WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.640 Well, good evening and welcome to a service from Beglew, Free Church. 00:00:08.580 --> 00:00:15.700 We're going to begin a four-week study on Gideon, one of the famous judges that we find in the Old Testament. 00:00:16.199 --> 00:00:23.600 But before we get to Judges chapter 6, I want to read a short section from Ephesians chapter 2 and then we'll pray. 00:00:23.600 --> 00:00:37.120 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 00:00:37.740 --> 00:00:46.040 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. 00:00:46.640 --> 00:00:51.000 Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 00:00:51.000 --> 00:01:01.960 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ, even when we were dead in transgressions. 00:01:02.519 --> 00:01:05.819 It is by grace you have been saved. 00:01:06.599 --> 00:01:08.060 Let's pray together. 00:01:08.060 --> 00:01:20.879 Lord, our God, we thank you that your word contains that word of saving grace that we discover in the Bible. 00:01:20.879 --> 00:01:32.159 How despite our sin and rebellion, despite the fact that by nature we are spiritually dead because of our transgression and our sin against you, 00:01:33.119 --> 00:01:39.939 despite our slavery to evil forces, to the devil and to sin, 00:01:39.939 --> 00:01:47.259 despite our desire to satisfy our own flesh, 00:01:48.599 --> 00:01:50.900 that because of your great love, 00:01:51.400 --> 00:01:53.259 because of your great mercy, 00:01:54.259 --> 00:01:58.379 you sent your son Jesus to be that saviour that we need, 00:01:59.259 --> 00:02:01.219 to make us alive with him 00:02:01.219 --> 00:02:04.299 and to save us by your grace, 00:02:04.299 --> 00:02:06.899 to raise us up with Christ 00:02:06.899 --> 00:02:09.819 and to give us every spiritual blessing in him. 00:02:10.520 --> 00:02:12.879 Lord, we need your word in our life. 00:02:12.960 --> 00:02:16.099 We need your word to convict and challenge us. 00:02:16.199 --> 00:02:18.439 We need your word to teach us, 00:02:18.539 --> 00:02:19.199 to humble us, 00:02:19.280 --> 00:02:20.699 to encourage us. 00:02:21.359 --> 00:02:22.460 We need your word 00:02:22.460 --> 00:02:24.939 in order that we might be saved. 00:02:24.939 --> 00:02:29.579 And so as we come to consider your word together, 00:02:30.099 --> 00:02:35.139 may you send your spirit to give light and to give life to us, 00:02:35.199 --> 00:02:36.819 we pray in Jesus' name. 00:02:37.259 --> 00:02:37.579 Amen. 00:02:38.859 --> 00:02:42.860 So we'll be in Judges chapter 6 together. 00:02:43.079 --> 00:02:45.740 It's a lengthy chapter, 00:02:45.740 --> 00:02:50.120 but with lots going on 00:02:50.120 --> 00:02:55.000 and hopefully lots that we can learn from also. 00:02:56.040 --> 00:02:58.480 So, Judges chapter 6. 00:02:59.400 --> 00:03:02.300 The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord 00:03:02.300 --> 00:03:05.260 and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites. 00:03:05.660 --> 00:03:08.140 Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, 00:03:08.939 --> 00:03:11.160 the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves 00:03:11.160 --> 00:03:13.920 in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds. 00:03:13.919 --> 00:03:16.479 Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, 00:03:16.619 --> 00:03:19.119 the Midianites, Amalekites and other eastern peoples 00:03:19.119 --> 00:03:20.099 invaded the country. 00:03:20.780 --> 00:03:22.739 They camped on the land and ruined the crops 00:03:22.739 --> 00:03:23.799 all the way to Gaza 00:03:23.799 --> 00:03:26.119 and did not spare a living thing for Israel, 00:03:26.239 --> 00:03:27.959 neither sheep nor cattle nor donkeys. 00:03:28.679 --> 00:03:30.739 They came up with their livestock and their tents 00:03:30.739 --> 00:03:32.219 like swarms of locusts. 00:03:32.519 --> 00:03:34.819 It was impossible to count them or their camels. 00:03:35.399 --> 00:03:37.359 They invaded the land to ravage it. 00:03:38.019 --> 00:03:39.819 Midian so impoverished the Israelites 00:03:39.819 --> 00:03:41.819 that they cried out to the Lord for help. 00:03:41.819 --> 00:03:45.479 When the Israelites cried out to the Lord because of Midian, 00:03:45.919 --> 00:03:47.639 he sent them a prophet who said, 00:03:48.139 --> 00:03:50.599 This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says. 00:03:51.099 --> 00:03:54.039 I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 00:03:54.579 --> 00:03:56.680 I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians 00:03:56.680 --> 00:03:59.419 and I delivered you from the hand of all your oppressors. 00:03:59.859 --> 00:04:02.620 I drove them out before you and gave you their land. 00:04:02.859 --> 00:04:05.419 I said to you, I am the Lord your God. 00:04:05.859 --> 00:04:08.939 Do not worship the gods of the Amorites in whose land you live, 00:04:08.939 --> 00:04:11.460 but you have not listened to me. 00:04:12.319 --> 00:04:15.460 The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak and oprah 00:04:15.460 --> 00:04:17.680 that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, 00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:20.579 where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress 00:04:20.579 --> 00:04:21.899 to keep it from the Midianites. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:24.480 When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, 00:04:24.540 --> 00:04:26.860 he said, The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. 00:04:27.819 --> 00:04:29.560 Pardon me, my Lord, Gideon replied, 00:04:29.639 --> 00:04:30.740 but if the Lord is with us, 00:04:31.060 --> 00:04:32.480 why has all this happened to us? 00:04:32.620 --> 00:04:35.399 Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about 00:04:35.399 --> 00:04:38.239 when they said, Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt? 00:04:38.759 --> 00:04:40.179 But now the Lord has abandoned us 00:04:40.179 --> 00:04:41.739 and given us into the hand of Midian. 00:04:42.479 --> 00:04:43.759 The Lord turned to him and said, 00:04:43.859 --> 00:04:45.019 Go in the strength you have 00:04:45.019 --> 00:04:46.879 and save Israel out of Midian's hand. 00:04:47.179 --> 00:04:48.739 Am I not sending you? 00:04:49.459 --> 00:04:51.219 Pardon me, my Lord, Gideon replied, 00:04:51.359 --> 00:04:52.679 but how can I save Israel? 00:04:52.959 --> 00:04:54.539 My clan is the weakest in Manasseh 00:04:54.539 --> 00:04:56.000 and I am the least in my family. 00:04:56.560 --> 00:04:58.560 The Lord answered, I will be with you 00:04:58.560 --> 00:05:00.779 and you will strike down all the Midianites, 00:05:00.899 --> 00:05:02.179 leaving none alive. 00:05:02.939 --> 00:05:03.639 Gideon replied, 00:05:04.019 --> 00:05:06.139 If now I have found favour in your eyes, 00:05:06.300 --> 00:05:08.500 give me a sign that it's really you talking to me. 00:05:08.900 --> 00:05:10.740 Please do not go away until I come back 00:05:10.740 --> 00:05:12.680 and bring my offering and set it before you. 00:05:13.139 --> 00:05:13.879 And the Lord said, 00:05:13.980 --> 00:05:15.699 I will wait until you return. 00:05:16.939 --> 00:05:19.120 Gideon went inside, prepared a young goat 00:05:19.120 --> 00:05:22.300 and from an ephah of flour he made bread without yeast. 00:05:22.980 --> 00:05:25.960 Putting the meat in a basket and its broth in a pot, 00:05:26.139 --> 00:05:29.960 he brought them out and offered them to him under the oak. 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:32.100 The angel of God said to him, 00:05:32.459 --> 00:05:34.579 Take the meat and the unleavened bread, 00:05:35.079 --> 00:05:37.920 place them on this rock and pour out the broth. 00:05:38.340 --> 00:05:39.259 And Gideon did so. 00:05:39.720 --> 00:05:41.879 Then the angel of the Lord touched the meat 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:44.240 and the unleavened bread with the tip of the staff 00:05:44.240 --> 00:05:45.319 that was in his hand. 00:05:45.920 --> 00:05:47.480 Fire flared from the rock, 00:05:47.660 --> 00:05:49.360 consuming the meat and the bread. 00:05:50.019 --> 00:05:51.579 And the angel of the Lord disappeared. 00:05:52.300 --> 00:05:54.399 When Gideon realised that it was the angel of the Lord, 00:05:54.480 --> 00:05:54.879 he exclaimed, 00:05:55.019 --> 00:05:58.240 Alas, Sovereign Lord, I've seen the angel of the Lord face to face. 00:05:58.899 --> 00:05:59.879 But the Lord said to him, 00:05:59.879 --> 00:06:01.560 Peace, do not be afraid. 00:06:02.120 --> 00:06:03.399 You are not going to die. 00:06:04.159 --> 00:06:06.899 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it, 00:06:07.240 --> 00:06:08.279 The Lord is Peace. 00:06:08.839 --> 00:06:11.360 To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 00:06:11.839 --> 00:06:13.540 That same night the Lord said to him, 00:06:13.540 --> 00:06:16.180 Take the second bull from your father's herd, 00:06:16.540 --> 00:06:17.640 the one seven years old. 00:06:18.140 --> 00:06:19.720 Tear down your father's altar to Baal 00:06:19.720 --> 00:06:21.600 and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. 00:06:21.920 --> 00:06:23.300 Then build a proper kind of altar 00:06:23.300 --> 00:06:25.640 to the Lord your God on the top of this height. 00:06:26.260 --> 00:06:28.500 Using the wood of the Asherah pole that you cut down, 00:06:28.620 --> 00:06:30.400 offer the second bull as a burnt offering. 00:06:31.400 --> 00:06:32.780 So Gideon took ten of his servants 00:06:32.780 --> 00:06:34.000 and did as the Lord told him. 00:06:34.400 --> 00:06:36.939 But because he was afraid of his family and the townspeople, 00:06:36.939 --> 00:06:39.580 he did it at night rather than in the daytime. 00:06:39.579 --> 00:06:42.019 In the morning when the people of the town got up, 00:06:42.120 --> 00:06:43.839 there was Baal's altar demolished 00:06:43.839 --> 00:06:45.579 with the Asherah pole beside it cut down 00:06:45.579 --> 00:06:48.219 and the second bull sacrificed on the newly built altar. 00:06:48.759 --> 00:06:49.459 They asked each other, 00:06:49.579 --> 00:06:50.459 Who did this? 00:06:51.120 --> 00:06:52.199 When they carefully investigated, 00:06:52.479 --> 00:06:54.819 they were told Gideon, son of Joash, did it. 00:06:55.279 --> 00:06:56.979 The people of the town demanded of Joash, 00:06:57.060 --> 00:06:57.799 Bring out your son. 00:06:57.899 --> 00:07:00.079 He must die because he has broken down Baal's altar 00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:01.759 and cut down the Asherah pole beside it. 00:07:02.240 --> 00:07:04.439 But Joash replied to the hostile crowd around him, 00:07:04.439 --> 00:07:06.740 Are you going to plead Baal's cause? 00:07:06.939 --> 00:07:08.319 Are you trying to save him? 00:07:08.319 --> 00:07:11.120 Whoever fights for him shall be put to death by morning. 00:07:11.219 --> 00:07:12.319 If Baal really is a god, 00:07:12.420 --> 00:07:14.759 he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar. 00:07:15.379 --> 00:07:17.279 So because Gideon broke down Baal's altar, 00:07:17.420 --> 00:07:19.500 they gave him the name Jerob Baal that day, 00:07:19.560 --> 00:07:21.519 saying, Let Baal contend with him. 00:07:22.279 --> 00:07:23.819 Now all the Midianites, Amalekites, 00:07:23.879 --> 00:07:25.459 and other eastern peoples joined forces 00:07:25.459 --> 00:07:26.560 and crossed over the Jordan 00:07:26.560 --> 00:07:28.199 and camped in the valley of Jezreel. 00:07:28.800 --> 00:07:30.500 Then the spirit of the Lord came on Gideon 00:07:30.500 --> 00:07:31.339 and he blew a trumpet, 00:07:31.579 --> 00:07:33.259 summoning the Abiezrites to follow him. 00:07:33.259 --> 00:07:35.360 He sent messengers throughout Manasseh, 00:07:35.779 --> 00:07:36.920 calling them to arms, 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:39.319 and also into Asher, Zebulun, Naphtali, 00:07:39.680 --> 00:07:41.180 so that they too went up to meet them. 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:42.740 Gideon said to God, 00:07:42.819 --> 00:07:45.240 If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised, 00:07:45.379 --> 00:07:48.220 look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing floor. 00:07:48.480 --> 00:07:49.980 If there is dew only on the fleece 00:07:49.980 --> 00:07:50.920 and all the ground is dry, 00:07:51.420 --> 00:07:52.819 then I will know that you will save Israel 00:07:52.819 --> 00:07:54.180 by my hand as you said. 00:07:54.660 --> 00:07:55.500 And that is what happened. 00:07:56.100 --> 00:07:57.460 Gideon rose early the next day. 00:07:57.939 --> 00:07:59.540 He squeezed the fleece and wrung out the dew, 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:00.759 a bowl full of water. 00:08:00.759 --> 00:08:02.360 Then Gideon said to God, 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:03.379 Do not be angry with me. 00:08:03.800 --> 00:08:05.839 Let me make just one more request. 00:08:06.000 --> 00:08:07.959 Allow me one more test with this fleece. 00:08:08.240 --> 00:08:08.860 But this time, 00:08:09.199 --> 00:08:10.139 make the fleece dry 00:08:10.139 --> 00:08:12.219 and let the ground be covered with dew. 00:08:12.699 --> 00:08:14.360 That night, God did so. 00:08:14.740 --> 00:08:16.219 Only the fleece was dry. 00:08:16.800 --> 00:08:19.959 All the ground was covered with dew. 00:08:21.159 --> 00:08:21.639 Amen. 00:08:21.800 --> 00:08:23.480 This is God's word. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:30.080 Now, today we're thinking about the fact that this sermon, 00:08:30.379 --> 00:08:33.680 we find it, comes before salvation. 00:08:33.860 --> 00:08:35.899 Sermon before salvation. 00:08:37.120 --> 00:08:41.000 I wonder, have you ever found yourself saying to another person, 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:43.740 I don't need a lecture right now. 00:08:43.800 --> 00:08:45.279 Or sometimes you might say that. 00:08:45.340 --> 00:08:46.980 Well, we could perhaps imagine 00:08:46.980 --> 00:08:51.340 if someone's walking too close to the edge of a riverside 00:08:51.340 --> 00:08:53.639 and they happen to stumble and fall into the river, 00:08:54.280 --> 00:08:55.840 that person doesn't need a lecture. 00:08:55.940 --> 00:08:57.639 They just need pulled out. 00:08:58.580 --> 00:09:02.139 Or if you're stranded in your car by the roadside, 00:09:02.480 --> 00:09:03.920 when your mechanic comes 00:09:03.920 --> 00:09:07.720 and he comes with a list of wise sayings on car care, 00:09:08.700 --> 00:09:09.259 you might find, 00:09:09.300 --> 00:09:10.780 I don't need a lecture right now. 00:09:10.860 --> 00:09:13.019 I just need to get moving. 00:09:13.720 --> 00:09:15.980 Sometimes the problem seems obvious. 00:09:16.920 --> 00:09:18.680 The need seems urgent. 00:09:18.679 --> 00:09:22.679 So therefore we think this is the time for help. 00:09:23.179 --> 00:09:28.519 Now, I wonder if Gideon and his generation thought that. 00:09:29.379 --> 00:09:33.639 Here they are, seven years of misery 00:09:33.639 --> 00:09:36.419 at the hands of the people of Midian. 00:09:37.000 --> 00:09:39.459 And then they cry out in pain to God. 00:09:40.239 --> 00:09:41.519 But what's God's response? 00:09:42.519 --> 00:09:45.079 First he sends them a preacher, 00:09:45.699 --> 00:09:48.159 not the freedom fighter they're hoping for. 00:09:48.159 --> 00:09:49.879 Now, why is that? 00:09:49.939 --> 00:09:51.120 It's a really important question 00:09:51.120 --> 00:09:52.740 that we'll think about today. 00:09:53.059 --> 00:09:54.679 The answer is that God wants to tackle 00:09:54.679 --> 00:09:58.219 the root problem in their heart. 00:09:58.299 --> 00:10:00.819 He wants to get to the heart of the matter, 00:10:01.439 --> 00:10:05.659 which is far deeper than temporary social distress. 00:10:05.659 --> 00:10:09.719 And what we need to understand is that God's desire 00:10:09.719 --> 00:10:11.639 and God's design, they don't change. 00:10:12.480 --> 00:10:14.839 God would want us to see, 00:10:14.899 --> 00:10:16.299 just as he wanted Gideon's generation, 00:10:16.459 --> 00:10:17.919 to see the danger of sin. 00:10:18.980 --> 00:10:20.399 So that we see, 00:10:20.939 --> 00:10:25.959 when he extends salvation from spiritual death as a gift, 00:10:27.319 --> 00:10:28.679 that we see that as good news. 00:10:28.679 --> 00:10:34.079 And God will still use his word in order to convict people, 00:10:34.559 --> 00:10:36.439 to convict us of our sin, 00:10:37.120 --> 00:10:40.519 to show us our forgetfulness of him, 00:10:40.799 --> 00:10:44.399 to expose our idolatry that goes on in our hearts, 00:10:44.519 --> 00:10:48.239 in order, ultimately, that we would turn to Jesus. 00:10:48.240 --> 00:10:52.960 So today, as we think about Judges 6, 00:10:53.060 --> 00:10:55.919 God would use this story in the life of Gideon 00:10:55.919 --> 00:10:59.399 in order to reveal to you and to me today 00:10:59.399 --> 00:11:01.980 our own sin and weakness and our need of the Saviour. 00:11:03.180 --> 00:11:05.860 And he would also, with the help of the Spirit, 00:11:06.019 --> 00:11:08.899 reveal Jesus as the greater deliverer than Gideon, 00:11:09.820 --> 00:11:11.279 so that we might trust him, 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:16.000 that our trust for him and our love of him would grow. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:18.840 So there's a big chapter, lots to cover, 00:11:18.919 --> 00:11:20.200 so let's dive in. 00:11:20.259 --> 00:11:22.779 And let's think, first of all, of God's criticism. 00:11:22.960 --> 00:11:26.279 That's what we focus on in the first 10 verses. 00:11:27.259 --> 00:11:30.679 Remember, verse 7 onwards, 00:11:30.820 --> 00:11:33.419 we see sermon before salvation 00:11:33.419 --> 00:11:35.519 because God wants their hearts. 00:11:36.960 --> 00:11:38.659 Their immediate problem, 00:11:39.159 --> 00:11:41.220 their being oppressed and impoverished, 00:11:41.299 --> 00:11:42.700 but God probes deeper. 00:11:43.259 --> 00:11:45.299 And that's his kindness. 00:11:46.000 --> 00:11:46.919 To his own people, 00:11:47.019 --> 00:11:49.799 to expose the deeper spiritual problem 00:11:49.799 --> 00:11:50.720 that lurks within, 00:11:51.279 --> 00:11:53.799 so that true healing might come. 00:11:55.080 --> 00:11:58.919 We might think, perhaps, of visiting a GP. 00:11:59.600 --> 00:12:01.399 We have a presenting problem. 00:12:02.159 --> 00:12:06.159 But then the doctor begins to ask some questions 00:12:06.159 --> 00:12:12.199 and then sends us away and runs some tests. 00:12:12.779 --> 00:12:14.279 And between those questions and those tests, 00:12:14.360 --> 00:12:16.159 it reveals a deeper problem, 00:12:16.299 --> 00:12:18.939 perhaps a problem that requires surgery. 00:12:18.940 --> 00:12:24.420 It is a kindness to probe beyond the surface. 00:12:24.419 --> 00:12:28.319 And God uses his word in particular to his people 00:12:28.319 --> 00:12:30.179 through his prophet, his preacher, 00:12:30.740 --> 00:12:35.199 to probe forgetfulness and idolatry. 00:12:37.079 --> 00:12:42.319 So let's look at what they have forgotten. 00:12:42.979 --> 00:12:43.519 Verse 8, 00:12:43.519 --> 00:12:45.079 this is what the Lord, the God of Israel says. 00:12:45.159 --> 00:12:46.340 I brought you up out of Egypt. 00:12:46.659 --> 00:12:48.600 I rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians. 00:12:48.759 --> 00:12:50.519 I delivered you from all your oppressors. 00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:52.379 I drove them out and gave you your land. 00:12:52.379 --> 00:13:09.139 I wonder just as Israel had forgotten God do we forget God as our creator that God has made us 00:13:09.139 --> 00:13:14.580 in his image that we might know him enjoy him and love him and that we would show loyalty 00:13:14.580 --> 00:13:28.300 and obedience to him I wonder too if we forget God is our provider and just as a Gideon or Gideon's 00:13:28.300 --> 00:13:34.000 generation was reminded that God had provided rescue and a land for them every good gift that 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:40.259 we enjoy today and every day of our life comes from our God but when we forget that what follows 00:13:40.259 --> 00:13:49.419 is a loss of gratitude to God we think well this is all my stuff and do we forget God as saviour 00:13:49.419 --> 00:13:59.019 in which case we become cold to Jesus he doesn't seem like good news we don't need him and his 00:13:59.019 --> 00:14:06.919 salvation or as Christians we can become complacent we can lose sight of the wonder of the fact that 00:14:06.919 --> 00:14:13.000 as Paul said in Ephesians that though we were spiritually dead and spiritually slaves to sin 00:14:13.000 --> 00:14:18.679 and heading for for destruction God in mercy and love sent Jesus and Jesus has rescued us 00:14:18.679 --> 00:14:29.120 we need to be reminded about our forgetfulness what about our heart idols you know for for them it's 00:14:29.120 --> 00:14:37.200 Baal and Asherah but what about us what are the what are the heart idols in my life and in your life they can be 00:14:37.200 --> 00:14:48.600 anything that we look to for our source of identity our source of salvation our source of comfort 00:14:48.600 --> 00:15:00.560 there is not God for example money is recognized by Jesus as perhaps the dominant idol and isn't it easy 00:15:00.560 --> 00:15:07.460 for us to think that money makes us somebody I am what I own or I am because I consume because I have 00:15:07.460 --> 00:15:14.980 all this stuff then I am a somebody this is me we can also look to our money to give us salvation 00:15:14.980 --> 00:15:22.840 that we can buy our way so we think to security to prosperity or buy our way out of trouble 00:15:22.840 --> 00:15:33.139 we can look to money to provide comfort for us now like the parable Jesus told of of the rich fool 00:15:33.139 --> 00:15:39.039 who said take life easy eat drink and be merry not recognizing that his his life would be taken from 00:15:39.039 --> 00:15:45.099 him that very night see we are made in the image of God and we are to find our identity from him 00:15:45.099 --> 00:15:51.219 God has sent Jesus to be our savior and we are to look to him for salvation God sends the spirit to be 00:15:51.219 --> 00:15:59.099 our comforter and he is to be our comfort but we can so easily put God to one side in order to place our hope 00:15:59.100 --> 00:16:01.379 in an idol 00:16:01.379 --> 00:16:13.379 often in in Israel they had a a sort of a God plus and the other idols theology kind of um well we'll 00:16:13.379 --> 00:16:20.460 worship God but we'll also worship these uh false gods just in case or they just in case they they work 00:16:20.460 --> 00:16:30.080 and we can do that we can find ourselves running to created things placing our hope and our value our 00:16:30.080 --> 00:16:34.320 sense of significance or on another person or or another thing 00:16:34.320 --> 00:16:43.400 you and I we were made to find our identity salvation and comfort from God to look vertically to look up 00:16:43.399 --> 00:16:51.919 but when we forget it's when we look around we look horizontally for them to gods that are too small 00:16:51.919 --> 00:17:00.759 that cannot save and so God's word comes to this people who are suffering misery and God's word goes 00:17:00.759 --> 00:17:06.819 deeper and God's word cuts deep and that's a kindness as God looks to bring repentance they would turn 00:17:06.819 --> 00:17:14.879 away from sin and self back to God that he would that they would um then be restored into fellowship 00:17:14.879 --> 00:17:21.299 with him that there'd be renewal in their hearts true spiritual worship going on and that's his desire 00:17:21.299 --> 00:17:32.919 for each one of us also so that was God's criticism but then um verses 11 to 24 let's think about God's 00:17:32.920 --> 00:17:44.240 deliverer perhaps we can imagine Gideon we can imagine the nation perhaps asking this question over the 00:17:44.240 --> 00:17:52.720 seven years of misery where is God when you need him maybe you find yourself asking the same question 00:17:52.720 --> 00:18:01.440 some unexpected circumstance some difficulty in your life perhaps even a traumatic event 00:18:01.440 --> 00:18:10.039 and you can find yourself asking where is God when you need him well what we'll see in this section 00:18:10.039 --> 00:18:16.259 of God's word is that God gives Gideon a really precious gift he gives him a promise and that promise 00:18:16.259 --> 00:18:25.380 is this one I am with you the point being that we can deal with a lot but we know that to be true in our 00:18:25.380 --> 00:18:29.779 own experience and that's a promise that God would give to each one of us 00:18:29.779 --> 00:18:36.980 as we're trusting in Jesus so this section deals with the call of Gideon to be the next judge 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:46.639 and the the commissioning of Gideon giving him his task and I want us to recognize this how surprising 00:18:46.639 --> 00:18:51.599 this moment is this is surprising grace because remember here's the people who've forgotten God 00:18:51.599 --> 00:18:56.259 here's a group of people who are turning to idols here's a group of people with no sign of repentance 00:18:56.259 --> 00:19:03.900 and yet God in his grace shows that he wants to save a people for himself and for his glory 00:19:03.900 --> 00:19:11.240 but let's see how that promise I am with you sort of features throughout this text 00:19:11.240 --> 00:19:15.279 so look at the greeting in verse 12 the angel of the lord 00:19:15.279 --> 00:19:23.940 it said the lord is with you mighty warrior the lord is with you there's the promise right there 00:19:23.940 --> 00:19:30.559 in the greeting and that prompts the question from Gideon that question where is God when we need him 00:19:30.559 --> 00:19:37.759 why this crisis we've heard about all that God did in the past but why is God not with us now 00:19:37.759 --> 00:19:42.759 Gideon at this point is failing to see that God actually was with him he was with them in exposing 00:19:42.759 --> 00:19:49.200 their sin exposing their idolatry and calling them back but he's not seen that yet 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:55.279 verse 14 here's his task the lord turned to him and said go in the strength you have and save 00:19:55.279 --> 00:20:02.559 Israel out of Midian's hand am I not sending you so there's that call and there's God saying I'm 00:20:02.559 --> 00:20:09.920 sending you how does Gideon respond he responds a lot like Moses focusing on his own personal weakness 00:20:09.920 --> 00:20:16.560 you're my my my nation is weak my family is weak and I'm the weakest of the weak but the response 00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:24.120 verse 16 I will be with you and you will strike down all the Midianites here's a reminder it's in 00:20:24.120 --> 00:20:30.920 God's power that he is the mighty warrior in God's provision God's strength and God's presence 00:20:30.920 --> 00:20:38.259 but then verse 17 we see Gideon a couple of times we see Gideon seeking assurance for his faith and 00:20:38.259 --> 00:20:43.900 here's the first time Gideon replied if now I have found favor in your eyes give me a sign that it's 00:20:43.900 --> 00:20:52.220 really you talking to me and so what he says is God let me go and prepare an offering and bring it back 00:20:52.220 --> 00:20:58.100 he wants assurance of God's favor and God's presence with him and the response of God is dramatic so he 00:20:58.099 --> 00:21:03.480 brings back some food verse 21 the angel of the Lord touched the meat and the unleavened bread with 00:21:03.480 --> 00:21:08.459 the tip of the staff fire flared from the rock consuming the meat and the bread and the angel of 00:21:08.459 --> 00:21:18.439 the Lord disappeared there is his question answered God is powerful God is present God consumes the meal by 00:21:18.439 --> 00:21:26.039 way of answering Gideon is is weak his faith is weak but God is strong and God is with him and God will 00:21:26.039 --> 00:21:35.039 work through him it's good news isn't it good news for us in our weakness perhaps we can think of 00:21:35.039 --> 00:21:39.720 young children if you have young children you can think back to when your children were younger 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:48.339 and they are at times able to do hard things that they didn't think they were able to do so long as 00:21:48.339 --> 00:21:56.179 their parent is with them perhaps holding their hand perhaps giving them reassurance giving them strength 00:21:56.179 --> 00:22:09.019 God's I am with you is intended to be a source of salvation and strength for God's people in every generation 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:18.500 it was true in the life of Jesus remember the time when he and his disciples were in a raging storm 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:25.599 and they woke Jesus up don't you care if we drown and Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:33.660 another time when they were out in a storm and Jesus came walking on the water and then he came into the 00:22:33.660 --> 00:22:40.980 the point was they did not need to fear because Jesus the I am the I am God Jesus who is God was 00:22:40.980 --> 00:22:50.480 with them he was the answer to their fear the story of Gideon is a reminder to to you and to me today that 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:57.920 to trust in Jesus is to know God's favour in our lives that we enjoy God's grace God's kindness God's 00:22:57.920 --> 00:23:03.340 love as a free gift that we don't deserve but we receive by faith to trust in Jesus is to enjoy 00:23:03.339 --> 00:23:04.179 his presence 00:23:04.179 --> 00:23:11.659 that those words that Jesus said to his disciples are just as true for us I am with you always to 00:23:11.659 --> 00:23:15.959 the end of the age Jesus sends the spirit to dwell in our hearts so God comes to dwell in our hearts 00:23:15.959 --> 00:23:28.779 through faith and when we're trusting in Jesus we know his peace just as verse 22 Gideon realised 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:34.379 our last sovereign Lord I've seen the angel of the Lord face to face the Lord said to him peace do not 00:23:34.379 --> 00:23:42.779 be afraid you're not going to die Gideon built an altar called the Lord is peace knowing Jesus can 00:23:42.779 --> 00:23:53.700 can speak peace to our troubled hearts so today are we resting him are we trusting in Jesus as Lord and 00:23:53.700 --> 00:24:00.720 are we trusting him for our salvation is he our hope in life and death in our trouble that we find 00:24:00.720 --> 00:24:11.420 ourselves today are we trusting in Jesus the one who said I am with you always 00:24:11.420 --> 00:24:20.460 God's grace now let's move from God's deliverer to think about God's mission now picture the scene 00:24:20.460 --> 00:24:26.180 and this nation has been in trouble and it's been in trouble for seven years they're struggling to 00:24:26.180 --> 00:24:33.360 have enough to survive they're they're under the oppression of the Midianites and the reasons have 00:24:33.360 --> 00:24:39.460 been declared their forgetfulness their idolatry but now as an act of grace the deliverer is on the scene 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:47.920 what would we expect the first task to be what would we expect probably sound that the trumpet 00:24:47.920 --> 00:24:57.100 let's go into battle let's call the army together for a council of war but Gideon's first task is to 00:24:57.100 --> 00:25:04.720 deal with the problem in his own back garden verse 25 that same night the Lord said to him take the 00:25:04.720 --> 00:25:09.319 second bull from your father's herd the one seven years old tear down your father's altar to bail and cut 00:25:09.319 --> 00:25:14.899 down the Asherah pole beside it why start there why start so local when there's this great big national 00:25:14.899 --> 00:25:20.439 problem well doesn't it go back to the sermon that came before the promised salvation it goes to the 00:25:20.439 --> 00:25:30.839 root of the problem the problem of of idolatry of forgetfulness of placing hope and offering worship 00:25:30.839 --> 00:25:37.599 to things other than God God desires national repentance he's not just after their comfort and 00:25:37.599 --> 00:25:43.939 their political peace so part one of God's mission for Gideon is about the battle for true worship in 00:25:43.939 --> 00:25:52.319 verse 25 to 32 he is to tear down the the false worship then the Asherah pole the the altar to bail he's to 00:25:52.319 --> 00:26:00.740 build an altar to the one true God and he's to sacrifice there that's a reminder that God is a jealous God 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:09.299 he is jealous for our love he's jealous for the loyalty of people's hearts it's a reminder that 00:26:09.299 --> 00:26:17.160 there's only one throne in our hearts and God will not share it and Jesus said you cannot serve God and 00:26:17.160 --> 00:26:27.859 money it's also a reminder that there is only one true and powerful God the story brings a wonderful 00:26:27.859 --> 00:26:33.479 defense from from Gideon's dad so the people who are obviously their hearts are turned to idols 00:26:33.479 --> 00:26:39.259 actually want to kill Gideon because he deals with idolatry so the flip side of what God would want but 00:26:39.259 --> 00:26:44.299 but Gideon's dad in verse 31 are you going to plead Baal's cause are you going to try are you trying to save 00:26:44.299 --> 00:26:52.539 him if Baal really is a God he can defend himself if you need to save your God if your God can be knocked 00:26:52.539 --> 00:27:02.680 over if your God can be ripped from you your God is too small think about that in our own experience 00:27:02.680 --> 00:27:11.159 it's a reminder too that their major problem was spiritual not social it's about a lack of love not 00:27:11.159 --> 00:27:18.980 a lack of grain they needed peace with God more than they needed peace from Midianite battles 00:27:18.980 --> 00:27:29.380 God wants true worship God would have us then examine our hearts and our lives 00:27:29.380 --> 00:27:34.779 to think about what we are concerned about concerned about for our family of our nation 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:43.400 God would have true worship the greatest problem we face is is spiritual not social do our prayers do 00:27:43.400 --> 00:27:49.220 our concerns reflect that what is it that that I am trusting in really 00:27:49.220 --> 00:28:00.240 can I say that Jesus has first place in my heart and my life do I depend on him as I'm working 00:28:00.240 --> 00:28:05.860 through the day and a difficulty comes am I praying to him and asking him for his wisdom and his peace 00:28:05.859 --> 00:28:09.639 and his guidance am I choosing loyalty to him 00:28:09.639 --> 00:28:20.779 so Gideon's first battle is a battle for true worship but then in verse 33 to 35 there's also a battle against the enemies 00:28:20.779 --> 00:28:26.579 so the Midianites and Malachites and other eastern peoples they join forces against God's people 00:28:26.579 --> 00:28:33.359 verse 34 then this the spirit of Lord came on Gideon and he blew a trumpet and he summons the people to follow 00:28:33.359 --> 00:28:39.079 Gideon is the spirit-filled deliverer and the people rallied to him in order to carry out God's plan 00:28:39.079 --> 00:28:43.919 question is though why come to Gideon in his weakness he's confessed he's weak people know he's weak 00:28:43.919 --> 00:28:52.899 they come because of God's spirit they come because here is the answer to God's promise 00:28:52.899 --> 00:28:59.000 here is his power with and for Gideon here is his presence with and for Gideon 00:28:59.000 --> 00:29:06.579 and so the people rally to the spirit-filled deliverer and when we think about this happening 00:29:06.579 --> 00:29:14.440 we fast forward to the New Testament we see don't we Gideon anticipates the work of Jesus in the gospel 00:29:14.440 --> 00:29:20.500 Jesus who as he is baptized is filled with the spirit without measure 00:29:20.500 --> 00:29:25.759 Jesus who from the beginning goes into battle against the forces of evil 00:29:25.759 --> 00:29:31.299 we see it as he confronts the forces of demons and evil spirits 00:29:31.299 --> 00:29:35.420 and we see it ultimately as he goes to the cross 00:29:35.420 --> 00:29:41.099 waging war against the forces of Satan and sin and death and he triumphs over them at the cross 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:43.119 and we see that in his resurrection 00:29:43.119 --> 00:29:46.900 and he breaks the power of sin so that 00:29:46.900 --> 00:29:51.160 as we are trusting in Jesus we are able to truly love God again 00:29:51.160 --> 00:29:55.080 to truly worship God again if our faith is in him 00:29:55.080 --> 00:30:07.460 the great battle that Jesus has won is a spiritual battle against those enemies that stand opposed to us 00:30:07.460 --> 00:30:11.140 and that would lead us away from God and towards destruction 00:30:11.140 --> 00:30:17.160 but God in his love and grace and mercy sent Jesus so that by faith in him we might be made alive 00:30:17.160 --> 00:30:22.759 so that's the mission that Gideon is on 00:30:22.759 --> 00:30:23.759 it's a big mission isn't it 00:30:23.759 --> 00:30:26.580 and so perhaps in a sense it's not surprising 00:30:26.580 --> 00:30:32.800 that we see in our closing verses God's assurance to Gideon 00:30:32.800 --> 00:30:35.240 verse 36 to 40 00:30:35.240 --> 00:30:39.299 Gideon said to God if you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:42.460 look I'll place a wool fleece on the threshing floor 00:30:42.460 --> 00:30:44.720 if there's dew on the fleece and all the ground is dry 00:30:44.720 --> 00:30:47.420 I'll know that you'll save Israel by my hand as you said 00:30:47.420 --> 00:30:47.680 now 00:30:47.680 --> 00:30:52.400 there's the question of the testing of God here 00:30:52.400 --> 00:30:54.539 the question of what's going on with these fleeces 00:30:54.539 --> 00:30:56.079 what do we do with this 00:30:56.079 --> 00:30:57.519 what does it have to teach us 00:30:57.519 --> 00:30:59.240 a couple of things I would say that it's not 00:30:59.240 --> 00:31:01.880 I don't think Gideon here is being disobedient 00:31:01.880 --> 00:31:06.580 you know as he looks for assurance for his faith 00:31:06.580 --> 00:31:09.980 and I think we can say that because God answers by miracle 00:31:09.980 --> 00:31:11.360 not just once but twice 00:31:11.360 --> 00:31:14.260 it's a good indication that he's not being disobedient 00:31:14.260 --> 00:31:17.260 this isn't also 00:31:17.260 --> 00:31:18.800 these fleeces aren't about 00:31:18.800 --> 00:31:20.900 am I going to choose plan A or choose plan B 00:31:20.900 --> 00:31:22.560 he's not testing God 00:31:22.560 --> 00:31:25.280 he's not demanding signs to aid decision making 00:31:25.280 --> 00:31:29.320 sometimes I think we can sort of place that kind of burden 00:31:29.320 --> 00:31:30.620 we can test God in that way 00:31:30.619 --> 00:31:33.839 well if I'm supposed to do this then make this and this and this happen 00:31:33.839 --> 00:31:36.539 and we need to be careful about testing God in that way 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:38.139 and that's not what Gideon is doing 00:31:38.139 --> 00:31:39.759 but it is 00:31:39.759 --> 00:31:41.299 certainly is a reassuring 00:31:41.299 --> 00:31:44.799 I do know isn't it a wonderful reminder 00:31:44.799 --> 00:31:46.159 here is Gideon 00:31:46.159 --> 00:31:47.659 who knows his own weakness 00:31:47.659 --> 00:31:49.599 being asked to do a huge task 00:31:49.599 --> 00:31:55.619 and he's trusting that God is powerful enough to answer by miracle 00:31:55.619 --> 00:31:57.639 and he's seeking reassurance 00:31:57.639 --> 00:31:58.899 and God what does he do 00:31:58.900 --> 00:32:01.740 he stoops down to Gideon's level 00:32:01.740 --> 00:32:07.240 he stoops down to answer him and to meet his need 00:32:07.240 --> 00:32:11.280 God is willing to reassure his anxious children 00:32:11.280 --> 00:32:13.880 to say in another way 00:32:13.880 --> 00:32:15.740 I am with you and I will help you 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:18.060 God is our father and he loves us 00:32:18.060 --> 00:32:19.540 and he understands and he wants to 00:32:19.540 --> 00:32:21.380 to care for and to protect 00:32:21.380 --> 00:32:23.580 our faith and to reassure 00:32:23.580 --> 00:32:25.400 our faith and God gives these 00:32:25.400 --> 00:32:27.600 two signs to strengthen faith 00:32:27.600 --> 00:32:30.019 one time where 00:32:30.019 --> 00:32:32.060 the fleece is wet 00:32:32.060 --> 00:32:32.860 and the ground is dry 00:32:32.860 --> 00:32:34.920 the other time where the ground is dry 00:32:34.920 --> 00:32:36.700 and the fleece is 00:32:36.700 --> 00:32:37.980 wet 00:32:37.980 --> 00:32:39.120 I don't know if I can say that right 00:32:39.119 --> 00:32:42.839 and those signs 00:32:42.839 --> 00:32:46.099 then stand as assurance 00:32:46.099 --> 00:32:47.399 for Gideon 00:32:47.399 --> 00:32:49.359 in our day 00:32:49.359 --> 00:32:52.359 where do we look for this assurance 00:32:52.359 --> 00:32:53.539 of God's presence 00:32:53.539 --> 00:32:54.359 God's favour 00:32:54.359 --> 00:32:55.279 God being with us 00:32:55.279 --> 00:32:56.500 we don't look to fleeces 00:32:56.500 --> 00:32:59.179 we look 00:32:59.179 --> 00:33:00.339 to Jesus 00:33:00.339 --> 00:33:03.219 we have questions 00:33:03.219 --> 00:33:04.099 does God love me 00:33:04.099 --> 00:33:05.500 is he for me 00:33:05.500 --> 00:33:07.279 is he with me 00:33:07.279 --> 00:33:09.460 faith looks 00:33:09.460 --> 00:33:10.440 to Jesus 00:33:10.440 --> 00:33:14.460 this morning 00:33:14.460 --> 00:33:16.079 last Sunday of every month 00:33:16.079 --> 00:33:16.859 in our church 00:33:16.859 --> 00:33:18.720 we share the Lord's Supper 00:33:18.720 --> 00:33:20.379 we share a sign from God 00:33:20.379 --> 00:33:21.759 to strengthen our faith 00:33:21.759 --> 00:33:23.079 the Lord's Supper 00:33:23.079 --> 00:33:24.740 that reminder 00:33:24.740 --> 00:33:25.099 that 00:33:25.099 --> 00:33:27.579 God sent Jesus 00:33:27.579 --> 00:33:28.019 Jesus 00:33:28.019 --> 00:33:29.399 gave his 00:33:29.399 --> 00:33:30.819 broken body 00:33:30.819 --> 00:33:31.599 and his shed blood 00:33:31.599 --> 00:33:32.680 that we might be forgiven 00:33:32.680 --> 00:33:34.039 that we might have eternal life 00:33:34.039 --> 00:33:34.980 that we might be part 00:33:34.980 --> 00:33:35.819 of his kingdom 00:33:35.819 --> 00:33:37.159 that we might know 00:33:37.159 --> 00:33:38.399 his love 00:33:38.399 --> 00:33:39.059 and communion 00:33:39.059 --> 00:33:39.759 and enjoyment 00:33:39.759 --> 00:33:40.740 of his presence 00:33:40.740 --> 00:33:41.299 forever 00:33:41.299 --> 00:33:42.700 God sent his son 00:33:42.700 --> 00:33:43.740 to deliver us 00:33:43.740 --> 00:33:45.639 and since he has done that 00:33:45.639 --> 00:33:47.460 we can know 00:33:47.460 --> 00:33:49.379 that he is with us 00:33:49.379 --> 00:33:51.299 and that he is 00:33:51.299 --> 00:33:52.679 for us 00:33:52.679 --> 00:33:55.579 so we're invited 00:33:55.579 --> 00:33:56.319 like Gideon 00:33:56.319 --> 00:33:57.539 to trust 00:33:57.539 --> 00:33:59.919 to trust him 00:33:59.919 --> 00:34:00.579 even when we feel 00:34:00.579 --> 00:34:01.339 our faith is weak 00:34:01.339 --> 00:34:01.859 to recognise 00:34:01.859 --> 00:34:02.799 that we trust 00:34:02.799 --> 00:34:03.919 in a strong 00:34:03.919 --> 00:34:06.240 an infinitely strong 00:34:06.240 --> 00:34:06.719 saviour 00:34:06.719 --> 00:34:10.259 so the people 00:34:10.259 --> 00:34:10.859 in Gideon's day 00:34:10.859 --> 00:34:11.599 they got a sermon 00:34:11.599 --> 00:34:12.179 before 00:34:12.179 --> 00:34:13.619 salvation 00:34:13.619 --> 00:34:15.480 in our story 00:34:15.480 --> 00:34:16.559 God sent his word 00:34:16.559 --> 00:34:17.839 to convict 00:34:17.839 --> 00:34:18.339 the people 00:34:18.339 --> 00:34:19.839 to cut them 00:34:19.839 --> 00:34:20.519 to the heart 00:34:20.519 --> 00:34:22.519 to expose 00:34:22.519 --> 00:34:23.259 their sin 00:34:23.259 --> 00:34:24.699 and their idolatry 00:34:24.699 --> 00:34:25.719 with the aim 00:34:25.719 --> 00:34:26.219 that 00:34:26.219 --> 00:34:27.639 they would repent 00:34:27.639 --> 00:34:28.500 they would turn away 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:29.139 from those things 00:34:29.139 --> 00:34:29.779 and turn back 00:34:29.780 --> 00:34:30.480 to the living God 00:34:30.480 --> 00:34:31.420 that they would be restored 00:34:31.420 --> 00:34:32.300 into fellowship 00:34:32.300 --> 00:34:32.860 with him 00:34:32.860 --> 00:34:36.060 is that a message 00:34:36.060 --> 00:34:36.880 that you need 00:34:36.880 --> 00:34:37.460 to hear 00:34:37.460 --> 00:34:38.200 today 00:34:38.200 --> 00:34:40.180 do you need 00:34:40.180 --> 00:34:41.160 to be restored 00:34:41.160 --> 00:34:42.120 to God 00:34:42.120 --> 00:34:43.180 do you need 00:34:43.180 --> 00:34:43.820 to repent 00:34:43.820 --> 00:34:44.680 of sin 00:34:44.680 --> 00:34:45.860 and idolatry 00:34:45.860 --> 00:34:48.480 to have faith 00:34:48.480 --> 00:34:49.400 in 00:34:49.400 --> 00:34:50.720 God 00:34:50.720 --> 00:34:51.540 to have faith 00:34:51.540 --> 00:34:52.460 in Jesus 00:34:52.460 --> 00:34:53.220 his son 00:34:53.220 --> 00:34:55.600 and then God 00:34:55.600 --> 00:34:56.400 in his grace 00:34:56.400 --> 00:34:57.160 sent his 00:34:57.160 --> 00:34:58.220 deliverer 00:34:58.220 --> 00:34:59.180 sent his saviour 00:34:59.179 --> 00:35:00.159 promised 00:35:00.159 --> 00:35:01.639 his salvation 00:35:01.639 --> 00:35:03.359 anticipating 00:35:03.359 --> 00:35:05.279 the work 00:35:05.279 --> 00:35:05.739 of Jesus 00:35:05.739 --> 00:35:06.319 the greater 00:35:06.319 --> 00:35:06.859 deliverer 00:35:06.859 --> 00:35:07.619 the greater 00:35:07.619 --> 00:35:08.799 saviour 00:35:08.799 --> 00:35:11.259 are you trusting 00:35:11.259 --> 00:35:11.699 him 00:35:11.699 --> 00:35:12.519 today 00:35:12.519 --> 00:35:14.480 are you trusting 00:35:14.480 --> 00:35:15.019 Jesus 00:35:15.019 --> 00:35:16.019 as saviour 00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:17.299 are you 00:35:17.299 --> 00:35:18.039 resting 00:35:18.039 --> 00:35:18.719 in 00:35:18.719 --> 00:35:20.659 his presence 00:35:20.659 --> 00:35:21.739 with you 00:35:21.739 --> 00:35:23.879 do you know 00:35:23.879 --> 00:35:25.259 his strength 00:35:25.259 --> 00:35:27.039 made perfect 00:35:27.039 --> 00:35:28.159 in your 00:35:28.159 --> 00:35:28.819 weakness 00:35:28.820 --> 00:35:31.120 are you 00:35:31.120 --> 00:35:31.920 taking heart 00:35:31.920 --> 00:35:32.420 from that 00:35:32.420 --> 00:35:33.200 promise 00:35:33.200 --> 00:35:34.480 I am 00:35:34.480 --> 00:35:35.340 with you 00:35:35.340 --> 00:35:36.920 always 00:35:36.920 --> 00:35:41.400 God's word 00:35:41.400 --> 00:35:42.240 convicts 00:35:42.240 --> 00:35:42.920 but God's word 00:35:42.920 --> 00:35:43.740 also speaks 00:35:43.740 --> 00:35:44.580 that wonderful 00:35:44.580 --> 00:35:45.320 promise 00:35:45.320 --> 00:35:46.720 of gospel 00:35:46.720 --> 00:35:47.380 salvation 00:35:47.380 --> 00:35:48.340 in Jesus 00:35:48.340 --> 00:35:49.660 let's pray 00:35:49.660 --> 00:35:51.420 dear God 00:35:51.420 --> 00:35:52.059 we thank you 00:35:52.059 --> 00:35:52.900 for your word 00:35:52.900 --> 00:35:54.039 that word 00:35:54.039 --> 00:35:55.120 that convicts 00:35:55.119 --> 00:35:56.139 that word 00:35:56.139 --> 00:35:56.579 that also 00:35:56.579 --> 00:35:57.139 points us 00:35:57.139 --> 00:35:57.639 away from 00:35:57.639 --> 00:35:58.139 ourself 00:35:58.139 --> 00:35:58.460 and our 00:35:58.460 --> 00:35:58.719 sin 00:35:58.719 --> 00:35:59.199 towards 00:35:59.199 --> 00:35:59.659 Jesus 00:35:59.659 --> 00:36:00.719 and your 00:36:00.719 --> 00:36:01.239 plan of 00:36:01.239 --> 00:36:01.739 salvation 00:36:01.739 --> 00:36:02.599 may we 00:36:02.599 --> 00:36:03.199 be looking 00:36:03.199 --> 00:36:04.339 to him 00:36:04.339 --> 00:36:05.880 in faith 00:36:05.880 --> 00:36:07.039 may we 00:36:07.039 --> 00:36:07.839 rest 00:36:07.839 --> 00:36:08.339 in 00:36:08.339 --> 00:36:08.960 trust 00:36:08.960 --> 00:36:09.400 in 00:36:09.400 --> 00:36:09.759 that 00:36:09.759 --> 00:36:10.460 promise 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:11.039 that you're 00:36:11.039 --> 00:36:11.440 the God 00:36:11.440 --> 00:36:11.799 who says 00:36:11.799 --> 00:36:12.400 I am with 00:36:12.400 --> 00:36:12.619 you 00:36:12.619 --> 00:36:13.900 I am with 00:36:13.900 --> 00:36:14.099 you 00:36:14.099 --> 00:36:14.739 always 00:36:14.739 --> 00:36:15.579 may we be 00:36:15.579 --> 00:36:16.259 enabled to 00:36:16.259 --> 00:36:16.779 live by 00:36:16.779 --> 00:36:17.279 faith 00:36:17.279 --> 00:36:18.319 knowing the 00:36:18.319 --> 00:36:18.900 strength 00:36:18.900 --> 00:36:19.239 and the 00:36:19.239 --> 00:36:19.519 help 00:36:19.519 --> 00:36:19.859 that you 00:36:19.859 --> 00:36:20.259 provide 00:36:20.260 --> 00:36:21.360 we pray 00:36:21.360 --> 00:36:21.860 in Jesus 00:36:21.860 --> 00:36:22.340 name 00:36:22.340 --> 00:36:23.180 Amen 00:36:23.180 --> 00:36:25.580 Now as 00:36:25.580 --> 00:36:26.760 we close 00:36:26.760 --> 00:36:27.480 our time 00:36:27.480 --> 00:36:28.840 we'll sing 00:36:28.840 --> 00:36:29.760 first of all 00:36:29.760 --> 00:36:30.060 we'll sing 00:36:30.060 --> 00:36:30.540 Christ 00:36:30.540 --> 00:36:31.320 the sure 00:36:31.320 --> 00:36:32.060 and steady 00:36:32.060 --> 00:36:32.740 anchor 00:36:32.740 --> 00:36:33.820 and then 00:36:33.820 --> 00:36:34.620 we will sing 00:36:34.620 --> 00:36:36.040 version A 00:36:36.040 --> 00:36:37.040 of Psalm 00:36:37.040 --> 00:36:37.820 1 00:36:50.260 --> 00:36:59.460 Christ 00:36:59.460 --> 00:37:00.560 the sure 00:37:00.560 --> 00:37:01.880 and steady 00:37:01.880 --> 00:37:03.080 anchor 00:37:03.080 --> 00:37:04.440 in the 00:37:04.440 --> 00:37:05.800 fury 00:37:05.800 --> 00:37:06.820 of the 00:37:06.820 --> 00:37:07.960 storm 00:37:07.960 --> 00:37:08.880 when 00:37:08.880 --> 00:37:10.200 the winds 00:37:10.200 --> 00:37:11.300 of doubt 00:37:11.300 --> 00:37:11.640 blow 00:37:11.640 --> 00:37:13.080 through me 00:37:13.080 --> 00:37:14.200 and my 00:37:14.200 --> 00:37:15.360 sails 00:37:15.360 --> 00:37:16.060 have all 00:37:16.060 --> 00:37:16.400 been 00:37:16.400 --> 00:37:17.560 torn 00:37:17.560 --> 00:37:18.540 in 00:37:18.540 --> 00:37:18.880 the 00:37:18.880 --> 00:37:19.880 suffering 00:37:19.880 --> 00:37:21.280 in the 00:37:21.280 --> 00:37:22.200 sorrow 00:37:22.200 --> 00:37:23.260 when 00:37:23.260 --> 00:37:23.660 my 00:37:23.660 --> 00:37:24.579 sinking 00:37:24.579 --> 00:37:25.660 hopes 00:37:25.660 --> 00:37:26.019 are 00:37:26.019 --> 00:37:26.500 few 00:37:26.500 --> 00:37:28.019 I 00:37:28.019 --> 00:37:28.400 will 00:37:28.400 --> 00:37:29.260 hold 00:37:29.260 --> 00:37:29.880 fast 00:37:29.880 --> 00:37:30.460 to 00:37:30.460 --> 00:37:30.980 the 00:37:30.980 --> 00:37:32.039 anchor 00:37:32.039 --> 00:37:32.860 it 00:37:32.860 --> 00:37:33.300 shall 00:37:33.300 --> 00:37:34.640 never 00:37:34.640 --> 00:37:35.420 be 00:37:35.420 --> 00:37:36.559 renewed 00:37:36.559 --> 00:37:44.920 Christ 00:37:44.920 --> 00:37:45.240 the 00:37:45.240 --> 00:37:46.119 sure 00:37:46.119 --> 00:37:46.820 and 00:37:46.820 --> 00:37:47.519 steady 00:37:47.519 --> 00:37:48.940 anchor 00:37:48.940 --> 00:37:49.720 while 00:37:49.720 --> 00:37:49.780 while 00:37:49.780 --> 00:37:50.079 the 00:37:50.079 --> 00:37:51.599 tempest 00:37:51.599 --> 00:37:52.320 rages 00:37:52.320 --> 00:37:53.420 on 00:37:53.420 --> 00:37:54.500 when 00:37:54.500 --> 00:37:55.820 temptation 00:37:55.820 --> 00:37:57.000 claims 00:37:57.000 --> 00:37:57.360 the 00:37:57.360 --> 00:37:58.559 battle 00:37:58.559 --> 00:37:59.380 and 00:37:59.380 --> 00:37:59.619 it 00:37:59.619 --> 00:38:00.820 seems 00:38:00.820 --> 00:38:01.679 the night 00:38:01.679 --> 00:38:02.019 has 00:38:02.019 --> 00:38:03.179 won 00:38:03.179 --> 00:38:04.200 deeper 00:38:04.200 --> 00:38:05.179 still 00:38:05.179 --> 00:38:05.980 then 00:38:05.980 --> 00:38:06.559 goes 00:38:06.559 --> 00:38:06.940 the 00:38:06.940 --> 00:38:07.980 anchor 00:38:07.980 --> 00:38:08.860 though 00:38:08.860 --> 00:38:09.360 I 00:38:09.360 --> 00:38:10.480 justly 00:38:10.480 --> 00:38:11.340 stand 00:38:11.340 --> 00:38:12.260 accused 00:38:12.260 --> 00:38:13.679 I 00:38:13.679 --> 00:38:14.019 will 00:38:14.019 --> 00:38:14.820 hold 00:38:14.820 --> 00:38:15.440 fast 00:38:15.440 --> 00:38:16.059 to 00:38:16.059 --> 00:38:22.900 the anchor, it shall never be removed. 00:38:29.360 --> 00:38:39.079 Christ the sure and steady anchor through the floods of unbelief. 00:38:39.079 --> 00:38:48.079 Hopeless somehow, O my soul now, lift your eyes to Calvary. 00:38:49.299 --> 00:38:58.480 This my ballast of assurance, see his love forever proved. 00:38:58.480 --> 00:39:08.380 I will hold fast to the anchor, it shall never be removed. 00:39:09.079 --> 00:39:24.079 Christ the sure and steady anchor as we face the wave of death. 00:39:24.079 --> 00:39:34.340 When these trials give way to glory, and we draw our final breath. 00:39:34.739 --> 00:39:43.079 We will cross that great horizon, clouds behind and life secured. 00:39:43.079 --> 00:39:53.079 And the calm will be the better for the storms that we endure. 00:39:53.079 --> 00:40:02.559 Christ the sure of our salvation, ever faithful, ever true. 00:40:02.559 --> 00:40:13.079 We will hold fast to the anchor, it shall never be removed. 00:40:13.079 --> 00:40:40.079 Blessed is the one who turns away from where the wicked walk. 00:40:40.079 --> 00:41:08.559 Instead he finds God's holy law, his joy and great delight. 00:41:10.079 --> 00:41:26.079 He makes the precepts of the Lord, his study day and night. 00:41:26.079 --> 00:41:40.079 He prospers ever like a tree that's planted by a stream. 00:41:40.079 --> 00:41:54.559 And in Jew season yields its fruit, its leaves are always green. 00:41:56.079 --> 00:42:09.079 Not so the wicked they are like the chaff that's blown away. 00:42:09.079 --> 00:42:24.079 They will not stand when judgment comes or with the righteous stay. 00:42:24.079 --> 00:42:39.079 It is the Lord who sees and knows the way the righteous go. 00:42:39.079 --> 00:42:53.420 But those who live an evil life, the Lord will overthrow. 00:42:53.420 --> 00:43:06.320 J transplant inень 00:43:06.420 --> 00:43:08.420 Glory to palms with reward. 00:43:08.420 --> 00:43:10.420 filled in and hard ray day. 00:43:10.420 --> 00:43:11.420 In other words of a stunning art pocket. 00:43:11.420 --> 00:43:13.420 Ph改靖.