Sunday Message May 16, 2010
Series – Character Counts
Judges – Gideon: Fearful – Faithful
Scripture: Judges 6: 7-12

Intro:
Over the past few weeks we have been in a series – Character counts
– are we a person of strong character?
We have looked at a number of individuals and asked what made them so effective – powerful – people who accomplished great things? – it all comes down to character they had developed.
We have looked at a number of character traits – about 15 – there are close to 50.
Out of these qualities if you are like me – and we want to honest – you may say there are definitely some character traits where I am not all that strong – this is a weak area in my life- possible- Joshua- courage – Caleb- patience - Rahab- hopeful – Wife /mother- compassionate – generous – self giving…
We are left with a question- how do I develop a stronger character- in an area I know I am weak?
This is the question we want to address this week – and look at someone who started out – fearful defeated and he grew - developed his character to become a great warrior filled with confidence and faith.
How does that change take place – can it happen to me?

We find this individual in the book of Judges-
Joshua - Nation Israel’s taking the promised land – taking back what rightfully theirs.
Judges tells the account of what it was like when they settled in the land – the struggles – temptations failures and victories .
Judges is a roller coaster ride – great up – followed God - to deep lows, they rejected God.
God actually warned them – when you take this land – settle into it – do not forget me – do not go after the foreign gods or worship the idols of the people you encounter.
– far be it from us to do such a thing – God said teach your children so they will not go after other gods.
Judges tells us that it doesn’t take long – once they are secure – enjoying the fruit of the land abundance – safe – needs are met which God gave to them they quickly turned away from God and began to worship idols – the god’s of the people around them. ( Judges 2: 6-15)
- If we are interested in developing a strong character we need to realize that-
Character – is greatly influenced by those around us –– for the good or for bad - by those we allow to influence us. Our heroes those we look up to and those we hang around with will challenge us
We live in time much like Israel encountered once they settled into he land- abundance – secure our needs met- so our culture says who needs God – I can handle life on my own.
It is amazing that 90 per cent believe in a higher power – but living as if this higher power is needed – connecting with this power in a meaningful relationship is below 6 per cent.

It is a constant struggle to be live among other who do not embrace our values – we are told to be in the world – befriend those who do not believe what you believe – but not to compromise or adopt patterns of behaviour or character that does not honour God.
That is why Paul wrote to the church at Corinth – a church that had got off the rails.
1 Corinthians 15:33 Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character."
Israel compromised and forgot all about God-lived for self
Social sciences study this – see direct relationship – grow up in an alcoholic home – high percentage will be alcoholics.
Why is so difficult for those who grow up in gang neighbourhood – do not break away they see destruction – yet the pull – character develops –draws them in.

Why was it so enticing – to worship other god’s idols?

Worship God Worshiping Idols
Long – range benefits short –range benefits
Gratification postponed self- gratification immediate
Morality required sensuality approved
High ethical standards – character developed low ethical standards
Neighbours sin disapproved neighbours sin approved
Unseen God worshiped visible idol worshiped
Unselfishness expected – character – generous selfishness condoned
Changed life expected change life not expected
Ethical stand expected compromise practiced
Concern for others taught no concern for others expected

The temptation to follow false gods because of short term benefits- good feelings – self centered living was condoned. But the benefits were deceptive. Because false gods were false – a lie they could not deliver in the long run. They could not protect – provide and give meaning and purpose in life. They could not promise eternal benefits- the here and now does become the past.
Knowing we live in this battle ground – we need to honestly evaluate our character – are there areas where I am weak – where am I strong- and it will change depending on your situation in life.
1.Be aware of the challenges I face and have an honest evaluation of myself

In this setting we want to look at the fifth Judge or leader – who God raises up to deliver the people.
We find him in Judges 6 – His name is Gideon…

Judges 6: 1- 10 If we are to develop our character we need to seriously ask ourselves –
2. Do I want to change – grow? Am I convinced that my character is hindering me form being all God desires me to be?

Do I want to grow? Or change? Develop?
Judges 6:7 - The people called out to God – it took them 7 years to realize this is going no where.
-they had enough – they realized this isn’t working for us – we do not want to be fearful – defeated- with no purpose to our lives.
This is a great place to be – we will not change – develop our character until we see that living for self – short term benefits- self centered living does not bring me peace and fulfillment I am looking for.
It is a great prayer to pray for those who are not following God and for those of us who desire to follow God – bring me to me senses – that there is much more to life than what I am experiencing.
We will not change – our heart will not change – our character will not change until we are convinced that the direction we are heading – the way I am handling life is not productive – it will not satisfy – or bring me fulfillment that truly lasts.

If we are content not to develop our character we will not change.
I like being impatient- I like being self centered and self consumed instead of giving - generous and compassionate – I like being fearful instead of having courage – I’m alright with not being loyal – I like being undisciplined.
Here is the catch – you may like it – and it might work for you if you were stranded on a island by yourself- but in the real world those around you may not like it – and you will pay a price for not developing as a man or woman of character.
Employment opportunities will pass you by – that special someone you are interested in will see through you and look for someone who is a person who takes character seriously.
You may hide for a time but your character does reveal itself when others get close to you- you can cover up for only so long – that is why many marriages – the first year is really an eye opener – I never knew He or she had an anger issue – or such a short fuse – so impatient – or so negative or so self consumed.
In order to overcome the surprises – we all would do well to work on our character right from the beginning.
Cell groups – safe places where we can be open and honest – caring supportive – grow in Christ.

Today we are going to look at a man who grew from a fearful - insecure – lacking boldness and faith – to a man of incredible faith and an entire nation experienced amazing victories through his bold and courageous leadership.
Judges 6: 11- 15 - how would you describe him when we first encounter him?
He is in a wine press trying to threshing wheat – you would never do that in a wine press – he was hiding so the Midianites would not see him and come take his hard work.
He was afraid – notice how he responds – where is God? If God is so great and powerful why has he left us alone – look at the enemy- so many so powerful - we are defeated- negative – fearful – making excuses – didn’t see a future and was hopeless - faithless – talk about character deficit- we could take many of the character qualities and give him a zero.

But what is amazing - How does God see him?
6:11 the Lord be with you mighty warrior-
Is Gideon at this moment a might warrior? Is he acting like a mighty warrior?
God sees us not as we are - but who we are in him.
If you are child of God
God sees your potential – he sees you living in his power – his strength – his grace- accomplishing might things for his kingdom… he sees us as might warriors- how many of see ourselves as mighty warriors today?
If we don’t – it reveals how much the world has influenced us- we see only with the eyes of man not God.
Oh we live in a world with such big problems – so many do not believe as I do – our values and character is mocked and laughed at – it is easier to go along with the crowd or just be quiet.
We can be like Gideon down in the wine press hiding away- not looking like a mighty warrior.

Paul said - In Christ I am a new creation – the old past away – the new has come – new power - boldness- confidence
Paul saw himself as a mighty warrior – I can do all thing through Christ who gives me strength- I am a saint set apart for God.
We have been given power and the truth to break down strongholds that are set up against God.
Gideon – he was living out the character of the people- this was his culture – faithless – fearful and defeated – concerned more about self protection than giving of self to others- serving gods that could not give what they were longing for. We have powerful influences working on us – constantly- but it does not mean we have to give in.

Gideon is given a wake up call - God comes calling on him – an angel one sent by God – servants of God his messengers – come with a message – Gideon mighty warrior God is calling you to deliver his people…God has a greater purpose for your life – than hiding in as wine press trying to survive another day.
Vs 14 Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of the hands of Midianites – Am I not sending you?
The central question for everyone of us – how we answer this question will determine what character will be developed in us – Have I responded to God’s call on my life to follow him- experience his cleansing – and power to live through me?

3. I must see myself as God sees me –called to him - empowered by him – to bring him glory

I am the least – I have nothing to offer-
Gideon wasn’t perfect he didn’t have it all together- no degree from seminary – he struggled – his family worshipped Baal – they had a family altar in their yard to sacrifice to Baal – Their gods were demanding and the people very superstitious – they were driven by fear not faith
yet he was humble and acknowledged his need – for God to intervene – if he was going to do anything – God you have to be directly involved.
He wavered – asking for signs – faith grows as we step out and trust God.
First sign he was willing to trust God – vs. 18 when he gather items to sacrifice – to the true God – not Baal – it is consumed and he knows I am in the presence of God.
Vs 16 I will be with you … I must humbly accept God’s intervention in my life.
God’s call comes to us today – Jesus called the first follower – come follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
Deny yourself take up your cross and follow me…

Gideon – he looked around and said – I do not want to live like this any longer – in fear – in self protection – trying to consume for myself – there has to be more to life.
Gideon – seeks God – willing to search for him – discover him- embrace him-
AA – Acknowledge a higher power – I am not the one in control there is a higher power I need to acknowledge -
it has to with a new character – from hiding – self protection - Self centered to be others center – how can I make amends to those I have harmed by my selfish behaviour –

Our true character will reveal itself in actions – God calls Gideon to first go home and tear down the altar to Baal –and the Asherah pole (6: 25 )
Baal – god of storm and rain- control vegetation – agriculture – needed to please Baal – symbol Bull.
Gods can be very demanding- filled with superstition – if I do a certain thing the gods will favour me – if I do not please the gods harm will come withhold rain- based on fear.”
Ashtoreth pole – mother goddess of love war and fertilely – temple prostitution - child sacrifice –

Gideon – once God is embraced – go tears down the altar to Baal and cuts down the pole – the people revolt – they are willing to stand for Ball but not the true God – want to kill Gideon – Father say let Baal fight his own battles – if he is so great he will deal with Gideon – vs. 31-32

The second battle – the armies join together to come against Israel – vs. 33
Vs. 34 - The Spirit of God came upon him- today we have the Holy Spirit – his power is available to all who follow God – come upon us to empower lead and brings boldness.

Gideon – is a changed man- from fearful faithless –to a man of great faith and confidence in God
- Judges 7 - Gideon new found freedom and faith is called to go against the Mideianites-
- 32000 men – God say you have too many men – ask anyone who is afraid to go home – men of weak character leave- 20000 leave – those who drink from the stream life a dog – go home- left with 300 men – they still goo up against the armies – and defeat the army.
- 300 so the people will know it is my power that saves you nopt your own – Gos is all powerful and he ants to be all powerful in lour life – will we allow him to develop the character in us to experience his power and be the might warriors he knows we can be?

Faith /10
"Confidence that actions rooted in good character that comes from a profound trust in God will yield the best outcome, even when I cannot see how."
Action Steps:
• Expect the best
• Make right choices based on principles of character rather than whims of circumstance
• Believe the truth and reject a lie
• Not take things for granted
• Trust those who have proven character

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