How to respond to requests

Getting a C
Gideon fight. – man of valor
What’s your potential
House Cleaning
• Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress out of fear.
• Israel was oppressed by Midian because of their disobedience.
• God called Gideon despite his excuses and insecurities.
• The key promise: “I will be with you.”
Key Thought
Many Christians want God to do great things through them, but God often begins by cleaning up
things within them.
Discussion Question:
• Why do you think God chose Gideon, a fearful man, to deliver Israel?
I. Gideon Seeks Confirmation (Judges 6:17-24))
A. Gideon’s Request for a Sign
• Gideon still struggles with doubt.
• He prepares a costly offering:
◦ Young goat
◦ Unleavened bread from an ephah of flour
• This was a significant sacrifice.
B. God’s Response
• The angel touches the offering.
• Fire consumes it.
• The angel disappears.
C. Gideon’s Realization
• He understands he has encountered God’s messenger.
• Instead of celebrating, he fears death.
D. God’s Message
“Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die.” (v.23)
Before God gives us a mission, He often gives us assurance.
Discussion Question:
• Why do you think Gideon reacted with fear instead of excitement?
II. God Starts with House Cleaning (Judges 6:25-27)
A. The First Assignment Wasn’t Midian
• God did not send Gideon to battle first.
• God sent him to deal with sin at home.
B. The Altar to Baal
• Located on his father’s property.
• Represents Israel’s compromise.
• They had not completely abandoned God.
• They tried to worship God and idols together.
C. Tear Down the Idol
God commanded Gideon to:
1. Destroy Baal’s altar.
2. Cut down the Asherah pole.
3. Build a proper altar to the Lord.
4. Offer a sacrifice.
Key Principle
God often removes the wrong before establishing the right.
Modern-Day Idols
An idol is anything that takes God’s place in our hearts:
• Money
• Career
• Entertainment
• Relationships
• Sports
• Politics
• Personal comfort
• Pride
Application
God’s work in our lives often begins with personal repentance.
Discussion Question:
• What are some modern idols Christians struggle with today?
III. Courage Despite Fear (Judges 6:27)
A. Gideon Was Still Afraid
• He worked at night.
• He feared his family.
• He feared the town.
B. Yet He Obeyed
Courage is not the absence of fear.
Courage is obeying God despite fear.
Lesson
God uses willing people, not perfect people.
Application
Many believers wait until they feel brave before obeying God.
Gideon teaches us that obedience comes first.
Discussion Question:
• What fears keep people from obeying God today?
IV. Expect Opposition (Judges 6:28-30)
A. The Town Reacts
• The altar is destroyed.
• The people become angry.
• They demand Gideon’s death.
B. Why Such Anger?
People become defensive when their idols are challenged.
Lesson
When we stand for God, not everyone will applaud.
Jesus taught:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
Application
Faithfulness sometimes creates conflict.
V. Joash’s Surprising Response (Judges 6:31-32)
A. Gideon’s Father Defends Him
Joash asks:
“If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself.”
B. The Logic Is Powerful
A false god needs people to protect him.
The true God protects His people.
C. Gideon’s New Name
Jerub-Baal means:
“Let Baal contend for himself.”
Lesson
Once Gideon obeyed God, others began to see the truth.
Before Gideon could deliver Israel, he had to clean house.
Before God changes a nation, He changes a person.
Before God changes a person publicly, He often changes them privately.
Three Lessons to Remember
1. God gives assurance before He gives assignments.
2. God requires us to remove idols before He uses us greatly.
3. Obedience is more important than confidence.
What altar or distraction might God be asking us to tear down so that He can work more
powerfully through us?
“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” — 1 John 5:21