Judges Sermon Series - Part 6
Sermon follow-up 2/10/25
Introduction
In the dramatic story of Gideon and his son Abimelech found in Judges 8-9, we see how success can lead us away from God if we're not careful. After Gideon's miraculous victory with just 300 men against an army of thousands, things began to unravel as pride and self-reliance crept in.
What Happens When We Take Our Eyes Off God?
Initially, Gideon was completely dependent on God, seeking His guidance at every turn. However, after experiencing success, he began making decisions on his own without consulting God. This shift from God-dependence to self-reliance marked the beginning of his downfall.
How Does Pride Impact Our Relationship with God?
When the Israelites offered to make Gideon their king, he verbally refused, saying "The Lord will rule over you." However, his actions told a different story - he began living like a king, accumulating wealth and wives, and even named his son Abimelech, which means "my father is king."
What Are the Consequences of Forgetting God's Grace?
While God showed Gideon grace when he doubted, Gideon failed to extend that same grace to others. When towns refused to help him, he responded with violence and vengeance rather than understanding - the same doubt he once showed God.
How Does One Generation's Choices Affect the Next?
The story takes an even darker turn with Abimelech, who murdered his 70 brothers to seize power. Instead of passing down faith in God, Gideon's legacy became one of pride, vengeance, and power-seeking - traits his son Abimelech embraced and amplified.
Life Application
Introduction
In the dramatic story of Gideon and his son Abimelech found in Judges 8-9, we see how success can lead us away from God if we're not careful. After Gideon's miraculous victory with just 300 men against an army of thousands, things began to unravel as pride and self-reliance crept in.
What Happens When We Take Our Eyes Off God?
Initially, Gideon was completely dependent on God, seeking His guidance at every turn. However, after experiencing success, he began making decisions on his own without consulting God. This shift from God-dependence to self-reliance marked the beginning of his downfall.
How Does Pride Impact Our Relationship with God?
When the Israelites offered to make Gideon their king, he verbally refused, saying "The Lord will rule over you." However, his actions told a different story - he began living like a king, accumulating wealth and wives, and even named his son Abimelech, which means "my father is king."
What Are the Consequences of Forgetting God's Grace?
While God showed Gideon grace when he doubted, Gideon failed to extend that same grace to others. When towns refused to help him, he responded with violence and vengeance rather than understanding - the same doubt he once showed God.
How Does One Generation's Choices Affect the Next?
The story takes an even darker turn with Abimelech, who murdered his 70 brothers to seize power. Instead of passing down faith in God, Gideon's legacy became one of pride, vengeance, and power-seeking - traits his son Abimelech embraced and amplified.
Life Application
- This story challenges us to examine what truly rules our hearts. Here are some questions to reflect on:
- What areas of success in your life might be pulling your focus away from God?
- Are there warning signs (emotions, behaviors) indicating you're relying on yourself rather than God?
- How can you intentionally keep your eyes fixed on Jesus rather than your own abilities?
- The key to avoiding Gideon and Abimelech's fate is to remember that only what saves us should rule us - and only Jesus saves. This week, identify anything competing with God for control of your heart and commit to "burning those ships" so nothing hinders your relationship with Him.
- Remember: Success isn't the enemy - taking our eyes off God is. Stay focused on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who gave up everything to save us.
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
November