Removing Idols

Gideon part 2

Tearing Down the Idols: A Call to Repentance

Bible Passage: Judges 6:28–35

“28 When the men of the town rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built. 29 And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And after they had searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.” 30 Then the men of the town said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, for he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it.” 31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.” 32 Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he broke down his altar. 33 Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.”

Today we are going to pick up were we left off last time and continue to fallowing Gideon. in our last session Gideon had torn down the alter of Baal, and chopped down the Asherah pole that was beside it during the night.

What are everyday things that take up your time ?

Do you think you have any idols in your life?

What do you do everyday to help you grow closer to God?

Can you think of anything you could give up daily and appoint that time to Bible study and prayer?

Summary: In this passage, Gideon is commanded by God to tear down the altar of Baal and the Asherah pole, symbolizing the need to remove idols from our lives to fully serve the Lord.

Application: This message urges Christians and others to confront the idols in their own lives—anything that takes precedence over their relationship with God. By repenting and turning away from these distractions, believers can experience spiritual renewal and a closer walk with the Lord.

Teaching: The sermon will teach that true repentance is not just a feeling of remorse but leads to action—actively removing distractions and idols that hinder our relationship with God.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage foreshadows Christ’s ultimate victory over sin and idolatry. Just as Gideon was called to purify Israel, Christ calls believers to abandon all forms of idolatry and to center their lives on Him as the true God.

Big Idea: To walk in faith, we must courageously remove the idols that compete with our devotion to God.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your sermon, consider diving into the historical context of Israel's idolatry practices during Gideon's time. You might find it helpful to examine the textual variations in translations of 'idols' in Judges 6:28-35 using the Logos library, and look at commentaries that provide insight into the significance of the altar of Baal in ancient Israel.

1. Recognize Your Idols

Judges 6:28–29 ESV

28 When the men of the town rose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah beside it was cut down, and the second bull was offered on the altar that had been built. 29 And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And after they had searched and inquired, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.”

In our modern world, smartphones often take precedence over our relationship with Christ. Many people find themselves scrolling endlessly through social media, sacrificing time that could be spent in prayer or reading Scripture. Just as the ancient Israelites did after entering the promise land , we create digital idols that distract and detract from our devotion. Are we willing to reassess our priorities and put our devices down to pick up our Bibles?

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols,” was the injunction of the loving apostle John, and he wrote thus in love, because he knew that, if God sees us making idols of anything, he will either break our idols or break us. Fifteen Years Later!, Volume 53, Sermon #3025 - Job 1:21

Charles Spurgeon

Perhaps you could begin by examining how Gideon's community was confronted by the bold act of tearing down idols. Discuss the importance of recognizing the idols in our own lives, which may not be physical statues but rather anything that takes precedence over God. Encourage personal reflection and identification of these modern 'idols.' Challenge the congregation to question: What do we prioritize above our relationship with God, and what needs to be torn down?

2. Resist Idol Opposition

Judges 6:30–31 ESV

30 Then the men of the town said to Joash, “Bring out your son, that he may die, for he has broken down the altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah beside it.” 31 But Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save him? Whoever contends for him shall be put to death by morning. If he is a god, let him contend for himself, because his altar has been broken down.”

In these verses, Gideon’s actions provoke backlash and anger from the community, revealing their attachment to false gods. Suggest that confronting idols in our lives may lead to external or internal resistance. Emphasize the importance of steadfastness and courage in the face of opposition. Encourage the congregation to trust in God's strength to sustain them through these challenges, just as Gideon's father defended his actions, fearing God more than man.

3. Restore True Worship

Judges 6:32–35 ESV

32 Therefore on that day Gideon was called Jerubbaal, that is to say, “Let Baal contend against him,” because he broke down his altar. 33 Now all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the people of the East came together, and they crossed the Jordan and encamped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon, and he sounded the trumpet, and the Abiezrites were called out to follow him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, and they too were called out to follow him. And he sent messengers to Asher, Zebulun, and Naphtali, and they went up to meet them.

You could draw parallels between Gideon's obedience to God's call and the call for believers today to actively restore their relationship with God. Highlight the transformation that comes from a community united under a common, true purpose—worshiping the one true God. Inspire your audience to seek unity and collective action in their faith communities to tear down modern idols and re-center their lives on Christ, who is the ultimate model of faith and obedience.