THE COURAGE OF GIDEON Judges 6-7 I. Introduction. A. The message from God: Judges 6:7-10. B. An oft repeated condition among the Hebrews. C. When they reached a certain point, they cried to the Lord. D. God sends a deliverer: Judges 6:12. II. Body. A. The courage to take a challenge from God: Judges 6:14. 1. His statement to God: 6:13. 2. Gideon's appraisal of himself: 6:15. 3. As assurance: 6:16. 4. Jesus challenges men to follow him. 5. Jesus challenges us to be faithful-whatever may arise. B. The courage to ask for a sign: 6:17. 1. The sign: 6:19-21. 2. Gideon realizes: 6:23-24. 3. Learning to accept what God sends is a needed lesson: Psalm 27:14. 4. He sent His Son, His Word, and His Kingdom. C. The courage to follow instructions: 6:25-32. 1. The men of the city would destroy Gideon, but his father defended him. 2. Further, the father wanted to enforce the Law: 6:31. 3. When one learns truth, must have courage to follow truth(before & after becoming a Christian). D. The courage to ask for re-inforcement of faith: 6:36-40. 1. Continued assurance is needed: even by Christians. a. The power of God's written word. b. The enrouagement of God's people: Acts 28:15. 2. That courage will not be reinforced by the world and its ways. E. The courage to continue on his mission: 7:1. 1. Could have been satisfied with one small victory over Baal. 2. Facing one obstacle requires courage: even more so to face several hinderances. 3. When one battle is won--another is forming for the Christian. F. The courage to follow the instructions of God: 7:2-13. 1. To reduce the fighting force: 7:2-3. a. Those who stayed--did they have "any" fear? b. Gideon started with 32,000-but if he was the only one left: God expected him to fight. 2. Imagine taking three hundred men to battle: 7:4-8. a. Even with all the latest technology & weapons-- would not be considered by modern nations. b. In spiritual battles--numbers do not count! 3. Another strengthening of Gideon's courage: 7:9-14. a. Even the strongest need to be sustained. b. Elijah needed it--so do we. 4. The ultimate test of Gideon's courage: 7:15-22. a. These were not weapons of warfare--even then. b. But their ultimate weapon was Jehovah. c. Note their shout: 7:18. d. Were they successful? 7:22-23. e. Paul said it: Philippians 4:13. f. And they continued until the ememy was thoroughly destroyed. III. Conclusion. A. Facing life's battles requires courage. B. Facing the spiritual conflicts that arise requires even more courage.-jy