Judges 6

Introduction

1. Let’s turn in our Bibles to Judges 6:1.

2. When it comes to self-esteem, we normally have too much (Moses who I am or who am I; Exodus 2:11-13 and 3:11).

3. God will give us what we need for the ministry he has called us to perform.

4. We are continuing in our study of Judges.

a. We learned that Judges theme is that every man did what was right in his eyes (Judges 21:25).

b. We learned that God can use anyone like a Ehud or a Shamgar.

c. We also have learned disobedience may rob us of our reward but it will not God’s plan.

d. I had intended to cover Judges 6-8, but we would miss some key details in the story.

5. Tonight, I want us to see that God’s callings are God’s enablings (1 Timothy 1:12).

I. God calls Gideon to deliver the Children of Israel from the Midianites.

A. The Children of Israel do evil again and God gives them to the Midianites.

1. God sends the Midianites to discipline his people (6:1-6).

2. God sends a prophet to call them back to their covenant (6:7-10).

B. God calls Gideon to deliver the people from the Midianites.

1. The Lord comes and calls Gideon to serve him in destroying the Midianites (6:11-24.

a. God sees Gideon not as he is but as he will be through God.

b. Gideon builds an alter and calls it Yahweh Shalom.

2. The Lord instructs Gideon to remove the idols from the people (6:25-32).

a. Gideon destroys the idols of his father and sacrifices a 7 yr old bull (verse 6:1).

b. Gideon is renamed Jerub-Baal meaning “Let Baal contend”.

C. Gideon calls for the army and needs (6:33-.

1. Gideon calls for the tribes to come and help deliver the nation.

2. Gideon lapses and needs confirmation that God is at work – God responds.

II. God will give us what we need for the ministry he has called us to perform.

A. Let’s take a minute and look back at Gideon’s call to perceive our call as well.

1. Gideon met the “Angel of the Lord”, Jesus Christ (6:12).

2. Gideon committed himself to following the ways of the Lord (6:23-24).

3. Gideon obeyed the Lord by taking a public stand (6:27).

4. Gideon was filled with the Spirit granting him the power to serve (6:33).

B. God will give us what we need for the ministry he has called us to perform.

1. One of the implications from this story that really blesses me is that God does not see us as we are in our humanity, but as we are in his

a. Gideon hiding from the Midianites is called a “Might man of Valor” (6:12).

b. As I look around here tonight, I see a lot of people who I’m sure think that they are not much to write home about.

·        With Christ, it is a lot different.

·        He called Peter, the denier, a rock (Matthew 16:

·        He called James and John, Βοανηργές, the Sons of Thunder.

·        Paul calls all the members of the churches, ἁγίοις, saints or holy ones.

2. Another key implication is that we need to only obey what we know like Gideon.

3. God will condescend to us and encourage us where we need it even if it’s a fleece (Rom 12:16). Gideon didn’t need verification, he needed encouragement.

Conclusion

1. God calls Gideon to deliver the Children of Israel from the Midianites.

2. God will give us what we need for the ministry he has called us to perform.