Message Notes

(I) PROBLEMS IN LIFE

1. Problem of oppression (Judges 6:1-3)

a) The Midianites dominated Israel

b) The Amalekites added to the problem

c) People of the East made matters worse

2. Self-created problems (Judges 1-2)

Because of the pursuit if evil ( Judges 6:1 )

3. Escalated problems (Judges 6:3-4)

Everyone in Israel suffered terribly!

a) The enemies plundered

b) They left behind burned villages

(II) PROBLEMS THAT AFFECT LIFE ADVERSELY

1. Poverty

a) People lived in caves! ( Judges 6:2 )

b) No sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey ( Judges 6:4 )

2. People living fear

The enemies would seize the harvest after the hard work put in

3. Powerlessness felt keenly

A terrible sense of helplessness and hopelessness came upon the land

(III) PRAYING TO GOD

1. Israel had no one else to turn to

2. Israel fell back on the Lord in prayer (Judges 6:7)

3. God sent a prophet to give them a word of rebuke but also a word of hope (Judges 6:8-10)

(IV) PROVISION OF A STRONG LEADER

Judges 6:11-40

1. Calling of Gideon by the Angel of the Lord

a) Appearance

b) Greeting

“The LORD is with you, you mighty man of valour” Judges 6:12

2. Commission of Gideon

a) To go in his might (strength) ( Judges 6:14a )

b) To utilize his might to save Israel ( Judges 6:14 )

3. Commitment of God

a) God will be with Gideon ( Judges 6:16a )

b) Promise of victory over the enemies ( Judges 6:16b )

(V) PROBLEMS THAT NEED TO BE OVERCOME

1. Feelings of inadequacy (Judges 6:15)

2. Bouts of unbelief (Judges 6:17-18, 36-40)

a) Asking for signs

b) Struggling with the problem of a lack of faith in God

(VI) POWER TO OVERCOME

1. Faith in God

2. Faith in the word of God given

3. Faith that brings forth valour and strength