0221. GIDEON’S MIGHT. WHAT WAS IT?

GIDEON’S MIGHT. WHAT WAS IT?

Jdg_6:11-24.

Introduction. There are striking and startling utterances in these verses. Particularly note Jdg_6:12-14. "Go in this thy might." Might? Where was the might? See, he was hiding from the Midianites. There are nine elements in that might.

I. A Definite Personal Experience (Jdg_6:12). Ours should be a religion of personal pronouns. Unless the would be worker has had a definite personal experience of salvation no work for the Lord should be attempted. First, "Go hide thyself," before "Go show thyself" (1Ki_17:3; 1Ki_18:1). First hiding in the "Rock of Ages cleft for me," then going forth to do service for Him.

II. The Divine Complacency. "The Lord looked upon him" (Jdg_6:14), with the smile that meant so much

1. His smile is a wonderful help and power.

2. It is a help in the troublous voyage of life.

3. It is a help in the thorny path of Christian work. "I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance," was the Psalmist’s hopeful report and assurance.

III. A Healthy Discontent. "Why then is all this befallen us? (Jdg_6:13).

1. Never let us be content with the existence of the social and moral evils of the world.

2. Never let us lose our horror of vice through deadening familiarity.

IV. A Befitting Humility. "I am the least" (Jdg_6:15).

1. And he meant it.

2. There is such a thing as mock humility.

3. Oh, the power of humility! (The branch which bears the most fruit hangs the lowest.)

V. The Divine Companionship (Jdg_6:12; Jdg_6:16).

1. Never go out alone. See that He is always with you.

2. In one sense we are never alone, for He is the Omnipresent One.

3. But don’t presume; don’t take things for granted.

VI. A Wonderful Unselfishness (Jdg_6:12-13).

1. The Lord said "Thee," not Israel; but Gideon lost himself in his people.

2. The Lord’s answer to Moses, and all His servants is, "I am with you."

3. The Lord’s "surely."

4. His presence makes us mighty.

VII. Prevailing Intercession.

1. The power of prayer in Christian service has often been stressed.

2. Go over the points of your sermons and addresses on your knees.

3. Pray more in your Christian work.

VIII. Loyalty and Belief in God’s Word. He believed and went forth counting on God’s Word.

IX. A Definite Commission. "Have not I sent thee?" (Jdg_6:14).

Autor: James Smith