No King Gideon - The Hero in Hiding - The Timid Judge Gideon - Failing the Test of Success Judges 7-8 Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Salvation, Silence Rebellion, Retribution, Repentance, and Restoration Disobedience, Discipline, Despair, Deliverance “One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it.” Oswald Chambers 1. God Is Patient With Growing Faith Judges 6:36–40 Wet Fleece, Dry Floor Dry Fleece, Wet Floor “Success/Blessing tempts us towards pride.” “Gideon’s greatest danger was not hiding in the winepress. His greatest danger came after the victory.” God Reduces Our Strength So We Depend On Him Judges 7:1–8 • 32,000 → 10,000 • 10,000 → 300 3. God’s Power Is Displayed Through Our Dependence Judges 7:16–22 The strategy is unusual: • Trumpets • Pitchers • Torches No military logic. Because this battle would clearly belong to God. Giving Attendance Serving/Volunteering 4. After Great Victory Comes Great Temptation Judges 8:22–23 5. Small Compromises After Success Can Destroy You Judges 8:24–27 Ephod from Gold “What begins as a memorial becomes an idol.” If we are not careful, yesterday’s victories can become today’s idols. He compromised in four areas: finances, faith, family, and fantasy. 6. How You Finish Matters Judges 8:28–35 “A change in circumstances/external victories cannot replace heart transformation.” Jesus Is The Better Gideon Gideon was: • Fearful • Imperfect • Inconsistent But Gideon points us toward a greater Deliverer. Jesus Christ never failed. • Never compromised • Never sought His own glory • Never turned aside Where Gideon stumbled, Christ succeeded.