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Rid Of Idols Series
Contributed by Paul Clemente on Dec 2, 2019 (message contributor)
Summary: Just like Gideon, we Christians are to grow our faith in Christ and a major part of being closer to God is to get rid of idols in our homes!
Let us continue to worship God by learning from His Word… please open your Bibles to Judges 6……page…..
2 weeks ago, we noted the calling of young Gideon. Read along with me Judges 6:12-16 for our background….
Gideon knew God but his faith was still weak: Gideon questioned God’s abilities and he noted his weaknesses!
God made a promise to Gideon to be with him and to empower him!
Note that we Christians are just like Gideon; knew somewhat about God, called by God, questioned God, weaknesses noted, but yet God gives us promises, then called to persevere and grow in faith!
Next week we will come back to the faith weaknesses of Gideon; but for today and in preparation for Communion, let us learn from Judges 6:25-32…. read along with me…..
God gave Gideon specific instructions:
v25: Baal and Ashera were pagan gods and Gideon was told to destroy the altar and pole for those pagan gods which were right by Gideon’s father’s home!
v26: build a proper altar for the True God higher than where the Ashera pole was and make an offering with a bull from his father’s flock!
Look again at v27…. why did Gideon do the task at night??
v27: Gideon asked for help to do what God told him but he had fears!
v28: Men in the town demanded from Joash that his son Gideon is to be killed since he destroyed the Baal and Ashera memorials!
Let us note that even though Gideon did the task in secret at night, he was found out anyway! Let us note here a simple biblical principle: God’s truth will always be revealed; there is no need to hide God’s truth!
Look again at v31-32…. What was wise about Gideon’s father’s answer??
If Baal and Ashera are really gods, they can defend themselves!!!
And so, what are the main Biblical Principles to note from this passage?
1. One may know God but until they truly answer God’s calling (today, to believe in Jesus Christ as Only Savior and Lord) they really do not have faith in God!
Have you truly believed in Jesus Christ as your Only Lord and Savior from your sins?
2. Know God’s promises for Believers of Christ!
What are the promises for Believers of Jesus Christ??
We are victorious in everything with Jesus Christ! (1 John 5:4) Jesus Christ overcame the world and all His followers are also capable of overcoming the world!
God’s Full Armor is available to us; are we putting it on daily? Do we even know what it is and the purpose of each item? Christians are open to attack and defeat when the Full Armor of God is not worn!!
3. In spite of questions and doubts God calls, helps, and expects Believers to spiritually grow in faith!
4. God gives us perfect specific instructions through the Bible and we are to carefully listen and follow! How often do we read and study God’s Word?
5. In spite of fears, we are to obey the Lord the best we can!
Take a quiet moment to ponder about these things and make a recommitment to Jesus Christ….
God tells all Believers of Jesus Christ to remember Him through Communion till He returns. Please if you really do not understand Jesus Christ, do not participate for there will be consequences for you, talk to me about it later; but for us Christians, we are to remember what Christ did for us through Communion…
Benediction: Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified;
do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go! And Jesus Christ has come to you and me saying: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Go in Jesus Christ!