Gideon and Missions

Israel had once again done evil in the sight of the Lord and become very weak and been brought very low because God removed his hand of protection

Before the Lord begins his work he sends a prophet and an angel

God is working again in this age to rescue people from the grip of sin. We live in a world where people are weak and low, desperate for hope. God has send his prophets, he has sent his angels and now his work has begun, starting with Christ and continuing through the church

What does Gideon and these chapters have to do with missions?

The same God that was working in Gideon’s day is the God who is working today. He has not changed

So what learn about God in these chapters we can apply to God’s work today that he is doing through the church to reach the nations with the gospel

God is calling people to lead in the work

God has sent prophets and even angels to prepare the way but now looks to his people to carry out the mission

Missions today will not look like the book of Acts, which is a time of transition and foundation building for the church (Ephesians 2:20)

God does not work through angels but calls men to fulfill the mission

Given us the ministry of Reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-21)

Prophets inquired, Angels desired; But men preached the gospel (1 Peter 1:8-12)

God does not call based on you but based on him

Gideon was not the one we would have picked

Was hiding in fear when God met him (6:11)

Continually doubted and made excuses

Gideon did not have the resources to accomplish the task God had given him (Judges 6:15)

God can work with many or few

God works according the Word of God (Judges 7:1-3)

Deuteronomy 20:1-9 God goes with you to save you so only take those who are needed and not afraid

We have God’s word as a roadmap on how to do the work God has given us

We are not to just make up our own way

We are told to go, baptize and teach

We are told to work through the local church, appointing pastors and leaders in the churches

We are given our message that salvation is by grace through faith in the name of Jesus Christ and his name alone (विश्वासद्वारा अनुग्रहले Eph 2:8)

God works through people who are prepared and ready

Those who shed their armor and weapons to drink are not needed in God’s army

Those who held their weapon, looked out to the enemy’s camp and drank with their hand are called to God’s army

1 Corinthians 15:34 धार्मिकताका निम्ति जागी उठ, र पाप नगर; किनकि कतिसँग परमेश्वरको ज्ञान छैन; तिमीहरूलाई शर्ममा पार्नलाई म यो भन्दछु ।

God goes ahead of us and ensures victory

Gideon had won the battle before he left his tent in the morning (Judges 7:9-15)

God was working in the hearts of the people before Gideon showed up

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 ? Hebrews 4:12 word pierces

God turned the swords of every man against his fellow

What was impossible for Gideon, was possible with God (Judges 7:20-23)

This is how the Bible describes salvation- with God all things are possible