Gideon’s Victory
Judges 7
Intro: Review Judges 6
-Israel was under the oppression of Midian because of
their sin. Judges 6:1-10
-God calls Gideon to deliver his people. Judges 6:11-40
-The battle alarm had been sounded. Vs 6:34
-No the armies are in place for the battle to begin.
Judges 7:1
1. God’s plan – There are too many. Vs 1-8
-Lest Israel rise up and say…look what we did. Vs. 2
A. The fearful and afraid are dismissed. Vs 3
-22,000 return.
-10,000 remain.
-Still too many.
B. God’s drinking test. Vs 4-8
-“I will try (test) them for thee…”
-Separate the lappers from the suckers. Vs 5
-Some lifted the water to their mouth.
-Others laid down on the ground to drink.
-The Lappers were kept. Vs 7
-The suckers were sent home.
C. God’s would deliver the enemy with just 300. vs 7-8
2. God’s promise. Vs 9-15
A.I have delivered. Vs 9
B. Go down…take a look.
C. Thy hand shall be strengthened. Vs 11
D. Sizing up the enemy. Vs 12
-135,000
-Judges 8:10
-300 against 135,000. 45000:1 odds
D. God’s confirmation comes in a dream. Vs 13-15
-He worshipped
-He went to work.
3. God’s Power
A. The teams –three of 100 men each.
B. The tools – a trumpet, a pitcher, a lamp.
C. The tactics. Vs 17-18
-Do like I do.
-Blow the trumpet
-Shout “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.”
D. The time – the middle watch (a little after midnight)
E. The attack. Vs 19-20
F. The tumult. Vs 21
-Gideon’s men didn’t move.
-The Midianites…
--Ran (wildly)
--Cried (screaming)
--Fled (ran away)
Conclusion:
A. You have an enemy – the devil
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
B.You have the weapons.
2 Corinthians 10:4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
-The sword of the Lord (word of God)
-The Light of God (Jesus) John 1:5
-The power of God. James 4:7
C. You have the victory.
1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Just as God gave Gideon the victory…he can give you the victory.