The Biggest But

Sermon: The Biggest But?

Scriptures: Judges 6:11-16; 1 Corinthians 6:9-12 NKJV

“The quality, not the longevity, of one’s life is what is important.” (MLK) Excuses and avoiding conflict are just two aspects of being human, and everyone has a hundred reasons not to do something. This permeates into many facets of a person’s life, leading to unhappiness, stagnation, and even depression. But as MLK states, the quality of life is what makes life itself worth living.

If you feel trapped in an oppressive situation—worries, stress, dread, lack, you might very well go into hiding.

Such was the case with Gideon. Gideon was full of “If’s, And’s and But’s” until he was challenged by the Angel of the Lord to move out of the Shadows of his “but” and into the Light of the other side of “But God”.

Every time a verse says “But God,” it is great news that follows.

To the left of ‘But God’ in Sacred Scripture appear some of the worst human atrocities, characterized by disobedience and rebellion.

To the left of ‘But God’ is hopelessness, darkness, and death.

But to its right, following ‘But God,’ readers will find hope, light, and life.

With humanity some things are impossible. With God’s intervention, all things are possible.

(Dr. Richard L. Hamm, Lakeview Church)

1 Corinthians 6:9-12

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

This is the Biggest “But” – God’s Salvation and Sanctification

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“But” is a conjunction

“But” is a linking word.

“But” is used to connect ideas that contrast.

On one side (left) is the shadow. On the other side is the Light of God

Today I want to explore one of the many “but” passages in scripture.

It’s found in Judges 6, where we find a man of God Hiding in Plain Sight.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

Gideon was hiding in plain sight.

Life on the Shadow side of “but God”

1. Focused on Fear

· Gideon was hiding from his enemy, in the plain sight of God.

· Is that you?

“No person has the right to rain on your dreams.” (MLK)

I talked with someone just recently who went on and one about COVID conspiracies and all the negatives impacts upon their lives. I remained silent hoping that maybe at some point the person might step over into the light and testify, “But God”

…I waited, and waited, he never stepped out of the shadows.

2. Focused on the Natural / Material / Survival

· Hiding his Potential (Natural and Spiritual Abilities)

· Hiding his True Identity

I pastored Greater St. Matthew AMEC for ten years.

For first six years (and many years before), a certain lady had been hiding in plain sight. She faithfully came to church every Sunday and took her seat on the second pew at the front, but she was hiding in plain sight. All she did during those six years and the many years before was warm that one spot on the second pew from the front.

It was only after someone suggested that I ask her to co-chair one of our major days that we discovered she possessed phenomenal gifts and talents—the gift of administration, of helps, etc. She had been hiding in plain sight.

What secret treasures do you possess that you have been hiding?

Why was she hiding? She didn’t really know herself.

Judges 6:11

“The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.”

Gideon said to him …I am the least of my father’s house.

Do You Know Who You Really Are?

3. Focused on the Shadow of God’s Goodness and Greatness

· Where are all his wonderful deeds which our fathers recounted to us?

· The Bible is full of A truck load of doubters—those living in the Shadow of God’s Goodness, and God doesn’t give up on any of them.

i. We can be honest about our doubts

ii. We can ask God to help with our unbelief

iii. As we will see in a few minutes with Gideon, we can ask for evidence to build up our faith. Jesus provided Thomas with evidence—His nail holes.

Judges 6:16 “But I will be with you.”

“But” is used to connect ideas that contrast.

Look at the Right side of God’s Buts—It’s There You Will be Challenged to Walk in the Light

1. Focus on God’s Presence, Purpose and Power

Gideon belonged to the weakest clan but the Lord was with him.

Gideon felt insignificant but the Lord was with him.

God was telling Gideon, “Stop Hiding Your Harvest”.

“It’s time to step out of the shadows and to walk into the light of the God potential within you.”

2. Focus on Faith—Increasing Faith (Take note of the small miracles of God in your life

· Judges 6:19-24

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” (MLK)

Jesus look at them, and said,

With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Matthew 19:26

3. Focus on Proper Sacrifice and Surrender

· Judges 6:25-32 (Sacrifices)

· "Therefore on that day he was called Jerubbaal” (because he pulled down the altar of Baal

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

(MLK)

· and 6:34 (Surrender to the Spirit)

“But the Spirit of the LORD took possession of Gideon…”

Gideon went on to become the greatest of all the judges of Israel…

Listen up!

You might feel small and insignificant, but the great and powerful God of the cosmos sees you / takes note of you / places His hands upon you / opens doors for you / makes a way for you.

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.

1 John 3:1-2

“If I cannot do great things, I can do small things in a great way.”

(MLK)

During my trip to the UK for hip surgery, I determined to live in the light of “but God”

I determined that I would share the love of God with everyone. Most of them, using their name as an opener.

Marible was a great example = Gather of the Elders of her family.