Judges Sermon Series - Part 4
Sermon follow-up 1/27/25
Introduction
God is stirring something remarkable in our world today. From mass baptisms on college campuses to increased Bible sales and Christian content reaching mainstream audiences, there are signs of spiritual awakening. But with this movement comes both opportunity and challenge.
What Does the Story of Gideon Teach Us About Courage and Faith?
The story of Gideon provides powerful insights for anyone feeling called by God but struggling with fear or doubt. When we first meet Gideon, he's hiding in a wine press threshing grain - hardly the picture of a mighty warrior. Yet God sees beyond his current state to who he could become.
Key Lessons from Gideon's Story
How Does God Work with Our Fears and Doubts?
Even after receiving direct instructions from God, Gideon remained fearful. He repeatedly asked for signs of confirmation through the famous "fleece tests." This reveals that having doubts doesn't disqualify us from being used by God. What matters is our willingness to step forward in faith despite our fears.
What's the Connection Between Worship and Courage?
Before sending Gideon into battle, God first called him to tear down false idols and establish true worship. This teaches us that proper alignment in worship must precede effective service. When we're not worshiping the true God, everything else falls out of alignment.
How Does Jesus Provide Ultimate Assurance?
While Gideon needed fleece signs, we have an even greater sign of God's presence and love - the cross of Christ. Romans 5:8 reminds us that God proved His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. The cross is our ultimate "fleece" - our definitive proof that God is with us.
Life Application
Remember: Your fear doesn't disqualify you from God's calling. His presence is your source of courage.
Introduction
God is stirring something remarkable in our world today. From mass baptisms on college campuses to increased Bible sales and Christian content reaching mainstream audiences, there are signs of spiritual awakening. But with this movement comes both opportunity and challenge.
What Does the Story of Gideon Teach Us About Courage and Faith?
The story of Gideon provides powerful insights for anyone feeling called by God but struggling with fear or doubt. When we first meet Gideon, he's hiding in a wine press threshing grain - hardly the picture of a mighty warrior. Yet God sees beyond his current state to who he could become.
Key Lessons from Gideon's Story
- Most problems originate in our hearts - Before addressing external challenges, God often needs to work on internal transformation.
- God doesn't promise absence of hardship - He promises His presence through hardship.
- God doesn't call the brave - He makes brave those He calls.
- Courage isn't absence of fear - It's stepping out in faith despite fear.
- The cross of Christ is our fleece - proof that He loves us and is with us.
How Does God Work with Our Fears and Doubts?
Even after receiving direct instructions from God, Gideon remained fearful. He repeatedly asked for signs of confirmation through the famous "fleece tests." This reveals that having doubts doesn't disqualify us from being used by God. What matters is our willingness to step forward in faith despite our fears.
What's the Connection Between Worship and Courage?
Before sending Gideon into battle, God first called him to tear down false idols and establish true worship. This teaches us that proper alignment in worship must precede effective service. When we're not worshiping the true God, everything else falls out of alignment.
How Does Jesus Provide Ultimate Assurance?
While Gideon needed fleece signs, we have an even greater sign of God's presence and love - the cross of Christ. Romans 5:8 reminds us that God proved His love by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. The cross is our ultimate "fleece" - our definitive proof that God is with us.
Life Application
- This week, consider:
- What areas of your life require courage to follow God's leading?
- Are there "idols" that need to be removed before moving forward?
- How can remembering God's past faithfulness fuel present courage?
- Challenge yourself to:
- Make a list of ways God has been faithful in your past
- Identify one step of faith you need to take despite fear
- Choose to worship God first, letting that fuel your courage to follow His leading
Remember: Your fear doesn't disqualify you from God's calling. His presence is your source of courage.
- Questions for Reflection:
- What is God calling you to do that seems daunting?
- How might focusing on worship help align your heart with God's purposes?
- Where do you need to remember that God's presence is enough?
Recent
Archive
2025
2024
November