Lessons in Wisdom and Folly from Gideon

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Sermon Outline

Folly seems to cling to all of us.

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Wisdom seems more discerning in whom it bestows its blessings
            2. But today we will see how Gideon is both wise and foolish and try to discern lessons for our own lives

Gideon’s Wisdom (Josh 8:1-2)

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. Setting:
               1. Who is Ephraim? (Jug 8:1a)
               2. Ephraim’s Honor affronted (Judg 8:1b, Gen 13:7-8)
            2. But Gideon displays wisdom. (Judge 8:2-3
               1. First Gideon recognizes the affront to their honor.
               2. Second, he makes an agricultural comparison
               3. Third, then he draws a direct comparison between the grapes and the military reality at hand
               4. Fourth, he asks a question?
               5. Then the quarrel died. (Prov 15:18)
               6.  Application
                  1. We must know when to speak in ways that keep us task oriented, while helping the easily hurt among us to keep pressing onward in the job.
                  2. We also need to remember that honoring others should come first, even if it means humbling ourselves.

Gideon’s folly (Judg 8:4-28)

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. When does the foolishness starts to display itself? (Judg 8:4)
               1. The danger of emotional and physical exhaustion to wisdom.
               2. 2 towns refuse to help and the threats of Gideon. (Judg 8:6-9)
                  1. Application:
                     1. First lesson: be wary of speaking when you are tired and disappointed in others, your words might not build up but tear down and harm.
                     2. Second lesson: there is a cost to not aligning with the work of God.
                  2. An even greater folly (Judg 8:22-28)
                     1. Gideon is offered a dynastic kingship and accepts (Judg 8:22-24, 9:1)
                        1. The conditions
                           1. God is King not me
                           2. Give me some Gold
                     2. Gideon makes an ephod (Judg 8:27-28, Ex 29:5, Lev 8:7)
                     3. Why would Gideon do this folly?
                     4. Are we guilty of leaving the Ordinary means of God in pursuit of extraordinary experiences?

Conclusion

1. 1. 1. 1. 1. The last mention of rest in Judges (Judg 8:28)
            2. A Greater Gideon has come