Introduction: Scripture Reading- Judges 6:11-16
A. About the Text: Judges 6:11-16
1. Setting the stage: Israel's disobedience and oppression
a. Judges 6:1-10
2. Introducing Gideon: A reluctant hero chosen by God
Discussion:
I. The Call of Gideon
A. Judges 6:11-13
1. Gideon's encounter with the angel of the Lord
a. Keil & Delitzsch: Gideon did not recognize the angel (most likely disguised as a man, as the ones that approach Abraham and Lot) and he was sitting there contemplating how to rescue the people from the Midianites and reflecting how God had decided not to help, “given up on their foes.”
2. God's commission: Gideon chosen to deliver Israel (vs. 14)
B. Reluctance and doubt
1. Gideon questions his worthiness (vs. 15)
2. Assurance from God: "Surely, I will be with thee" (vs. 16)
Read vs. 33 Battle is set in array.
II. Gideon's Request for a Sign
A. Judges 6:36-40
1. Gideon's uncertainty and need for confirmation
2. The fleece test: A supernatural sign
B. God's patience and response
1. God accommodates Gideon's request
2. Demonstrating God's understanding of human doubt
III. Lessons from Gideon's Fleece
A. Faith in the face of uncertainty
1. Exploring the nature of Gideon's doubts
a. Jonah had doubts in the people of Ninevah, still obeyed but reluctantly
2. God knew what Gideon could do and knew he was the right man for the job
B. God's patience with our requests
1. Understanding the balance between faith and seeking confirmation
a. Gideon had faith in what God could do but needed some reassurance and confirmation in himself and what he could do.
2. Learning from Gideon's journey of faith
a. Today God isn’t going to give us any signs, but he still answers pray in his own way and on his own time. We need to trust that God will do what he says he will do.
IV. Application to Our Lives
A. Embracing God's commands despite our doubts
1. Reflecting on our own moments of uncertainty
2. Trusting in God's presence and guidance
B. Seeking confirmation with humility
1. Balancing faith and the desire for reassurance
2. Understanding that God knows our hearts and doubts
a. David was just a small shepherd boy but he took down a bear and a lion. He defeated the giant Goliath and thousands of Philistines and then became king. (I & II Sam.)
b. God took Saul the sinner and made him Paul the preacher. (Acts 9 & 22)
c. We might have doubts in ourselves but God does not. He wants us to trust in Him and the power or dunamis (dynamite) of His Word (Logos) to save us. It is true transforming power. We have so many examples in the Bible, let’s trust and believe.
Conclusion
A. Judges 7:1-7
1. Gideon's obedience and God's faithfulness
2. Encouragement to step out in faith, trusting in God's guidance
a. Gideon not only obeyed but he led
b. We need to be willing to trust in our own abilities because God already does. It’s okay to follow but sometimes we might need to lead, and we need to be willing to trust in God in our ability to do so when the need arises.
B. Invitation