All’s Well that Ends Well?: Gideon, Part 2

Gideon starts well (last week), but ends his life with bloodshed and idolatry, losing sight of the most important matters of serving God. It is easy as men and women of God to start well, but it is much harder to end well. What can we learn from Gideon (Judges 8:1-35) about beginning and ending well with God?

SERMON OUTLINE

“Now there was no king in the land, and everyone did what was right in his own opinion.” (Judges 21:25)

“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world” (1 John 2:15-16)

What is temptation?

• “It is to be invited or attracted to do something wrong or a forbidden thing.”

Where do temptations come from?

• The temptation comes from satan—his name is “tempter” (Matthew 4; 1 Thess. 3:5)
• Our own selfish desire and interests (James 1:14-15)
• God may give satan permission to tempt some of us like in the case of Job. (Job 1:12)
• The Good News: Paul told Christians (1 Corinthians 10:13)

Gideon’s temptations and final days

• The pride of life: “power and dominion” (Judges 8:22)
  • In their request Israel commits two sins.
    • First, Israel gives Gideon credit and glory he doesn’t deserve.
    • Second, Israel makes a request that is outside God’s will.
• The lust of the eyes: “wealth” (Judges 8:24)
• The lust of the flesh (Judges 8:28-35)

How do I overcome temptation?

• Pray (Matthew 26:41).
• Resist the devil (James 4:7)
• Use God’s Word (Matthew 4:1-11)
• Submit your mind to God (Romans 12:2)
• Look for a way to avoid the temptation (Genesis 39:12)
• Do something about your sin (Genesis 4:6-7)

DISCUSSION GUIDE

1. After the victory, what were the people asking of Gideon? Is this good or bad? Why?
2. How did Gideon respond to that? What does this show about Gideon?
3. Was it right to ask spoil from them?
4. What did he do with the spoil?
5. What is an ephod?
6. Why do you think he would make an ephod? What was his motivation? Do you think he intended it for idol worship? Why or why not?
7. How did this mighty warrior end up? Is this a good ending for his life?
8. Which is easier, to start or finish the Christian life well?
9. Do you want to finish well?
10. How can we ensure that that will happen?
11. What does it mean to love the world?
12. In verse 16, John lists three areas where the love of the world can enter: the cravings of sinful man, the lust of the eyes, and boasting. How are these still operating today?
13. How can we resist them? Read Matthew 4:1-10. Jesus is tempted three times by the devil. How do these three temptations line up with Gideon’s temptations?
14. How did Jesus overcome these temptations?
15. What can we learn from these scriptures?