The Bible and Our Culture

Gideon was kind'a trans.  He was acting like a king, but he "identified" as a descendant of Aaron to also act as High Priest.

The ephod or the crown?  Different roles.

What does the first amendment say regarding "Separation of Church and State"?  

The concept has been perverted 180 degrees through loud repetition.  

 

The temptation of popularity.

Proverbs 18:12 "Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, And before honor is humility."

Gideon got lazy and pride crept in.

Pride brings destruction to Gideon and the people around him.

The ignored story of Gideon.

Many unelected "gatekeepers" influence policy hiding in plain site.

After an amazing victory, Gideon has to use wisdom in diverse circumstances to enforce and maintain the victory.

Gideon responded wisely and refused to react foolishly.

Gideon didn't have tolerance for those who undermined the battle.

Prov 4:7  "Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding."

Judges 8 highlights a distinction in how we should regard those around us. There's a place for tolerating even those who might have strong personalities, provided they are committed to standing firm for the values we believe in. Conversely, we should be wary of those who are unwilling to engage in the challenges we face.

 

Gideon's interactions with the Ephraimites offer a valuable lesson. Even though they leveled unfair criticisms against him, Gideon chose to accommodate them because they had demonstrated a willingness to fight alongside him. In contrast, his anger was rightly directed at those who refused to defend their nation.

 

This serves as a reminder to be discerning, to value and stand with those who are willing to fight for what is right and just, and to be cautious of those who shrink from that responsibility.

Though Jesus has made our identity amazingly positive as His child, co-worker, bride, ambassador, etc.; but we come to Jesus first as a slave to a Master.

How else can you come to the Almighty but first as a slave because He is the Transcendent, Sovereign, King of the Universe?

Be a slave who loves His Master for all His amazing goodness, generosity and kindness!

He does expect us to give up our entire life to follow Him. 

Reasons why the book of Romans is unique in comparison to his other letters.

Everyone is a slave to someone or Someone or something.  

Like Paul we are slaves of Jesus Christ and we have no rights to assert in opposition to what God asks us.

God has given us the ability to reject Him but not the permission to do so.

 

God doesn't mind inconveniencing those who have been found for a while to reach the lost.

Many believers are not seeking the lost longing to see them get saved because they are simply focused on themselves.

Don't be like the prodigal son's older brother.

What are you willing to risk for one lost soul to come to Jesus?

Though David v. Goliath is an amazing underdog story, it is still not as much of an underdog story as Gideon's army of 200.  

Battle the enemy within relationship with God's people. 

Be active in your local church. 

God will help us build our faith. 

We can stand in faith and cause the enemy's plans.