Sunday Evening: July 8, 2007
Speaker: Pastor Marty O. Wynn

Here Lies Gideon: “A Mighty Man of Valor”
Text: Judges 6:11-7:25; 8:4

Introduction

The Bible records statements concerning certain persons throughout the Scriptures. These statements have the ability to capture the essence of a person’s life in just a few short words. These statements may be properly called, epitaphs. For instance, Abraham was called the “Friend of God” (Jam. 2:23).

In the passage before us, Gideon is called a “mighty man of valour” (6:12). The term “valour” indicates a military strength or strategist. The subsequent verses tell of how God used Gideon to accomplish a mighty victory over the Midianites (cf. 6:1-6; 7:1-25).

Transition

What made Gideon the man for the job? What qualities did he possess that would prove essential for the work ahead? These same qualities are essential for accomplishing the work of God today in our lives, homes and churches. Do we really want for God to be able to uses us as He did Gideon? There must be. . .

I. An Experience With God (6:12-24).

NOTE: The unsaved must have an experience with God for salvation. However, there are times when a believer must renew their “face-to-face” encounter with God. For example, Jacob had to go back to where he first met the Lord (Gen. 35:1). Gideon’s experience was one of. . .

A. Beholding the Lord (vv. 13-16).

1. As a man (v.13 = “Adoni,” i.e., a superior man).

—The Lord revealed Himself to a busy man.

2. As the Lord God (v.15 = “Adonai,” i.e., The LORD)

B. Worshiping the Lord (vv. 17-24).

1. The gift given.

Giving is a natural response when genuine worship takes place.

2. The gift received.

The acceptance of the gift was a sign to Gideon that God was really speaking to him.

QUOTE: “Before God works through a man, He works in a man.” (Warren W. Wiersbe).

II. An Obedience to God (6:25-32).

A. Went against his family (vv. 25-27; cf. Lk. 14:25-32).

B. Went against the world (vv. 28-32; cf. I Jn. 2:15-16).

III. A Confidence in God (6:33-7:25).

A. He was clothed in the Spirit (v.34; cf. Acts 1:8).

B. He was discerning in the Spirit (vv. 36-40; cf. I Jn. 4:1).

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (I Jn. 4:1)

C. He was victorious in the Spirit (7:1-25).

Conclusion

There is one other quality that Gideon had. . .Persistence (8:4).