1. The end result of Disobedience. Judges 6:1-5 “The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites.”
A. The Israelites took their eyes off the Lord and succumbed to idolatry. So once again God let them experience the consequence of their sin. Seven years of servitude and oppression by the Midians.
2. They finally cried out in their Distress. 6:6 “Midian so impoverished the Israelites that they cried out to the Lord for help.”
A. Israel’s disobedience resulted in poverty, fear & lack of peace.
B. They “cried out to the Lord,” but once again it was a cry that lacked true repentance. It was a cry for help but not for forgiveness.
3. This is a common Dilemma. 6:12 “When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.”
A. Like Gideon, we can get disillusioned. What do you mean mighty warrior? (6:12)
B. Like Gideon, we may get discouraged. If you are with us, why has this happened? (6:13)
C. Like Gideon, we often doubt. Give me a sign that this is from you. (6:17)
4. This is Gideon’s Decision. (6:27) “So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him. But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, he did it at night rather than in the daytime.”
A. Gideon chooses to obey. He cut down the Asherah poles. (6:27a)
B. Doing this at night reveals his fear. He was afraid of his family and community. (6:27b)
5. This is how God chooses to Deliver. (Chapter 7) “When the three hundred trumpets sounded, the Lord caused the men throughout the camp to turn on each other with their swords.”
A. God delivers by division. 22,000 down to 300 men (7:3&6)
B. God delivers by a dream. By and interpretation of destruction (7:13-14)
C. God delivers by a declaration. “A sword for the Lord and Gideon” (7:20)