Gideon: Lessons From Judges 6-8
This sermon begins by continuing our series through the book of Judges, showing how God raised up ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Contrary to the idea that Judges was Israel’s “Wild West,” most of this 300–400 year period was marked by peace. Yes, there were cycles of sin, oppression, crying out, deliverance, and rest — but this was part of God’s design. He was shaping a nation, not through kings, but through His chosen leaders.
By the time of Gideon, Israel had enjoyed 40 years of peace following Deborah and Barak. Then, as often happened, they drifted away from God. For seven years, the Midianites oppressed Israel, sweeping through the land like locusts, destroying crops, taking livestock, and forcing God’s people to hide in caves. When Israel finally cried out to the Lord, God raised up Gideon.
The angel of the Lord found Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding from Midianite raiders. Yet the angel greeted him with unexpected words: “The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor” (Judges 6:12). Gideon felt anything but mighty. He was from an insignificant family in Manasseh, the least in his father’s house. He doubted, even complained: “Where is the God of miracles I’ve heard about?” But God saw in Gideon what Gideon could not yet see in himself.
From Gideon’s story, the preacher draws out three key truths God spoke that shaped his life and Israel’s future:
1. “The Lord is with you, mighty man of valor.”
God calls us not by what we feel, but by what He knows we can be. Gideon felt small, weak, and unworthy, but God saw his potential. In the same way, God can see in us strengths and opportunities for service we cannot yet imagine.
2. “You have too many people.”
Gideon began with 32,000 men — already outnumbered 4 to 1 by Midian’s 135,000. But God reduced his army to 10,000, then to just 300. The reason? God wanted Israel to know the victory was His, not theirs. With impossible odds (1 soldier to 450 enemies), God would display His power. Sometimes God allows us to be stripped of our resources so that His strength alone is seen.
3. “If you are afraid, go down to the camp.”
On the eve of battle, God gave Gideon compassion and reassurance. Gideon overheard Midianite soldiers telling a dream of their own defeat, and his courage was renewed. Even in our fear, God offers assurance — not to excuse us from obedience, but to strengthen us to obey.
When the trumpets sounded, jars were broken, and torches raised, the Midianites panicked and fled. God delivered Israel with 300 faithful men, proving that victory belongs to Him.
Lessons for Us
God sees what we cannot. He called Gideon “mighty” while Gideon was still hiding. God sees our potential before we do.
God removes our excuses. By shrinking Gideon’s army, He made it clear the outcome depended on Him, not human strength.
God meets us in our fear. Like Gideon, we may feel timid, but God provides encouragement so we can press forward in faith.
The story of Gideon reminds us that God delights in using ordinary people in extraordinary ways. He turns weakness into strength, fear into courage, and impossibility into victory.
Looking for a Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL?
Are you searching for a Bible-focused, non-denominational church in Jacksonville where you can grow in faith and connect with believers committed to following Scripture? At Cypress Grove Church of Christ, we believe God’s Word is living and relevant — and that includes the lessons of Gideon.
In this sermon, we explore Judges 6–8 and see how God transformed Gideon from a fearful man into a mighty leader. You’ll discover how God still calls His people today to trust Him, even when the odds seem impossible.
If you’re looking for a Church of Christ in Jacksonville, FL, we invite you to visit us. Come study God’s Word, grow in faith, and experience the power of God who turns weakness into strength.
