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Crest Baptist Church
Gideon's Sad Downfall - Judges 8
Locations & Times
Crest Baptist Church
1211 North Poplar Street, Creston, IA 50801, United States
Sunday 10:00 AM
Welcome
We are glad you've chosen to join us this morning. We hope your worship experience at Crest is one in which you sense to presence of God and His love expressed though His people! If you have any questions or comments about this service or our church, please respond in the "comments/prayer request" section at the end of the message.
Let's Get Started
We have seen how God raised up the timid, fearful man, Gideon, to lead a small band of men against the mighty Midianite marauders. God led them into battle and Gideon completed the task, but we see that it seems that his new found power goes to his head and thereby begins a downward spiral for him, his family and his people.
We have seen how God raised up the timid, fearful man, Gideon, to lead a small band of men against the mighty Midianite marauders. God led them into battle and Gideon completed the task, but we see that it seems that his new found power goes to his head and thereby begins a downward spiral for him, his family and his people.
God's plans are altered
Despite some Israelites who did not support his campaign, Gideon finished the task God gave him "to deliver Israel from the hand of Midian" (Judges 6:14). However, he extended the task to include punishing those Israelites who didn't come to his aid and took personal retaliation for the death of his brothers against the Midianite kings. He originally seems intent of obedience to God but moves to a heart of personal revenge.
Are you ever tempted to take things into your own hands, going ahead of God's plans?
Despite some Israelites who did not support his campaign, Gideon finished the task God gave him "to deliver Israel from the hand of Midian" (Judges 6:14). However, he extended the task to include punishing those Israelites who didn't come to his aid and took personal retaliation for the death of his brothers against the Midianite kings. He originally seems intent of obedience to God but moves to a heart of personal revenge.
Are you ever tempted to take things into your own hands, going ahead of God's plans?
God's authority is assumed.
Although Gideon appears to reject the people's request that he become their king, his actions betray his words. His lifestyle takes on the air of one who reigns. He exacts a tax in gold earrings from them, he had many wives and 70 sons. This was the lifestyle practiced only by rulers as they were the only ones who could afford it. Even the name of one of his sons, Abimelech (my father is king) was a claim for the title that Gideon supposedly renounced.
While we are the children of God, do we get puffed up in ourselves and assume authority that belongs only to God?
Although Gideon appears to reject the people's request that he become their king, his actions betray his words. His lifestyle takes on the air of one who reigns. He exacts a tax in gold earrings from them, he had many wives and 70 sons. This was the lifestyle practiced only by rulers as they were the only ones who could afford it. Even the name of one of his sons, Abimelech (my father is king) was a claim for the title that Gideon supposedly renounced.
While we are the children of God, do we get puffed up in ourselves and assume authority that belongs only to God?
God's worship is adulterated
God had already set up the tabernacle at Shiloh, a place at which the Levitical priesthood had the responsibility to lead the people in the worship of God. This was a compromise and ultimately heresy on Gideon's part and it leads once again to spiritual adultery as the people go after pagan gods.
Gideon may have thought that he was doing the right thing in leading people to worship, but he was in violation of the Word of God. When have your good intentions seemed more important that complete obedience?
God had already set up the tabernacle at Shiloh, a place at which the Levitical priesthood had the responsibility to lead the people in the worship of God. This was a compromise and ultimately heresy on Gideon's part and it leads once again to spiritual adultery as the people go after pagan gods.
Gideon may have thought that he was doing the right thing in leading people to worship, but he was in violation of the Word of God. When have your good intentions seemed more important that complete obedience?
Points to Ponder
~Is it more difficult for you to follow God in times of success or struggle?
~Have you become prideful in your spirituality? Take heed that you do not fall!
~Is it more difficult for you to follow God in times of success or struggle?
~Have you become prideful in your spirituality? Take heed that you do not fall!
Comments/Prayer Request
If you have any comments, questions or confidential prayer requests, you may contact us through the link below.
http://crestbaptistchurch.com/templates/System/details.asp?id=40074&PG=contact&RecordType=&pkg=Secure Online Giving
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https://www.skgiving.com/dl/?uid=cres1211292