Those Who Wait for the Lord

Text: Isaiah 40:28-31 We live in a world that is difficult, discouraging, unfair, and wicked. It has always been this way. Yet when we put our trust in God and follow His way, we can endure these trials and enjoy His promises. God’s people needed to be reminded of this in our text. They thought […]

Leaving Behind the Fruit of Our Labor

Text: Ecclesiastes 2:17-23 In the book of Ecclesiastes, the wise man spoke of the futility of life “under the sun.” One of the reasons he saw this as futile was that he would leave the fruit of his labor to someone else. The one receiving it could squander it or act foolishly with it. This […]

Declaring Holy War

Text: Micah 3:5 In this chapter, the rulers of God’s people were condemned, yet the false prophets tolerated them because they were comfortable, and they attacked anyone who jeopardized the status quo. In the same way, false teachers are content when they have their livelihood, but when this is threatened, they “declare holy war.” This […]

Lessons from Gideon (Part 4): Pride Can Be Our Downfall

Text: Judges 8 This is the final lesson in our series on Gideon. He was a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:32) who helped deliver the Israelites from the Midianites. Yet he certainly had his faults. In this lesson, we will see how he was an illustration of the wise man’s warning: “Pride goes before destruction” […]

Lessons from Gideon (Part 3): Depend on God, Not on Numbers

Text: Judges 7:1-2 When the time came to go to battle against the Midianites, Gideon assembled a large army. Yet God dramatically reduced his number in order to teach him (and us) a lesson. Despite the smaller number, Gideon’s army of 300 defeated the Midianites because God was with them. The lesson from this is […]

Lessons from Gideon (Part 2): Idols Must Be Destroyed

Text: Judges 6:25-27 The Israelites were being oppressed by the Midianites (Judges 6:1-7). God sent an angel to call Gideon to deliver them (Judges 6:12-16). He questioned God and doubted his ability to carry out this task, but he went. He was a hero of faith (Hebrews 11:32). Through his leadership, God would deliver Israel. […]

Lessons from Gideon (Part 1): Why Do Hard Times Come?

Text: Judges 6:11-14 Gideon lived during a time when the Midianites oppressed the Israelites. The people cried out to God, and an angel called Gideon to deliver them. Gideon believed God had abandoned them, and that he was the last one who should be called upon to deliver the people. Yet he was persuaded to […]