Learn From Gideon, 46

~ God Uses the Imperfect To Accomplish His Purposes ~

The Biblical account of the life of Gideon provides for one of the most interesting character studies in all of Scripture.  In this series we will discover practical lessons for living the Christian life today.  

Scripture  ~  “Then Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelt in his own house.  Gideon had 70 sons who were his own offspring, for he had many wives.  And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, whose name he called Abimelech” (Judges 8:29-31)  

Learn From Gideon  ~  God looks on the heart. 

1. Gideon was not a perfect/sinless man. 
2. God works through sinners—that’s the only kind of human on earth!
3. Gideon had many wives, a concubine, and 71 sons—but God used him in spite of this. 
4. While God did not approve of some areas of Gideon’s life he knew his heart and his overall desire to honor and serve God.
5. Gideon’s weak areas resulted in the nation of Israel seeing tragedy (as will be seen in subsequent passages).
6. Gideon’s actions split the kingdom and resulted in real tragedy for the nation of Israel. 
7. God doesn’t hide the failures of even his valiant warriors! 

Challenge For Us  ~  Are you listening to Satan telling you why God can’t or won’t use you?  It’s a trap!  Keep your heart focused on God, confess sins quickly, and work for His kingdom in the direction He is leading you.

concluding comment  ~  We learn about Gideon primarily from Judges 6-8, but also Isaiah 9:1-7, and Hebrews 11:1-3, 32-34.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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