Emphasize the need to develop the strength and faith of Men and their ministry in the church

Emphasize the need to develop the strength and faith of Men and their ministry in the church

“Are there any men in the house?” Part .4.

(As is the man so is his strength)

Introduction:- Hebrews.11:6 & 32-34. Through faith--------.

a. Overthrew kingdoms

b. Ruled with justice

c. Received what God had promised them

d. They shut the months of lions - Daniel in Lion’s den

e. Quenched the flames of fire - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

f. Escaped death by the edge of the sword - Elijah experienced God’s protection.

e. Their weakness was turned to strength. Phil.4:13.

f. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.

The above relate primarily to physical experiences however with each one there is a great spiritual truth. Their battles occurred also in the spiritual realm as does ours. Eph.6:1-12. 2. Cor.10-3-5

Gideon’s continuing transformation

1. Judges .7:15b-23. Gideon and his 300 man army, against 135.000 Midianites. Ration 1:450.

Secret of success:- a. Strategy was God’s - Revealed after Gideon worshipped, v.15a.

b. Unity - Psalm.133:3

c. Obedience - v.17

d. v21. Everyone stood in his position around the enemy camp. 1.Cor.12:18.

e. Great victory because Gideon trusted God and His word.

2. Luke.4:13 Devil will continue to counter attack, whenever we do anything for the Lord.

3. Jud. 8:1-17. v.4. Gideon’s perseverance - Exhausted yet kept up pursuit of the enemy. Gal.6:9

v.1-3. Ephraimites criticized Gideon because they felt not called to join fight

v.5-7 Succoth refuse to give any assistance in form of food.

v.8-9. Peniel also refuse to help with provisions

v.10-12. Last two kings of Midian are captured Zebah and Zalmunneh.

v.13-17. Gideon’s revenge upon Succoth and Peniel. Gal.6:7-10 “Reap what is sown”

4. Judges.8:18-21 & Phil.4:13. Gideon’s complete victory.

v.18. a. Gideon identifies himself with those who died

b. Zebah & Zalmunneh - recognize the bearing and authority of Gideon.

v.19 Gideon pronounces death sentence upon them

v.20 Tells his son to kill them! Why? Seeks to honour his son!

Why is his son afraid? Inexperienced and afraid of them!

Seven years Midianites had ravage Israel - These men were kings, carried themselves as royalty,

majestic appearance, strength and a bearing of authority. Gideon’s son in awe of them!

V.21. “Come do it yourself” “As is the man so is his strength”

They had recognized Gideon was a man under the anointing and command of God, even the

enemy recognizes an anointed man of woman.

Luke.10:18-20. He replied, I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpians and to OVERCOME ALL THE POWER OF THE ENEMY; NOTHING WILL HARM YOU. However do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Phil.4:13. Our spiritual authority is born out of relationship with the living Savior Jesus Christ.