Gideon: An Unlikely Hero

Introduction:

Read Hebrews 11:32-34. These six men all had a tremendous impact upon the lives of God’s people. The first name listed, Gideon, was probably the least likely to be a hero. Hero is a person who in the face of danger or adversity shows courage even to the point of self-sacrifice. Christopher Reeve said, “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.” But Jehovah often used unlikely people to carry out His will. (I Corinthians 1:26-29)

Text: Judges 6:1-40

Body:

  1. Gideon’s Land
  • Israel did what was evil. (Judges 6:1) They turned from Jehovah, the only true God, to worship idols, false gods.
  • God used Midianites and Amalekites to discipline His people. (Judges 6:1-5)
  • Israel reached a state of poverty and deprivation. (Judges 6:6)
  • The people cried out. (Judges 6:6-7) It was a cry of anguish because of their distress.
  • A prophet was sent to them by God to remind them of how Jehovah had saved them in the past; but they had turned their backs on Him. (Judges 6:8-10)
  1. Gideon’s Fear
  • He had fear of the Midianites. (Judges 6:11) A winepress was more hidden than a threshing floor which was out in the open. We can almost picture him nervously peeking out of the pit of the winepress to see if Midianites were close.
  • He was scared because he believed God was not there. (Judges 6:12-13)
  • He was afraid because he didn’t think that he had the ability. (Judges 6:14-18) He felt “poor” – weak, feeble.
  • He feared his father’s family and the men of the city. (Judges 6:25-27)
  • He was afraid to check out the enemy by himself. (Judges 7:9-11)
  1. Gideon’s Victory
  • An angel of the Lord told him that he was a mighty man of valor. (Judges 6:12)
  • God appointed Gideon to be a deliverer of his people. (Judges 6:14) Read Joshua 1:9.
  • God assured him of victory. (Judges 6:22-24) “Jehovah is my peace.”
  • God gave him evidence. (Judges 6:36-40)

Conclusion:

Gideon was truly an unlikely hero. He is an example of how God can use anyone to bring about His will.

Bobby Stafford March 9, 2014

Additional Thoughts about Gideon

(Judges 6:1-5) Covenant breakers (Deuteronomy 28:29-31)

(Judges 6:6-10) Israel cried for relief but God sent a prophet! [If your car breaks down, you do not want a philosopher instead of a mechanic?]

(Judges 6:11) Instead of being among the wheat, he was hiding in the winepress!

(Judges 6:17-21) Gideon needed confirmation of calling. [Feast in time of famine]

(Judges 6:22-24) Peace: well-being, health, prosperity Gideon had fear of death, enemies, failure, inadequacies, and the future. We can combat fear with worship, thanksgiving, and serving. What types of fears give you the most problems?

When God looks at us, He does not see us for what we are, but for what we can become through Him. He knows our weaknesses, doubts, and discouragements.

(Judges 6:25-27) Consecration comes first. The sacrifice of the bulls was costly. The bulls were probably hidden from the enemies. It was in the midst of famine. Tear down idolatry. “To replace is to conquer.” Today baptism is an important part of concretion. It gives open identification with godliness. (Romans 12:1)

(Judges 6:31-32) We can’t back down. Private commitment must produce public commitment. We must have a public display of Christianity.

(Judges 6:33) We don’t get to pick the time for our faith to engage. Always be ready.

(Judges 6:34-35) We should desire to be the Lord’s mouthpiece, hands and feet. The trumpet is the call to arms. Take a stand. We can’t sit on the sidelines. We must engage our pagan culture. Have you been boldly blowing your trumpet?

(Judges 6:36-40) Gideon had a continuing need for assurance. He wanted a sign. (Matthew 12:38-39)

(Judges 7:1-8) Fear paralyzes. It is contagious. Often our problem is the lack of faith. We must be alert and vigilant. (Judges 7:7) “Then the Lord said to Gideon, By the three hundred men who lapped I will save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand. Let all the other people go, every man to his place.” NKJV The odds when Gideon and the chosen Israelites fought the battle were 450 to 1. These are the odds that God loves. It shows the power of God, not the power of man.

Bobby Stafford March 9, 2014