STRENGTH IN NUMBERS

Sermon Notes, August 30, 2015

Rev. Garry McGlinchy

            Rev. McGlinchy’s sermon was the fifth in his series “The Story of Gideon,” and was based on Judges 7:1-8.  He titled it “Strength in Numbers.” He summarized his previous sermons about Gideon.    Week one was about the rut of sin Israel was in—again. In week two God calls the weakest of the weak, and calls him “Mighty Warrior.” Week three God gives Gideon instructions to take down the altars to false gods and put God first.  Week four was about the fleeces, which can let fear in; we can see clearly what to do in God’s Word.

            This week, in Judges 7, Gideon puts out the call for men to fight the Midianites.  32,000 men come.  But God tells Gideon that’s too many; they will say “We went in and we did this.”  God wants to receive all the glory; he says “Do it my way.”  Then he gives Gideon two tests for his army.

            First, “If you’re too scared to fight, go home.”  And 22,000 did.  Pastor Garry talked about youth who are too afraid to ask their friends to come to youth group.  Or adults who are afraid when the government says no talking about religion in the workplace.  God tells us to be the church wherever we are.  He is not looking for people who are timid, but for those who are courageous. (2 Timothy 1-7-9)  He gives us power, love, and self-discipline.  He calls us “Mighty Warrior” and gives us unlimited power.  We are to powerfully love people.

           Then in verse 4, God tells Gideon there are still too many and tells him how to thin out the army, by watching how they drink water.  God is not looking for the gung-ho, but for those who are self-disciplined and live out His call, devoted warriors who are precise and intentional in what they do.  Every day they go to a certain place at a certain time to meet with God.  They are intentional—they have a plan; they say “hello” to God and listen to what He tells them through His Word.  They are warriors who will follow His commands fully.  They understand that victory belongs to the Lord, and give Him full credit.

            God has called this group, here in Culpeper, to something spectacular.  When numbers get small, we get discouraged, but God kept this core group together for a reason.  He says “Your weakness is my strength.”  God didn’t give us the spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.  He is the God of the underdog.  Be thankful because God kept a remnant of people in Culpeper who were not willing to shut the church doors.  Go in confidence and be precise in your intentions to follow the call God gives us all to “make disciples.”