Trimming the Troops
Judges 7:1-25
1. Setting
• humiliation under Midianite oppression (6:1-10)
• enter Gideon, the mighty man of valor (6:11-16)
• fiery rock, altar destruction and fleece laying (6:17-40)
• enter Gideon, the mighty man of valor (6:11-16)
• fiery rock, altar destruction and fleece laying (6:17-40)
2. Call for Reduction 1-3
• motivation and proclamation
• from 32,000 to 10,000
• from 32,000 to 10,000
3. Call for More Reduction 4-8
• test at the water
• 300 lappers retained
• 300 lappers retained
4. Eavesdropping on the Enemy 9-15
• but if you are afraid…
• overheard dream and response of worship
• overheard dream and response of worship
5. Victory over the Midianites 16-25
• divisions, equipment and instructions
• blown trumpets, smashed jars and flaming torches
• rock and winepress: full circle
• blown trumpets, smashed jars and flaming torches
• rock and winepress: full circle
6. So What?
• Because the LORD intentionally minimizes human confidence, rely on His strength rather than your resources.
• connection to NT and Jesus: 2 Cor.12:9-10, Heb. 11:32-34, Phil. 2:5-11
• Never forget that salvation belongs to the LORD (Jonah 2:9).
• “…for out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again…” (A. Flint)
• connection to NT and Jesus: 2 Cor.12:9-10, Heb. 11:32-34, Phil. 2:5-11
• Never forget that salvation belongs to the LORD (Jonah 2:9).
• “…for out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again…” (A. Flint)