THE BATTLE HAS BEEN WON

Sermon Notes, September 6, 2015

Rev. Garry McGlinchy

            Rev. McGlinchy’s sermon was the sixth in his series “The Story of Gideon,” and was based on Judges 7:9-23.  He titled it “The Battle Has Been Won.”  He said that in the story of how God used Gideon, this is Game Day.

            In verse 9, God told Gideon to get up and go down against the Midianite camp because He was going to give it into his hands.  Further, God said “If you’re afraid, go down there and you’ll be encouraged.”  Gideon and his servant went down, just in time to hear one of the soldiers telling about a dream he’d had, of a loaf of bread crashing into a tent and collapsing it.  The one who heard the story said “This can be nothing but the sword of Gideon.  God has given the Midianites and the whole camp into his hands.”  When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he bowed down and worshiped.

            In verses 15 through 23, Gideon goes back to the Israelite camp and rallies the 300 men God had chosen.  He divides them into three groups, and gives each man a trumpet, a torch and a jar.  They surround the Midianite camp, and at Gideon’s signal, they yell “A sword for the Lord and Gideon,” smash their jars, exposing the torches, and blow their trumpets.  The Lord causes the Midianites to turn on each other in the confusion, and the Israelites pursue them, chasing them to the Jordan River.

            If we simply trust, God will prepare the way and win the victory.  We need to confront sin, even if it is found in the church.  We need to pray about the situation, and the Holy Spirit will prepare the way.  We all have battles in our lives.  When we are committed to God, and obedient to Him, He goes ahead of us, and the victory is won.