down get back up, if he knocks you down again, get back up. Rise up Christian, Get up Christian, Stand up Christian. How ever many times the devil knocks you down you just need to get back up one more time.
Don’t live your life in defeat, live your life in Victory. Celebrate child Jesus has already won and we have already won.
Gideon was Reluctant because Gideon was Discouraged
If you are constantly defeated over and over you get discouraged
He was outnumbered 4:1
And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude. Judges 7:12
It is easy to be discouraged as a Christian, many times we wake up and feel like we are facing Goliath day in and day out and we allow Goliath to intimidate us. We need to channel our inner Faith and remember greater is he that is in us than he that is in the world.
He was weak in faith and needed additional confirmation. I do believe in having certainty in what the Lord wants us to do once we know what that is we need to Obey
You may be reluctant to obey God’s request for one of the above reasons or perhaps some other reason. Take a step of faith even when you cannot see the step in front of you. God is there and he will not fail you. Take a step forward and overcome your doubt, your dilettante, your defeat, and your discouragement.
Gideon Recognized
“as thou hast said”
Gideon may have been reluctant, but he also recognized, He recognized the Word of God
We need to recognize, respect, and revere the words of God. No matter if they come thru the Scripture, as Speaker, or the Spirit
Many times we read the word of God, we hear the word of God, or we hear the Spirit of God but we struggle to believe and trust. Let us just trust the words of the Lord. Let us trust the Word of God.
If the Lord calls us and commissions us to do something lets trust Him to complete it. Not ourselves, but Him
But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Mt 4:4
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Heb 4:12
Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Ps 119:9
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, That I might not sin against thee. Ps 119:11
Recognize God’s word and recognize that God’s word has never failed.
Gideon Requested Wet Fleece and Dry Ground
“Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said”
Gideon Received Wet Fleece and Dry Ground
“And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water”
Gideon Reverenced
“And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me”
Gideon was reluctant, and doubted the word of God but He Reverenced the Word of God
God does not want his people to be Sign-seekers but Son-Seekers
Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. 39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Mt 12:38-40
And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. Lk 11:16
Gideon Requested Dry Fleece and Wet Ground
“pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew”
Gideon Received Dry Fleece and Wet Ground
“And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground”
While I may come across harsh toward Gideon, I do believe that the Lord desires His children have total and complete trust in Him. I also believe that He will do what he needs to do to give us that certainty
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: Mt 7:7
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Lk 11:10
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. Jn 16:13
For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Rom 8:14
But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deu 4:29
I believe that based on what happens next that he received the assurance that he asked for.
Will you step out today and trust Him? Trust and Obey
Sermon 7
Sermon 7
The Conditions of God
The Conditions of God
1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early, and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley. 2 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Acceptance of the People
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley
The People Came
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people that were with him, rose up early
Gideon desired the people to be a part of his army, so he issued a call to join his Army. The people came and Accepted His call, this was the first and primary condition to join up.
The Lord desires for you to join His army, he has issued a call to all. To you who are wicked He is calling you unto Himself, to you who are wayward He is calling you unto Himself, to you who are wearied He is calling you unto Himself. Will you accept the call.
Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Mk 8:34 , Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
Lk 18:22 Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
The People Camped
and pitched beside the well of Harod: so that the host of the Midianites were on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley
The People camped with Gideon
John 15:4-5 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
Once we Accept the Lord’s call we need to Abide with the Lord. It simply is not enough to accept Him we need to take it to the next level and Abide in Christ. Abiding in Christ requires Attachment to Christ, friend if you ain’t attached to Christ your branch is going to die. Are you attached to Him? Abiding in Christ requires Alignment with Christ, friend if you are not aligned with Christ you are crooked. Are you Aligned with Him? Abiding in Christ requires Advancement in Christ, friend if you are not advancing in Christ you are falling behind and going backward. Are you Advancing in Him? We advance in Christ by spending time with Him, communicating with Him, learning from Him, reading His words, worshipping Him, spending time with His people, and telling others about Him.
Abundance of the People
And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands
Statement about the People
And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people
We need to Hear God and and we need to Heed God
When I captured this point I immediately thought what would the Lord say about our people today
Would he say we are faithful, would he say we are fruitful or would he say we are fearful and fretful
We should desire above everything that the Lord views us as faithful.
Lk 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much
Mt 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord
When you die and stand before God will say well done, good and faithful servant? Perhaps He will say you barely made it you unfaithful servant? Or, perhaps He will say depart from me I never knew you? This needs to be something you know.
Size of the People
The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands
Judges 7:3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
Scale-down the People
The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands
Some would question the Lord’s call here to scale down the army to such a small size. People would say there is strength in numbers but I would suggest that strength, true strength is not in numbers but is in the Lord. Their coming victory was not in their size, their strength, their skills, their power but rather their Victory was in God.
Our coming victory is not in our size, our strength, our skills, our Power but Our Victory was, is, and always shall be in JESUS!!!! Friend, don’t be fearful, frightful or fretful but be Faithful and you can experience Victory in Jesus!
They that be for us are more than they that be against us
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Ph 4:13
The LORD is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father's God, and I will exalt him. Ex 15:2
God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 2 Sam 22:3
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Ps 18:2
Friend, are you Weary, Worn out, Wait upon the Lord!
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings as eagles; They shall run, and not be weary; And they shall walk, and not faint. Is 40:31
Arrogance of the People
lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Prevention
lest Israel vaunt themselves against me
God was trying to prevent pride but also prove that he was and is God. How many times has the Lord tried to prevent us from sin, the Lord always provides a way out. How many time has God allowed us to face sin, reveal to us a way out but we not take it! Friend we don’t pursue the path to avoid the sin because we like the pleasure of sin too much.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1 Cor 10:13
Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; Deu 7:9
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 2 Th 3:3
And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 2 Tim 4:8
The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations 2 Pet 2:9a
Pride
saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
Pro 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, And an haughty spirit before a fall.
1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Pro 6:16-18 These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him: 17 A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, 18 An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief
Have you met the Conditions to be in the Lord’s Army? You have been Called, have you accepted?
Assurance of the People
And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people that are with thee are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, Mine own hand hath saved me.
It is not about what we can do, but what He can do. It is not about what we have done, but it is about what He has done.
And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. Judges 6:12
And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? Judges 6:14
And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. Judges 6:16
And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die. Judges 6:23
And Gideon said unto God, If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said, 37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said. 38 And it was so: for he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wringed the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water. Judges 6:36-38
And Gideon said unto God, Let not thine anger be hot against me, and I will speak but this once: let me prove, I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew. 40 And God did so that night: for it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. Judges 6:39-40
Sermon 8
Sermon 8
The Concerned in Gideon’s Army
The Concerned in Gideon’s Army
3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.
Address the People
Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people
Afraid People
Whosoever is fearful and afraid
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
Arrangement with the People
let him return and depart early from mount Gilead
Absolution of the People
And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand
The Lord allowed those that wanted to leave the opportunity to walk away. He does not force himself upon them, he didn’t do it then and he does not do it today. He desires His people remain faithful to Him but He does not force them to do so.
These walked away officially because of fear, but I believe it was not because they were afraid to join Gideon’s army, nor because they were afraid of a fight because if that was the case they likely would never have came to begin with. Perhaps they were courageous at first then thought more about it. Fear might have been the official reason but I do believe it was because they were not 100% Submitted and Surrendered to Gideon. When you are all in fears will not stop you.
Many have walked away from the Lord, they may give this reason or that reason but what it comes down to is they leave the Lord because they are not 100% Submitted and Surrendered. They will make a million reasons or excuses but it is because they are not all in.
The Lord is looking for those who will go all in for Him. 100% Surrender and 100% Submission. Will you do that? Will you go all in for God? When you go all in for God fears don’t stop you, faults don’t stop you, faithlessness won’t stop you, inabilities won’t stop you, lack of knowledge won’t stop you, and the world won’t stop you.
I have had many preacher friends of mine walked away not only from the ministry but they walked out on God. Breaks my heart but they did it. I have family that was in the ministry that walked away from it. I can tell you that it is not the will of God that any walk away from Him.
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. 67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? John 6:66-67
If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed John 8:31
Assured People
there remained ten thousand
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble .Ps 46:1
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deu 31:6
Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: 2 Chr 32:7
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord Rom 8:38-39
The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me? Ps 118:6
The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Heb 13:6
Sermon 9
Sermon 9
The Complacent in Gideon’s Army
The Complacent in Gideon’s Army
Judges 7:4-6
Excessive People
And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many
Again the Lord is saying there is too many people, some would question the Lord’s call here to scale down the army. People would say there is strength in numbers, true strength is not in numbers but is in the Lord. Their coming victory was not in their size, their strength, their skills, their power but rather their Victory was in God.
They were already facing an enemy that far outnumbered them “like grasshoppers for multitude; [and] their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude”Some say that their enemy at this point would have been about 12 times their size or more and they just lost 2/3’s of their army. I can only imagine they had feelings of defeat, discouragement, doubt.
Our coming victory is not in our size, our strength, our skills, our sustenance, or our schooling. Our Victory was, is, and always shall be in JESUS!!!! Friend, don’t be fearful, frightful or fretful but be Faithful and you can experience Victory in Jesus!
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Ph 4:13
The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. Ps 18:2
Evaluation of the People
The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there
God was behind the people being evaluated and tried, as a matter of fact God said “I will try them for thee there”
God allows his people to be evaluated even today, though we do not like being tested and tried but how can He use something that has not been tested. When a forger forges a knife/sword he has to quench the blade to harden the steel then he tests it to ensure that it holds up and if the steel is not hardened he has to requench it
Also going thru the refiners fire all impurities get removed which we desperately need in our lives to be pure before a holy God
Enlightenment about the People
and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go
The Lord knows us and He also knows the plans He has for us, we need to trust an unknown future to a known God
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29:11
God has a plan for your life
Recognize His Plan
Receive His Plan
Response to His Plan
Experiment of the People
So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon
God allowed the people to be tested, as a matter of fact it was His idea. It was also His idea that Job be tested.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.James 1:2-4
That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: 1 Pt 1:7
Elements of the Proving
Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink
Only the Lord would know the real reason why He did what He did but I can tell you that this test revealed complacency. Complacency is a problem in the church and in the lives of Christians.
One sign they were complacent is because when they got a drink they bowed their heads down taking their eyes off from an enemy. This is a sign of comfort and complacency. Their bowing position wasn’t a position of action or defense but it was a complacent position which made them venerable.
“Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth” AW Tozer
God was watching them and they didn’t know it. God is Watching you, the Godly are Watching you, and the Worldly are Watching you. We must always be conscious of this.
Signs of Spiritual Complacency
Lack of Interest in Church, Bible Study, Prayer, Sharing their Faith, and Spiritual Growth
Lack of Interest in the Bible
Lack of Interest in the Lost
Lack of Spiritual Idea’s
Laziness
Lethargic
Leisure
Lenience
Contributors to Spiritual Complacency
Sin
Disobedience
Selfishness and Pride
Separation from God
Stagnancy and Comfort
God is no longer first
Disobedience
Routines and Rituals
Overcoming Spiritual Complacency
Realize where you are
Reminisce about where you were
Recognize the way back
Rearrange your life
Resolve to not go that way again
Complacency is enemy of the victorious Christian life
Complacency has no point in the life of Believers
End Result
And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water.
300 is what remained, can you imagine having 300 to go against an innumerable amount of trained soldiers. Sounds like an insurmountable task but that is exactly what the Lord specializes in.
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.1 John 4:4
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and my Father are one. John 10:28-30
And they say unto him, We have here but five loaves, and two fishes. 18 He said, Bring them hither to me. 19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. 21 And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.Mt 14:17-21
What remained was those which God was going to use to fulfill His purpose and plan. I also believe that He chose them all but those that walked away did so of their own choosing.
Jesus chose everyone when He came, lived, died, and rose again. You are the reason He came. Child you are special, you are chosen, He loves you, He is calling you unto Himself. Will you answer His call?
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved Rom 10:13
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts 2:21
And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me Mk 8:34
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. Rev 22:17
I would like for you to know that the Lord has chosen you. You just need to accept His commission
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; 1 Pt 2:9
Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mt 7:20-22
Those which die and go to hell do not go to hell because Jesus didn’t chose them but rather because they did not chose Jesus
The Lord is not looking today for an Abundance of Believers but Absolute Believers. Those that when Times are Tough and the Road is Rough will not waiver, will not let us, will not stop, and will not quit on Him. Is that you?
Sermon 10
Sermon 10
The Confidence of God
The Confidence of God
7 And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place. 8 So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.
Promise Revealed
And the Lord said unto Gideon
God was giving a message to Gideon, that was specific to Gideon, not for anyone else. Sometimes God gives a message to all but at times that message is specific to you. Think about a time that the Lord gave you a word and the impact that had on you.
God’s specific message is encouraging
God’s specific message is energizing
God’s specific message is enlightening
God’s specific message is engaging
God’s specific message is enduring
“Lord said unto…” is used 164 times
“God said unto…” is used 22 times
“Jesus said unto…” is used 51 times
“The Lord said...” is used 219 times
Sometimes the Lord’s message is...
A compelling message
A confronting message
A convicting message
A converting message
A courageous message
A confident message
Promise is Resolute
By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you
That statement will...save you, has some power to it.
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Rom 10:13
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered Joel 2:32
And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved Acts 2:21
And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. Ps 50:15
God had more confidence in Gideon that Gideon had in God
If God has asked you to do something that means that He has confidence that you will be able to do what He has asked you to do
Let’s not be swayed by own inadequacies but rather let us be swayed by His adequacy
Gideon was not saved by Gideon’s Power, but God’s Power thru God’s Promise
People Relinquished
deliver the Midianites into thine hand
God promised him victory over the enemy
God has promised us victory over the world and the god of this world
Gideon no longer had to live life in defeat, he could now live life in victory. We no longer have to live our lives in defeat, but can live our life in victory.
Let’s remember that our victory is not in our Strength, our Skills, our Size, our Supplies, or our Successes but our Victory is in the Saviour. We can experience Deliverance or Defeat, it is our choice.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” John 16:33
“These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” Rev 17:14
“Through thee will we push down our enemies: Through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us.” Ps 44:5
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith” 1 John 5:4
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” 1 Cor 15:57
People Released
let all the other people go every man unto his place
There was those which God allowed to leave. God did not force them to follow his will.
God does not force us to follow His Will, He reveals His Will, His Way, His Works but desires us follow His Will.
“From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him” John 6:66-67
People Retained
So the people took victuals in their hand, and their trumpets: and he sent all the rest of Israel every man unto his tent, and retained those three hundred men: and the host of Midian was beneath him in the valley.
These to me represent the faithful, God can do amazing things with 300 faithful
God requests that we remain faithful as He has remained faithful
Here is some bible verses the faithful
Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:19
For the Lord loveth judgment, And forsaketh not his saints; They are preserved for ever: But the seed of the wicked shall be cut off. Ps 37:28
His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord Mt 25:23
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much Lk 16:10
When your Burden is hard to Bare, Endure
When you are Battered, Endure
When you are Beaten, Endure
When you are Bruised, Endure
When you are Tired, Endure
When you are Tried, Endure
When Times are Tough, Endure
When the Road is Rough, Endure
When your Load is Long, Endure
When the Walk Makes you Weary, Endure
When the Work Makes you Weak, Endure
When Prayer seems Powerless, Endure
When Doubt and Depression is Drowning you, Endure
When Teaching has made you Tired, Endure
When the Sanctuary is Silent, Endure
When the Divine seems Distant, Endure
When the Disciples are Disappearing, Endure
When the devil is deceiving, Endure
When the liar is lying, Endure
When satan is slaying, Endure
When the tempter is tempting, Endure
When the adversary is attacking, Endure
When the war is wearing on you, Endure
The Confidence of God comes to maturity when Gideon Obeyed God (His Call and His Commandments)
God had Confidence in Gideon when he was to face the Midianites and the Amalekites
Others that God have Confidence in...
Shadrach, Meshach, Abendego when they faced the Fiery Furnace
Daniel when he faced the Lion’s Den
Moses when he faced Pharoah
Moses to lead the Children of Israel
Elijah when he faced the prophets of Baal
Jonah when he faced Nineveh
Noah when he faced the flood
The Disciples to Share the Gospel
Stephen when he faced stoning
John when he faced exile
Child of God, God has Called you, God has Clothed you, God has Completed you, God has Converted you, God has Commissioned you, and God has Confidence in you
Sermon 11
Sermon 11
I will be with you
Last week “The Confidence of God”
Gideon viewed himself as the Least of the Least of the Least
Gideon had doubts
Gideon needed confirmation after confirmation
Gideon’s army was upsized then downsized from 32k to 10k to 300
They were facing more than 100k
The Communication of God
The Communication of God
Judges 7:9-15
Manifestation of God
the same night, that the Lord said unto him
God showed up and when God shows up He has a reason and a message
Once again we see the statement made “Lord said unto” but this time the Lord came to him, 8 times in these two chapters and the Lord spoke to him
“Lord said unto…” is used 164 times
“God said unto…” is used 22 times
“Jesus said unto…” is used 51 times
“The Lord said...” is used 219 times
God speaks in different ways, God speaks in the way He needs to in order to get thru to His people.
God speaks Clarity in His message
God speaks thru Supplication
God speaks thru His Scriptures
God speaks thru Sermons
God speaks Creatively with His message
God speaks thru Animals (Donkey, Rooster)
God speaks thru Dreams
God speaks Compassionately with His message
God speaks thru His Spirit
God speaks thru His Angels
God speaks thru His Followers
Friends, Family, Fellow Believers
The biggest question in my mind for us is what are we going to do with God’s message.
Receive it
Regard it
Reveal it
Most Christians do not hear God’s voice because we have already decided we are not going to do what he says - Tozer
Hear the word of God
Heed the word of God
Headline the word of God
Message of God
Ask of God
Arise, get thee down unto the host; for I have delivered it into thine hand
The Message of God includes a Request “Arise, get thee down unto the host”
God asked him to go into the presence of the enemy, going to the enemy lines.
Sometimes the Lord asks us to go beyond our borders and to press the boundaries of our limits, to approach enemy lines, to get out of our comfort zone.
The Message of God includes Revelation “I have delivered it into thine hand”
There is something special about the Revelation of God, think about times when God revealed something regarding His plan to you.
The Message of God includes Reassurance “I have delivered it into thine hand”
It is special when the Lord reassures you
The Lord was telling them they no longer have to live in defeat but to Rise up and Live in victory. Far too long as God’s children we have lived our lives in defeat, it is time for us to live in victory
In Exodus God gave His children victory over Pharoah
In Joshua God gave His people victory over Jericho
In Judges God gave His people victory over Median
In Samuel God gave His people victory over Philistines,David victory over Goliath, and His people victory over the Amlekites
In Kings God gave Elijah victory over the prophets of Baal
In Daniel God gave the Hebrew children victory over the Fiery Furnace, and Daniel victory over the Lions den
Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. 1 Chr 29:11
For the Lord your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deu 20:4
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Rom 8:37
thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor 15:57
Assistance for God
But if thou fear to go down go thou with Phurah thy servant down to the host
God recognized that they had fear. God was about to give them assurance for their fear.
We have fears, some of us it is heights, some of us it is water, some is snakes, rats, spiders
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Tim 1:7
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper Is 54:17a
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deu 31:8
God had something special in store for Gideon, imagine if He would have allowed His fears to stop him from approaching the enemy or to stop him from obeying God. This story would have read differently, it would have read that God asked Gideon to do it and he didnt and Israel was defeated one more year and more lives lost or it would have read that God punished Gideon for his disobedience and asked someone else to do it and they did and were blessed for obedience.
For too long God’s people have allowed our fears to stop us from obeying God and prevented us from blessings which God had prepared for us.
Let us declare from this day forward that we will no longer allow our fears to stop us from obeying God.
Aware for God
And thou shalt hear what they say afterward shall thine hands be strengthened to go down unto the host
God is making Gideon aware that they are going hear something that is going to encourage them, they were going to be able to get to hear about a dream that was experienced.
Sometimes God makes His people aware of the enemy’s plan. Satan has different tools and tactics, here are some of the area’s of satan’s expertise, his devices
Doubt
Delay
Disobedience
Distraction
Dissatisfaction
Deception
Depression
Division
Destruction
Desolation
Drift
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices 2 Cor 2:11
And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat Lk 22:31
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil Eph 6:11
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour 1 Pt 5:8
Movement for God
Then went he down with Phurah his servant unto the outside of the armed men that were in the host
They obeyed the Lord’s command and took action.
The Lord asked them to take a risk, by taking this risk they jeopardized their lives and their positions but they trusted the Lord enough to know He had their backs.
We need to take action, taking action for us means we obey the Lord’s request, whatever that looks like. Sometimes He asks us to do things outside of our experience, outside of our comfort zone, outside of our abilities. We need to trust Him and Obey Him. He is not going to ask you to do the wrong thing.
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams 1 Sam 15:22b
Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you. Jer 7:23
If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land Is 1:19
Midianites against God
And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude
They were tremendously outnumbered, the people was a multitude, even their camels were without number
Sometimes God asks to do things that are impossible
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. Mt 19:26
For with God nothing shall be impossible. Lk 1:37
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jer 32:27
Manifestation of God’s Word
Achieved
Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along. 14 And his fellow answered and said, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel: for into his hand hath God delivered Midian, and all the host
Analyzed
And it was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation thereof
They dreamed a loaf of bread rolled down into their camp, when it rolled into their camp, it hit a specific tent overturned it and it collapsed. They knew that this represented Gideon defeating their army.
Not every dream is from God but there is times that God may use a dream to speak to us. God used dreams with Joseph, God used dreams with Daniel, God used dreams with Jacob, God used dreams with the Wise Men. God used dreams with Joseph, God spoke to Pilates wife thru a dream
The key thing to note with this point is it is when you are all alone that the Lord can really speak to you
When I was running from God I hated being alone, I hated silence, it was then that God rocked my world and rattled my cage
But once I got right with the Lord, I love being alone with Him, spending time with Him.
Adored
that he worshipped
He worshipped celebrating the Victory God had given them
Have you ever had a time in your life when something God had revealed to you comes to fruition, and you just wanna shout. Maybe there has been times when the Lord revealed something to you and it was just obvious it was God. Don’t those times just make you wanna shout! Imagine Gideon being there and God told him this was going to happen and it did, no wonder he worshipped.
We need to worship the Lord not only in times of victory but also in times of defeat
I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. 2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: The humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt his name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, And delivered me from all my fears. Ps 34:1-4
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly. 3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of his glory.IS 6:1-3
And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. Acts 16:25
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24
Assured
Arise; for the Lord hath delivered into your hand the host of Midian
For seven years the Midianites had assaulted and insulted the Israelites by arrogantly plundering the harvest and terrorizing the inhabitants of the land. No one dared to lift a hand against them. They seem invulnerable and undefeatable - Butler
God had given them the assurance that they needed. If you are needing assurance God will give you that assurance which you need. Just turn to him and trust him.
Will you turn today to the Lord and trust Him. I am not sure what you might be going thru but let me tell you that God will encourage you and give you what you need
Gideon needed this assurance from God. It encouraged him, it enlightened him, it empowered him, and it energized him. Once God gave him this it encouraged all of them. It is infectious.
Think about times in your life that the Lord has given you much needed assurance. Those times He just whispered a word, Those times He sang a song to you, Those times He said it in His scripture. How encouraged you felt. I pray He gives you an encouraging and assuring word today. Let that assurance spread out to others.
Imagine being a soldier on the front lines and seeing defeat after defeat, feeling out numbered, out manned, out powered then all of the sudden you are doubting, discouraged, defeated and you get a message from the commander in chief saying hold on soldier, go forward, I am with you, you have my support, the enemy is defeated. That would be so encouraging
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 1 John 5:14
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Tim 1:12
Sermon 12
Sermon 12
The previous 2 Sundays was about the Communication of God
God gave Gideon instruction to go into the presence of the enemy to hear the dream that He had allowed the enemy to have.
This caused Gideon to have Confidence in God and Assurance in Him.
Today we are going to look at the Conquest of Gideon, this sermon will be two weeks
The Conquest of Gideon (2nd)
The Conquest of Gideon (2nd)
16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers. 17 And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. 18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon. 19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands. 20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
Separation for the Conquest
And he divided the three hundred men into three companies
God had Gideon to separate the people in a specific order and a specific place. God had a reason for doing what he did and why he did it. He had a strategy
He placed the 300 on three sides to surround the enemy but also to allow a fourth side to be open allowing for an escape. Being on three sides gave Israel the advantage also Israel was on a hill
We all have a God given Place, we may wonder or worry, or even want to be in a different place but God has Placed us where we are for a Reason we are “for such a time as this”. If God has revealed His place for you the best thing you can do is go there
We all have a God given Purpose, we may wonder, or worry, or want to have a different Purpose, but God has given us our Purpose for a Reason. We have a job to do that is unique for us he has asked us to do it “for such a time as this”If God has revealed His purpose for you, the best thing you can do is get to it
When it comes to the Purpose from God for you, the first thing is Be Saved, secondly it is to Share Him, thirdly it is to Shout unto Him, lastly it is to Seek Him. The first three are shared by all, the last one gets unique, when we seek the Lord He reveals our individual purpose.
Seek Him thru His word
Seek Him thru His work
When the devil tries to get you to say why turn that into a why not
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jer 29:11
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps Pro 16:9
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye PS 32:8
The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations Ps 33:11
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Jer 1:5
Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Pro 3:5-6
Is 55:8-11 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are my ways higher than your ways, And my thoughts than your thoughts. 10 For as the rain cometh down, And the snow from heaven, And returneth not thither, But watereth the earth, And maketh it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: It shall not return unto me void, But it shall accomplish that which I please, And it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you John 15:16
Preparation for the Conquest
he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers, and lamps within the pitchers
You can see from this study about the life of Gideon how the Lord Prepared him for what was to be done. God does just that, He prepares us for what needs to be done. He prepared Noah to build a boat for a flood, He prepared Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of Bondage, He prepared David with a Lion and a Bear to defeat Goliath, He prepared Daniel to face the Lion’s den, He prepared the Hebrew Children for the Fiery Furnace
This was the most unusual weapons for war but God knew what he was doing. He knew this would defeat the Midianites. God does some His best work with things that does not make sense to us. They didnt question what they were given or what the preparation tactics were. They just did. Oh that we could just trust the Lord and not question Him.
The Preparation of God includes Capability
The Preparation of God includes Courage
The Preparation of God includes Completion
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them Eph 2:10
Know ye that the LORD he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture Ps 100:3
This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise Is 43:21
Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. Is 44:21
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. 1 Cor 3:9
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Phil 1:6
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Heb 13:21
Instruction for the Conquest
And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do
We get Instruction from God thru His Doctrine
We get Instruction from God thru Devotion
We get Instruction from God thru Discipleship
Our biggest blocker to getting instruction from God is we don’t allow Him to teach us, secondly we don’t take time to learn from Him. It is all about Availability and Opportunity
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye PS 32:8
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Mt 28:19-20
Separation for the Conquest
Preparation for the Conquest
Instruction for the Conquest
Declaration for God
And he said unto them, Look on me, and do likewise: and, behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall ye do. 18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all that are with me, then blow ye the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon
The 300 that day were asked to make a declaration for God.
Believers today are asked make a Declaration for God, for us that comes in the form of us Sharing Jesus with others. It is High Time that Christians Stand up, Christians Stiffen up, and Christians Speak up! We have been silent far too long, souls are drifting off into hell and we are setting back in our comfort and complacency not doing anything about it! Lets not get caught up cheering others from the sidelines, jump into the game and allow God to work thru you!
Psalm 22:22 I will declare thy name unto my brethren: In the midst of the congregation will I praise thee.
Psalm 66:16 Come and hear, all ye that fear God, And I will declare what he hath done for my soul.
Psalm 96:3 Declare his glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people.
Psalm 40:10 I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation.
Submission to Gideon and God
So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands. 20 And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon.
To Gideon
So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands
Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Rom 13:1
Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God Eph 5:21
Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God Col 3:23
To God
And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon
Believed God
And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon
Blew for God
blew the trumpets
and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal
Most likely these would have ben shofar horns and being awakened by the sounds of 300 horns blowing would have been startling
Brake for God
brake the pitchers
They had used the pitchers to conceal their lamps and to conceal their movements. All of the sudden there is the sound of 300 pitchers breaking around them would have also startled them.
IT is time for Christians to Brake our Pitchers which we have been hiding our lights in and let those lights shine
Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father which is in heaven. Mt 6
Bind for God
and held the lamps in their left hands
So now all of the sudden all of the lights
We need to let our lights shine for the Lord
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Mt 5:16
Bellow of God
they cried, The sword of the Lord, and of Gideon
Setting the stage of the trumpets blowing, the pitchers braking, then the lights shining all around them and then they hear the shouting. No wonder the Midianites cried out and fled.
They essentially had one job, Obey God. It is pretty simple when you boil it down to that level. All we need to do is Obey. HE will take care of the rest. Let’s just open our mouth and allow Him to speak!
This took place in the middle of the night, most likely between 10pm and 2am. Keeping in mind there was nights like we have today it was much darker so God used that to His advantage.
If ye love me, keep my commandments. John 14:15
Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words John 14:23a
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine Ex 19:5
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only James 1:22a
Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy God, and keep his charge, and his statutes, and his judgments, and his commandments, alway. Deu 11:1
Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. 1 Sam 15:22b
But this thing commanded I them, saying, Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and ye shall be my people: and walk ye in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well unto you Jer 7:23
Sermon 13
Sermon 13
The Conquering by God and Gideon
The Conquering by God and Gideon
Judges 7:21–25 (KJV 1900)
21 And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. 22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath. 23 And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites. 24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. 25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.
Action
And they stood every man
the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host
And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites
And Gideon sent messengers throughout
They Stood
They Stood against the Enemy of the Lord
By standing that represented them taking action with the Feet
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong 1 Cor 16:13
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places]. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Eph 6:11-17
Moses stood before Pharoah
David stood before Goliath
Ester Stood before the King for her people
Elijah stood before the Prophets of Baal
The Three Hebrews stood before Nebuchadnezzar
Daniel stood before Darius
Christian take action and stand before this world, your journey begins when you take action and taking action begins with taking a stand
They Shouted
They Stood against the Enemy of the Lord and they Shouted out against the enemy of the Lord
By Shouting out they took action with their mouths
Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. 1Ch 16:24
I will declare thy name unto my brethren: in the midst of the congregation will I praise thee. Psa 22:22
But [it is] good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works Psa 73:28
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 1 Cor 15:1
Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. Mark 8:38
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32–33
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16
Christian Shout for the Lord hath given us the Victory, declare His Name, His Works, His Word, His Will
They Slew
They stood against the enemy of the Lord, the Shouted out against the enemy of the Lord, and they Slew the Enemy of the Lord
By slaying they took action with their hands, previously they took action with their Feet, their Mouths and now their Hands. At this point they are all in, Fully Submitted and Surrendered to the will of God.
Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Lk 10:19
Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 Jn 4:$
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. Is 54:17a
For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The Lord said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool Mk 12:36
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. 1 Pt 5:8
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7
Our enemy is the devil and all of his devices, for Gideon it was the Midianites, for us it varies. The enemy comes in different forms, the enemy comes in the form of your weakness.
Physical Enemy
Addiction
Alcohol, Drugs, Lust, Adultery, Gambling, Gluttony
Disease
Mental/Emotional Enemy
Depression
Fear
Pride
Spiritual Enemy
Spiritual Apathy
Spiritual Deception
Spiritual Distraction
It is time Christian you Stand up and Shout out for the Lord has given you the victory over your enemy, Slay the enemy! We no longer have to live in defeat but can walk in Victory. Go forth Child for the Lord has already defeated your enemy, you no longer have to live in his captivity!
For the LORD your God is he that goeth with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you. Deu 20:4
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me Ph 4:13
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33
Reaction
all the host ran, and cried, and fled.
the host fled
The Midianites Cried
The Midianites Cutout
They experienced the promised victory. Remember God promised Gideon the victory. While Gideon Doubted God Defeated.
God has promised His followers Victory, we simply just need to Seek Him, Submit to Him, Surrender to Him
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Is 55:11
Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. Mt 24:35
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: Is 46:10
(For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them Deu 4:31
Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deu 31:6
And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. Deu 31:8
There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Josh 1:5
God promised he would not fail not forsake and He kept His promise. It isn’t about us nor is it about someone else. It is about Him and His word.
Destruction
the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host
pursued after the Midianites
And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.
The Enemy of the Lord shall suffer destruction. God destroyed the World in Gen 6, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah in Gen, God destroyed the city of Jericho, God destroyed the Philistines, God destroyed the Midianites, and there is a day coming when God will destroy His enemy’s again along side satan and his angels forever.
Sermon 14
Sermon 14
It is vital to know out of the when entering this sermon that we just for the past few weeks have been speaking about the Conquering by God and Gideon. Many times after a Godly Victory the devil approaches And attacks.
Jesus after he successfully fasted forty days and night, here comes the devil.
Jonah after the enter city of Ninevah repented got upset, the devil was behind that.
Noah after a successful journey on the Ark with the Almighty went wayward, got drunk and messed up, the devil was behind that.
After Elijah had his mountaintop encounter with God facing off against the prophets of Baal became after for his life and hid from Jezebel, the devil was behind that.
Look at times in your life that the same has happened, I know I have one main encounter that I will not disclose details but man God was work, people was getting saved, rededicating, baptized, the church was rapidly growing and the devil comes in and finds a crack and destroys everything.
As this church grows the devil will not be happy about that, we need to be spiritually mature enough to recognize when he raises his head up.
Resentment toward Gideon
Judges 8:1 And the men of Ephraim said unto him, Why hast thou served us thus, that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites? And they did chide with him sharply.
Period of Resentment
When God was working
People of Resentment
“the men of Ephraim”
They had their feelings hurt
Preference of Resentment
“Why hast thou served us thus”
Why did you treat us like this? This happened because they were more concerned about their own feelings than they were about what God was doing and had done. They took their eyes off of God and put them on their themselves
When did Peter sink, when he looked away from the Savior and looked at self, the sea, the ship, and the storm
Purpose of Resentment
Condescension
“that thou calledst us not, when thou wentest to fight with the Midianites”
Judges (6. The Perverting in the Rancor (Judges 8:1)) The Ephraimites give the impression that they would have responded quickly and enthusiastically had Gideon called them to fight the Midianites. What they don’t say is why they did not volunteer to fight the Midianites before Gideon did. The Midianites were in the land seven years, why did not the Ephraimites fight them in the past? The truth is they simply wanted to be in on the glory now that the Midianites were being defeated. A lot of church people are this way. When something good is done at church in which a number of people contributed to the success, there will always be those who complain they were not given important positions in the program. But they do not talk about why they did not get involved earlier. - Butler
Contention
“And they did chide with him sharply”
They were putting the man of God in the place where he was having to worry about them instead of the work, or perhaps they were upset that they missed out on the spoils of the battle.
This happened when Nehemiah was rebuilding the walls of the city, ole Sanballot was trying to distract the Man of God from the work, the devil was behind that.
When you obey the Lord at times others will not be pleased, will not be satisfied, will not be happy about it. When serving the Lord make your focus on pleasing him not pleasing them.
Lets remember the brother of the prodigal son, he did the will of the father and his brother complained about it. Some people will complain when you obey the Lord
Luke 15:25–32 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound. 28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him. 29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: 30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf. 31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. 32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Luke 5:30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying, Why do ye eat and drink with publicans and sinners?
Luke 15:2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.
1 Samuel 17:28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle.
Response of Gideon
Judges 8:2–3 And he said unto them, What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you? Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.
Demonstrated Restraint in the Response
And he said unto them
Gideon was trying to be a peace maker in his response for the sake of the people
sometimes we need to demonstrate restraint in our responses.
Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Demonstrated Results in the Response
What have I done now in comparison of you? Is not the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?
Demonstrated Recognition in the Response
God hath delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison of you?
Recognized what God did
God hath delivered
We need to ensure when God does something God gets the credit
Many times we make statement that I did this or I did that, but what we need to say on many of those occasions God did this or God did that.
God did something for me last week that was very special and I am not going to go into the details but some of you know what happened and that was 100% a God thing.
Recognized what he did
what was I able to do in comparison of you?
Recognized what they did
delivered into your hands the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb
He was gracious and recognized them though they did nothing really in comparison to what he did and he actually said that but they were so caught up in being recognized for what they did they didn’t hear that part.
Let’s not get caught up ourselves in recognition, it is a snare of satan. It is not about us but about God.
For Gideon to recognize them took a lot of control, grace, and leadership. Gideon was a leader, God knew it, Gideon didn’t know it. He had it in him, God just needed to bring it out. Allow God to bring out your leadership abilities and talents for Him and His glory.
Reaction to the Response
Then their anger was abated toward him, when he had said that.
One of two things happened here, either when they heard God praised their anger ceased, or when they heard themselves praised their anger ceased. I think it was the latter
Sometimes in life we need to give people praise, sometimes it is when they deserve it and sometimes they don’t deserve it. Take the high road
How you respond to those that oppose you is more important than their resentment or opposition of you, now this is difficult, and sadly something I know a little something about. I think it is a good practice for the believer to hesitate and pray before responding to negativism and approach it as Jesus would
Matthew 5:44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
Romans 12:20–21 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Refusal of Gideon
Judges 8:4–9 And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. 5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian. 6 And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army? 7 And Gideon said, Therefore when the Lord hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers. 8 And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him. 9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.
Request for Help
And Gideon came to Jordan, and passed over, he, and the three hundred men that were with him, faint, yet pursuing them. 5 And he said unto the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread unto the people that follow me
I will be honest with you, I have always struggled when it comes to asking for help. But at the same time I will make sure that my family has been provided for. Gideon I would believe was more worried about his people more than himself.
Reason for Help
for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian
His people were tired, exhausted from the fight, and they were hungry
Gideon was asking for help for a meal for him and his men. But instead of receiving help he received nothing aside from mockery.
He wasn’t asking for a government handout for nothing. He was actually solving a problem that they had for 7 years and doing something for them. He was just asking for bread.
If you see me in the deep water drowning don’t give me a swimming class, get me out of the water. I can’t swim. A drowning man needs saved not swimming lessons. You may say this was just bread it wasn’t life or death but it was life and death. They were starving and trying to fight for their country and people.
The people should have given it to him and aided him versus betraying Gideon and their people because in the end what they did was commit treason but not aiding their people.
If you have a soldier or anyone for that matter that approaches you and they are hungry feed them, and you do not have the means to support them, call one of us and we will work to get them the food they need. We ain’t rich and we might be poor but we can sho nuff come up with some food.
We are to even feed our enemy if they are hungry, now wanna talk about swallowing your pride.
Proverbs 25:21–22 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; And if he be thirsty, give him water to drink: 22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, And the Lord shall reward thee.
Romans 12:20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
Rejection of Help
And the princes of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thine army
They refused to help him and even went as far to say you haven’t captured the enemy which is mockery and saying to Gideon you havent actually done anything for us yet. But oh he had.
Retribution for no Help
And Gideon said, Therefore when the Lord hath delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into mine hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers. 8 And he went up thence to Penuel, and spake unto them likewise: and the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth had answered him. 9 And he spake also unto the men of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.
note he said when not if
Warning was Received
Waiting for Retribution
Repentance to Help
There is no part of this text to suggest that repentance occured, but I would think that if they would have repented and helped before it was too late they would have been able to escape Retribution.
I say that because of this story....
Matthew 21:28–32 28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard. 29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went. 30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not. 31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came unto you in the way of righteousness, and ye believed him not: but the publicans and the harlots believed him: and ye, when ye had seen it, repented not afterward, that ye might believe him.
Perhaps the Lord has asked you to do something and you said no, you would not do it, perhaps it is time to change your mind, heart, and path to be aligned with the Lord’s request of you. He will show you grace, you just need to repent unto him. I had told the Lord I would not preach and let’s just say He persuaded me.
Or perhaps you told the Lord you would do what he ask but you haven’t done it. What do you think that the Lord feels about that. It is time to do what you had said you would do.
Many times we make commitments to the Lord that we would do this or that but fail to follow thru on our commitment to Him. We need to step up and follow thru for the father. Will you do that?
Return of Gideon
Judges 8:13–17 And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up, And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men. And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary? And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
Acceleration in the Return
And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up
After being up all night fighting the enemy he made haste to return. I am not sure it was as much about the pending condemnation and retribution as it was to get his men the food they needed and the pending judgement.
I wonder what the leaders of the city thought when he returned, but not only returned but returned victorious, and not only returned and returned victoriously but he also returned almost immediately.
Investigation upon Return
And caught a young man of the men of Succoth, and inquired of him: and he described unto him the princes of Succoth, and the elders thereof, even threescore and seventeen men
Demonstration upon Return
And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna
These were two kings that felt and believed that they would never be captured by Gideon. But here they were being paraded around by Gideon after they were captured.
Accusation upon Return
And he came unto the men of Succoth, and said, Behold Zebah and Zalmunna, with whom ye did upbraid me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy men that are weary?
They were charged with failing to help in a Wartime Emergency
They were charged with Scoffing unbelief and rebellion
They were charged with Treason by aiding them enemy but not helping their soldiers
Retribution upon Return
And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them he taught the men of Succoth. 17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel, and slew the men of the city.
Many might say why did he kill the leaders, just because they would not give him food. Friend it was not about a loaf of bread, what they did was betray him and their people and by not helping that did two things (1) Aided their enemy (2) Put their soldiers at risk. This was by definition treason and treason is a capitol offense. How could he trust them to be the leaders that they needed to be.
If you are thinking that this is good but how can I apply this to my life.
Aid your people when they need help
Expect Judgement when you go against or do not follow the will of God
The Return of Gideon should remind us of the Return of Jesus.
You might think there is no connection, but there is....
The return of Gideon was a Surety, he said he was coming back and he did.
The Return of Jesus is a Surety, he has said he is returning and he will.
Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
Acts 1:11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
The return of Gideon was suddenly
The Return of Jesus will be Suddenly
Matthew 24:40–42 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. 42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.
The return of Gideon was swiftly
returned from battle before the sun was up
The Return of Jesus will be Swiftly
James 5:8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.
Revelation 3:11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
The Return of Gideon was secretly
And caught a young man of the men of Succoth
The Return of Jesus will be Secretly
Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
The Return of Gideon provided security to his men
The Return of Jesus provides Security
John 14:1–3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
The Return of Gideon secured the opposers
The Return of Jesus will secure His opposers
Matthew 25:32-33 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats: And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Matthew 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Sermon 15
Sermon 15
The Combat of Gideon and God
The Combat of Gideon and God
Results of the Combat
Judges 8:10–12 (KJV 1900)
10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword. 11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure. 12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
The Remnant
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword
They had suffered a tremendous loss, they had already lost over 120,000 and now they only had about 15,000 left.
The Route
And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure.
The Retreat
And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
They had no choice but to retreat, they were getting the beat down by an army that is literally .2% of their size. It is amazing what God can do with a little
Ruin after the Combat
Judges 8:18–21 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 19 And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the Lord liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you. 20 And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks.
Judges 8:28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel,
Gideon’s Siblings Slain
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 19 And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the Lord liveth
Gideon’s Statement
if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you
Gideon’s Son
And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth
Gideon’s Slays
Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks.
God’s Success
Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel
Request after the Combat
Judges 8:22–23 (KJV 1900)
22 Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. 23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.
Judges 8:24–27 (KJV 1900)
24 And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels’ necks. 27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
Request of God’s People
Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also:
Reason for the Request
for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian
Rejection of the Request
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you:
Redirection of the Request
the Lord shall rule over you.
Request of Gideon
And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)
Reason for the Request
We don’t know what possessed this but we believe he had the best intentions with wanting to make the Golden Robe
Relinquish for the Request
And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey.
Riches of the Request
And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels’ necks.
Robe from the Request
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah:
Rebellion for the Robe
and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
Reprieve after the Combat
Judges 8:28 (KJV 1900)
28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.
Midian was Subdued
Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel
Midian was Still
so that they lifted up their heads no more
Midian was Silent
And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.
Results of the Combat
Results of the Combat
Judges 8:10–12 (KJV 1900)
10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword. 11 And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure. 12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them, and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
Place of the Combat
Place of the Combat
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor
East of Jordan in Gilead
Persons in the Combat
Persons in the Combat
Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east
There was the two kings along with about 15,000 remaining men along with Gideon and his men.
Product of the Combat
Product of the Combat
for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword
They had lost 120,000
Pursuit in the Combat
Pursuit in the Combat
And Gideon went up by the way of them that dwelt in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and smote the host: for the host was secure. And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them
The midianites had a stronghold amongst God’s people for 7 years
The Midianites were completely chased out of the land of the living God. The midianites had no place in God’s land. We are seeing first hand this week what happens when you allow the enemy to stay in your borders. Look at what is happening to the people in Afghanistan. It is heart breaking the Taliban has no place in Afghanistan or any country for that matter. They needed to be chased out
I am sure that many of you will immediately agree with that statement and that right. However lets pause for a minute and think about how we allow the devil to dwell in our own lives. Hold on, wait a minute.
You might immediately say woe preacher I do not allow the devil to dwell in my life. If we as a believer allow satanic strongholds in our live we are allowing the devil to dwell in our lives.
Let’s say you own 50 acres of land, and I want one acre right in the middle of it. You sell it to me. Now I have the right to go into and out of your property at will, to get to my one acre. Supposed I start throwing trash around and paying loud music all hours of the night. I’m desecrating your property, but there’s nothing you can do—you’ve given me access. You try to make me leave, and I say, “I’m not going, and you can’t make me go. I’ve got a legal right to it. If you don’t like it, tough luck.” You wouldn’t be able to move me out because you gave me a place there. - Adrian Rogers
2 Corinthians 10:4–5 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;
Here are some strongholds that Christians allow in their lives
Define Strongholds
A stronghold in your life is anything that controls you, your life, your thoughts, your actions. Anything to confine you or hinder you.
Detect Strongholds
Mental Strongholds
Lack of Focus on the Lord
Depression
Discouragement
Worry
Concern for what others think
Emotional Strongholds
Pride
Guilt
Shame
Second look
Harboring Grudges/Bitterness
Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
Hate
White vs Black vs Latinos
Citizens vs Illegals
Jews vs Muslims & Muslims vs Christians
Republicans vs Democrats & Democrats vs Republicans
Trump vs Biden & Biden vs Trump
Masked vs Unmasked
Vaccinated vs Un-vaccinated
I love America, but I do not love what America has become
So much hatred in the World today, we need to go back to One nation under God, we need to go back to Red, Yellow, Black, White they are precious in His sight.
When I see people who to love and follow Jesus placing more emphasis on the constitution than the sermon on the mount, or live their daily lives according to the their rights as American citizens rather than as surrenderd servants of Christ it greatly concerns me. -Keith Giles
Financial Strongholds
Greed
Gambling
Covetous
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Spiritual Strongholds
Lack of Faith
Doubt
Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Physical Strongholds
Your favorite sin
Galatians 5:19–21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Alcohol
Addiction
Drugs
Sexual Sin
1 Corinthians 6:18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body.
Idols, Gideon broke down his fathers idol worship.
Occult activity
Witchcraft
satanic worship
Wicca
Fortune-telling
Sorcery
Magic
Ephesians 1:20–23 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Unforgiven sin
Defeat Strongholds
Christian. It is time for you to defeat those strongholds in your life. You may feel it is impossible and with you yourself it is impossible. But with the Lord it is Possible.
phillipians 4:13
Realize
Realize the Sequence and the Struggle
The Sequence
James 1:14–16 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.
The struggle to have these strongholds in your life.
The reality is that many this morning struggling with strongholds do not even want the strongholds in their lives but they are there. It likely began with something small but those things never stay small.
It begins with a single lottery ticket but before you know it you are buying them daily then before you know it lottery tickets are not enough and you are gambling on more, then before you realize it you are addicted to gambling and cannot break-free and it has a stronghold in your life.
I realize that not everyone that buys a lottery ticket becomes addicted to gambling but talk to anyone that is addicted to gambling it began with one bet or one purchase.
It begins with a single beer, then you want more beer and before you know it beer isn’t enough and you are drinking hard liquor, and before you know it you are addicted to alcohol and it has a stronghold in your life.
I realize that not everyone that takes a drink will be an alcoholic but ask any alcoholic it began with one drink. If you do not think that you have a stronghold with this or any of the things i mentioned give it up for thirty, sixty, ninety days see if it has power over you. If you feel like you must have it and desire it so much that it’s what consumes your thoughts then it is a stronghold in your life that needs to be broken down.
It begins with an inappropriate look or touch then it turns into a single sexual sin, then it becomes a stronghold in your life, something that you think you cannot live without.
If begins with a single hit on a joint, or a single pill, or even a single snort, then more often than not it is not enough, you want more, you buy more, the more you do it the more of a stronghold it has on you, then you want something harder, it becomes such a stronghold that you cannot live without.
1 John 2:15–16 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
Realize the Sin
1 John 1:8–10 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Repentance
Luke 13:3 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Reliance
Proverbs 3:5–6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Reject
James 4:7–8 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Ephesians 4:27 Neither give place to the devil
1 Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
Perplexed in the Combat
Perplexed in the Combat
and took the two kings of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and discomfited all the host.
“discomfited” - Strongs Hebrew 2729 ḥārēḏ pronounced Ha-Raid - means tremble, fear, afraid.
When God shows up the devil will get discomfited
James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Summary of the Results of the Combat
Midianite Kings Captured
More than 120,000 already killed by 301
God’s Promise was fulfilled, Gideon didn’t die and Lord was with Him
God Protected at this point we do not have any noted casualties of the children of God
God Provided
Midianite Stronghold Broken after 7 years
Ruin after the Combat
Ruin after the Combat
Judges 8:18–21 (KJV 1900)
18 Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 19 And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother: as the Lord liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you. 20 And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks.
Judges 8:28 (KJV 1900)
28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.
Captured in the Combat
Captured in the Combat
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna
The evil kings, the enemy of the Lord had been captured by Gideon. They were paraded around and shamed. Their actions had caught up with them. Our sins will catch up with us, there is consequences for our choices.
We will sin, we will make mistakes, and we will not escape. They fled but they were not able to escape. Many today are fleeing the Lord, trying to escape.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Romans 3:10 As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
1 John 3:4 Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.
Jonah was a man of God, a prophet that God sent unto the people of Ninevah to preach repentance. Jonah may have been a man of God but he was a man, he was a man that allowed hate to fill his heart towards the people of Ninevah, so much hatred he was willing to let them perish. Instead of preaching to them he ran from the call of God. There is two marquee sins here we want to call out; Hate, Disobedience. He allowed his hate to turn into disobedience.
His disobedience led him to running from God and his running from God led him to a ship, the ship led him to a storm, the storm led him to being thrown overboard, being thrown overboard led him to being consumed by a whale, being consumed by the whale led him to the stomach of the whale for three days, being in the stomach of the whale for three days led him to repentance from disobedience and being thrown up on the shoreline but he still struggled with the hatred.
While we are speaking on hate…we see so much hate in the world today
Hate
White vs Black
legals vs Illegals
Jews vs Muslims & Muslims vs Christians
Republicans vs Democrats & Democrats vs Republicans
Trump vs Biden & Biden vs Trump
Masked vs Unmasked
Vaccinated vs Un-vaccinated
I love America, but I do not love what America has become
So much hatred in the World today, we need to go back to One nation under God, we need to go back to Red, Yellow, Black, White they are precious in His sight.
Jonah was unable to escape God, I was unable to escape God, you will be unable to escape God. God will catch you so just surrender to him and stop running.
Psalm 139:7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
Charged in the Combat
Charged in the Combat
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king. 19 And he said, They were my brethren, even the sons of my mother
Gideon questioned the kings about whom they had killed at Tabor, he uncovered that they had killed his brothers.
Their Sin found them out
Numbers 32:23 .....and be sure your sin will find you out.
Matthew 10:26 ....for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Genesis 3:8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.
Joshua 7:21 When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.
When you sin (and you do sin) you have a choice to make. What are you going to do with it.
You can conceal or cover your sin
David concealed his sin and the Lord revealed it
Achan covered his sin and the Lord revealed it
Proverbs 28:13 He that covereth his sins shall not prosper...
You can confess your sin
Your sin will find you out, before your sin finds you out you need to be forgiven of it.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
1 John 1:9–10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Psalm 32:1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; And thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
You can convert from your sin
Proverbs 28:13 ....But whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
Convicted in the Combat
Convicted in the Combat
as the Lord liveth, if ye had saved them alive, I would not slay you.
If they would not have killed his brothers he told them he would have let them live.
Condemned in the Combat
Condemned in the Combat
And he said unto Jether his firstborn, Up, and slay them. But the youth drew not his sword: for he feared, because he was yet a youth. 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise thou, and fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gideon arose, and slew Zebah and Zalmunna, and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks.
Gideon directs his son to kill them, to which he wouldn’t because he was scared. The kings even told the youth to rise up and fall on them. They still wouldn’t. Gideon rose up and slew them.
Condemned
Romans 5:18 Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Jesus grants compassion over condemnation
John 8:1–11 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
The devil desires to condemn you, he desires to even condemn you for forgiven sin
The choice is yours today, some of you have sin in your life that is unconfessed, what are you going to do with that sin? Are you going to experience the compassion of the Lord or the condemnation of the world.
Conquered in the Combat
Conquered in the Combat
28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.
There was peace in the land after the enemy of the Lord had been conquered.
We will experience a day one day when the enemy of the Lord is defeated for the last time.
When the our enemy is conquered we can experience peace in our lives but not until then.
Our enemy is sin and satan. Until he is conquered in your life you will not find peace.
John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God,The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Remember
You cannot escape God, Submit and Surrender to Him today
Your sin will be found out, Confess and Convert from it today
The Compassion of the Savior overcomes the condemnation of satan
One day satan will be stopped for good and we will have eternal peace
Results of the Combat
Ruin after the Combat
Request after the Combat
Request after the Combat
Judges 8:22–23 (KJV 1900)
22 Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. 23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.
Judges 8:24–27 (KJV 1900)
24 And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels’ necks. 27 And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
Request of the People after the Combat
Request of the People after the Combat
Then the men of Israel said unto Gideon, Rule thou over us, both thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son also: for thou hast delivered us from the hand of Midian. 23 And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.
Request to be king
The people wanted Gideon, his son, and his grandson to be their kings. They had made up their minds on that they wanted.
They wanted it because he was their hero at this point. But they were looking at the carnal/natural perspective instead of the spiritual
It should have been the Lord that they were looking at as their hero. It is natural to review a situation like this to look at man as the hero and not the Lord, it needs to be the Lord
Rejection of being king
Gideon called out that neither he nor his sons would rule over them.
Reason for not being king
He desired that they look to the Lord to rule over them “ the Lord shall rule over you”. He was demonstrating his humility but also his devotion.
This is a marquee question we should consider, Is the Lord Ruling over us?
Before the Lord can be our Ruler we must be....
Saved
Surrendered
Submitted
Request of the Prey after the Combat
Request of the Prey after the Combat
24 And Gideon said unto them, I would desire a request of you, that ye would give me every man the earrings of his prey. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, We will willingly give them. And they spread a garment, and did cast therein every man the earrings of his prey. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold; beside ornaments, and collars, and purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian, and beside the chains that were about their camels’ necks
Gideon made a compromise after they asked him to be king, it was like he was saying I will not be your king but here is what you can do for me. I do believe he had the best intentions
A compromise here and there will lead you totally away from Gods will. Give the devil an inch he takes a foot, give the devil a foot he takes a yard, give him a yard he takes a football field, give him a football field he takes a mile, give him a mile he takes makes an interstate.
Winter was coming on and a hunter went out into the forest to shoot a bear out of which he planned to make a warm coat. By and by he saw a bear coming toward him and raised his gun and took aim. “Wait,” said the bear, “why do you want to shoot me?” “Because I am cold,” said the hunter. “But I am hungry,” the bear replied, “so maybe we can reach an agreement.” In the end, the hunter was well enveloped with the bear’s fur and the bear had eaten his dinner. We always lose out when we try to compromise with sin. It will consume us in the end. (Source unknown).
We compromise on certain things here and there. We must be careful where we compromise. Compromise on certain things of the Lord and there is certain things we should not compromise.
We can compromise on the...
appearance of the church
worship style of the church
music of the church
We should not compromise on the...
Gospel (birth, life, death, resurrection, return of Jesus)
Word of God
Discipleship, how we do it yes, but we must do it
Missions, how we do it yes, but we must do it
Gideon really did not make a good compromise, he compromised in an area that will cost him and the Lords people later. The Compromises were...
Abundance
thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold
1,700 shekels of gold is ~19,250 grams of gold which is ~620 ounces of Gold which today would be ~$1.25M
Apparel
purple raiment that was on the kings of Midian
Adornment
ornaments, and collars...the chains that were about their camels’ necks
I do not intend to sound judgmental towards Gideon but it is a reality. Based on First John there is three things which can defile a man
Lust of the Flesh
Lust of the Eyes
Pride of Life
When I look at what he asked for I see him falling into this trap and this would be a downfall
Gideon compromised
David compromised
Peter compromised
Christian have you compromised?
Ephesus compromised and left their first love
Revelation 2:4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.
Pergamos compromised and allowed false doctrine to be taught
Revelation 2:14–15 But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.
Thyaritira compromised and allowed a sinful false Teacher
Revelation 2:20-22 Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman Jezebel, which calleth herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds.
Sardis compromised and part of their church was dead and all of it was almost dead
Revelation 3:1 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.
Laodecia compromised and was lukewarm spiritually
Revelation 3:15–16 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Robe for the People after the Combat
Robe for the People after the Combat
And Gideon made an ephod thereof, and put it in his city, even in Ophrah:
Gideon made a priestly garment which at first sounds great but it isn’t. Relate it to this, I believe that the church should be beautiful however we are not to worship the church but to worship Christ, we do not worship the facility, but we worship the Father.
I want us to invest in this facility and seek the Lord as to what He wants us to do for it, but we will be diligent not to get to the place where we worship the church over Christ.
Lessons we can remember from Gideon in this sermon
Have the Lord first in your life, let Him lead you
Submit and Surrender
Be careful where you compromise in your life, A compromise here leads to another there
if you have compromised repent and return
Sometimes we do something we think is good and maybe even for God but sometimes it isn’t God approving it or requesting it.
Relapse after the Combat
Relapse after the Combat
Judges 8:29–35 (KJV 1900)
29 And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house. 30 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. 31 And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech. 32 And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. 33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god. 34 And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side: 35 Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.
Rebellion of the People after the Combat
Rebellion of the People after the Combat
and all Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house.
It is not a sin to have nice things, it is not a sin to have a nice car, house, possessions, it is not even a sin to be rich but the moment that we cherish Riches over the Redeemer is it a sin.
This Garment that Gideon made became an idol for Gideon and the People. They were worshiping the garment over worshipping God.
Return Home after the Combat
Return Home after the Combat
And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.
Relapse of Gideon after the Combat
Relapse of Gideon after the Combat
And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives. 31 And his concubine that was in Shechem, she also bare him a son, whose name he called Abimelech
Gideon had a relapse to sin. He had many wives and concubines and this would be a decision that would cost most of his children their lives.
Judges 9:3–5 And his mother’s brethren spake of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, He is our brother. 4 And they gave him threescore and ten pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which followed him. 5 And he went unto his father’s house at Ophrah, and slew his brethren the sons of Jerubbaal, being threescore and ten persons, upon one stone: notwithstanding yet Jotham the youngest son of Jerubbaal was left; for he hid himself.
Relapse of God’s People after the Combat
Relapse of God’s People after the Combat
And Gideon the son of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the sepulchre of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abi-ezrites. 33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and went a whoring after Baalim, and made Baal-berith their god. 34 And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side: 35 Neither shewed they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, namely, Gideon, according to all the goodness which he had shewed unto Israel.
After God’s man was no longer in the picture not only did Gideons Children forsake the ways of God but also God’s people.
They forgot God “And the children of Israel remembered not the Lord their God”
They forgot God’s deliverance “who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side”
They followed gods
Sermon 16
Sermon 16
The Communication with God
The Communication with God
As we speak about Communication with God I would like to share three main points that I feel is a Necessity to having prayer with the Lord
Exaltation of God
Exclamation to God and from God
Expectation of God
Exaltation of God
As we approach the Lord, let us approach him with Adoration and Admiration
14...my Lord
23 And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die
37...shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said
39...Let not thine anger be hot against me
Ps 72:18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only doeth wondrous things.
Is 6:3 And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of his glory.
Mt 6:9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
Exclamation to God and Exclamation from God
The Exclamation with God piece is simply a conversation with God.
Converse with God as you would anyone. Just have a little talk with Jesus. Nothing fancy, nothing formal, just a talk with Jesus.
Many don’t pray because they feel that they do not know ow to pray. Do not be discouraged by this believer. Treat this no different than you would any other conversation with someone else. Just talk to him, but ensure that it is a two way conversation. Not just us giving God our demands or desires but us pouring our heart to Him and allowing Him to pour out into us.
Exclamation To God
Philippians 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Humble
7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried unto the Lord because of the Midianites
As we approach God we need to approach Him humble not haughty
Honest
13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house. 16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. 17 And he said unto him, If now I have found grace in thy sight, then shew me a sign that thou talkest with me. 18 Depart not hence, I pray thee, until I come unto thee, and bring forth my present, and set it before thee. And he said, I will tarry until thou come again.
Philippians 4:6 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God
Specific
Authentic
When we make a request of the Lord or when we pour out our hear unto Him we need to be specific and authentic. After all God already knows so lets be true with Him. Many times people put on masks when they come to church or come before God lets not be like that. Lets be real with him.
Lk 18:11-14 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
Habitual
3 Now therefore go to, proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from mount Gilead. And there returned of the people twenty and two thousand; and there remained ten thousand. 4 And the Lord said unto Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down unto the water, and I will try them for thee there: and it shall be, that of whom I say unto thee, This shall go with thee, the same shall go with thee; and of whomsoever I say unto thee, This shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. 5 So he brought down the people unto the water: and the Lord said unto Gideon, Every one that lappeth of the water with his tongue, as a dog lappeth, him shalt thou set by himself; likewise every one that boweth down upon his knees to drink. 6 And the number of them that lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, were three hundred men: but all the rest of the people bowed down upon their knees to drink water. 7 And the Lord said unto Gideon, By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into thine hand: and let all the other people go every man unto his place.
Mt 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 - Pray without ceasing.
Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
When we pray we need to pray consistently and continually before the Lord. Never giving up.
Lets remember the Widow who asked over and over
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; 2 Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: 3 And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. 4 And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; 5 Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. 6 And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. 7 And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? 8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth? Lk 18:1-8
Exclamation From God
Hear God
Heed God
In this text we see that Gideon did both, He heard the message and he headed the message. This is something that we can learn from him. We need to learn to Hear God and to Heed God.
How many times to we hear God without Hearing God. There is a difference.
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
23 And the Lord said unto him, Peace be unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die
25…take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: 26 And build an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down
Expectation from God
37 Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the floor; and if the dew be on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I know that thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said
39...I pray thee, but this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only upon the fleece, and upon all the ground let there be dew.
As we make our requests unto the Lord we need to expect him to receive and respond to those requests.
God will answer the requests of Hid believers, it will be answered in one of the following ways
Yes
No
Not Now
Not that way
James 5:16 - Confess [your] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Matthew 7:7 - Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
1 John 5:14 - And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us:
John 15:7 - If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
John 14:13 - And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.
Sermon 17
Sermon 17
(Bonus Fathers Day Sermon)
Fatherhood Lessons from Gideon
Fatherhood Lessons from Gideon
Accept the Almighty
Acceptance
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour. 13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.
Dialogue with the Divine
Conference
14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee? 15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Give to God
Give
And Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of flour: the flesh he put in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the oak, and presented it.
But the greatest thing he gave to God was himself
Humility over the Haughtiness
Humble
15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.
Faith over the Fear and Courage in Crisis by Listening to the Lord
Confidence
22 And when Gideon perceived that he was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, Alas, O Lord God! for because I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.
27 Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father’s household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night.
12 And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said unto him, The Lord is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.
14 And the Lord looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?
16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.
10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their hosts with them, about fifteen thousand men, all that were left of all the hosts of the children of the east: for there fell an hundred and twenty thousand men that drew sword.
Follow the Father and Lead for the Lord
Obedience
13 And when Gideon was come, behold, there was a man that told a dream unto his fellow, and said, Behold, I dreamed a dream, and, lo, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian, and came unto a tent, and smote it that it fell, and overturned it, that the tent lay along.
19 So Gideon, and the hundred men that were with him, came unto the outside of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch; and they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers that were in their hands.
And Gideon said unto them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you: the Lord shall rule over you.
A Biblical judge was a ruler, military leader, and someone who presided over legal hearings.
The time period of the judges followed the conquest of Canaan by Joshua until the formation of the first Kingdom of Israel (ca. 1150-1025 BC). So, in times of crisis or war, the people were led by ad hoc chieftains known as judges.
In the Book of Judges, a cyclical pattern is given to show the need for the various judges. These needs included times of a leaderless state of the Israelite people, hardship, and the crying out to the Lord for rescue. The judges were the successive individuals, each from a different tribe of Israel, chosen by God to rescue the people from their enemies and establish justice and the practice of the Torah amongst the Hebrews.
In accordance with the needs of the time, their functions were primarily martial and judicial. However, they were really not comparable to a king. All Biblical Judges performed judicial duties and the institute of Judges was separated from the institute of King.
Their main task was to obtain justice for the tribes of Israel in the face of their enemies, annihilate or drive out their oppressors, and bring salvation, rest and peace to the land. Very little is said about how these judges led the nation once they had delivered it.
- Jason Swindle
Deliver the Defeated and give Hope to the Hopeless
Achieve
22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Beth-shittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abel-meholah, unto Tabbath. 23 And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after the Midianites.
24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all mount Ephraim, saying, Come down against the Midianites, and take before them the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together, and took the waters unto Beth-barah and Jordan. 25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb; and they slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeeb they slew at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian, and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side Jordan.
28 Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon.
Learn from the Lapses
Influence
25 And it came to pass the same night, that the Lord said unto him, Take thy father’s young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it:
30 And Gideon had threescore and ten sons of his body begotten: for he had many wives.
A father who kept a jug of whiskey hidden in the corn crib. It was his habit to go out there every morning and get himself a drink. On a snowy morning he went out to the barn as was his habit, but this time he heard someone behind him. He turned around and found that it was his little son following him, stepping in the footsteps in the snow where his father had walked. The father asked, "What are you doing, son?" The boy answered, "I'm following in your footsteps." He sent the boy back into the house, and then he went out to the corn crib and smashed that jug of whiskey. He realized that he didn't want his boy to be following in his footsteps. Someone in your home is following in your footsteps. Where are you leading him? - J Vernon McGee
M. Robert Mulholland describes just how powerful it can be personally, when we recognize that we were chosen by God, especially for children who are the result of an unplanned or unwanted pregnancy:
I once heard a woman tell of her struggle with this reality [of being an unwanted child]. Her mother was a prostitute, and she was the accidental byproduct of her mother’s occupation.
Although her life’s pilgrimage had brought her to faith in Christ, blessed her with a deeply Christian husband and beautiful children, and given her a life of love and stability, she was obsessed with the need to find out who her father was. This obsession was affecting her marriage, her family and her life.
She told how one day she was standing at the kitchen sink, washing the dishes, with tears of anguish and frustration running down her face into the dishwater. In her agony, she cried out, “Oh, God, who is my father?” Then, she said, she heard a voice saying to her, “I am your Father.”
The voice was so real she turned to see who had come into the kitchen, but there was no one there. Again the voice came, “I am your Father, and I have always been your Father.” In that moment she knew the profound reality that Paul is speaking of. She came to know that deeper than the accident of her conception was the eternal purpose of a loving God, who had spoken her forth into being before the foundation of the world.
Fathers need to be Protectors, Providers, Promoters, Prayers. I believe Gideon was most of this but it is evident that he was not perfect and had weaknesses. One of which was women. He had many wives and one concubine from shechem which would prove to be a fatal sin. He would have a selfish son with her that would turn against his other sons and kill 70 of them leaving one scared for his life and living in fear hiding. He also ended up killing thousands more in shechem
YouTube Information
YouTube Information
The Conquest (First) of Gideon
Judges 6:25-34
04/11/2011 am
Harvest Valley Fellowship
Sermons in this Series
Sermon One "The Condition of God's People" Judges 6:1-10
https://youtu.be/H1jesV-UuaU
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg85fvSxQ9vlf_H5_2Q?e=VdQCRX
Sermon Two "The Commission of Gideon" Judges 6:11-16
https://youtu.be/mq6h6ijEHd4
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg85gMYl_gTNqOGHOvQ?e=PVathL
Sermon Three "The Confirmation (First) of Gideon" Judges 6:17-24
https://youtu.be/EudUyZ0D1PU
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg85hJ-n_oC2lbTRHxQ?e=VlkUDY
Sermon Four "The Conquest (First) of Gideon" Judges 6:25-34
https://youtu.be/9Ex3haPbtKA
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg85i0NsNFa2R09MczA?e=zmU9l5
Sermon Five “The Compelling of Gideon” Judges 6:35
https://youtu.be/BqqE_K9PJTg
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg85kJE334PD2tjOvUQ?e=CwzBrn
Sermon Six “The Confirmation (Second) of Gideon” Judges 6:36-40
https://youtu.be/jMtHLMy_PFk
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg85zNTmR0J9uP9riow?e=TnrE5V
Sermon Seven "The Conditions of God" Judges 7:1-2
https://youtu.be/JEC3MH5Plds
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg89pZ-5Ujm_5uHJOeg?e=EzLfte
Sermon Eight “The Concerned of Gideon’s Army”
https://youtu.be/CERyxm8urpA
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg9AAHBuJDQ4ZXSR3Qg?e=zHbb4R
Sermon Nine “The Complacent of Gideon’s Army”
https://youtu.be/
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg9AAHBuJDQ4ZXSR3Qg?e=zHbb4R
Sermon Ten “The Confidence of God”
https://youtu.be/
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg9Bh_mOukDtNLOOSPQ?e=JSYVpU
Sermon Eleven “The Communication of God”
Notes: https://1drv.ms/b/s!AhKCAETbuDbHg9E8p1zEj4c-ORhM0w?e=Zvv2vA
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