GIDEON God’s character Judges 6:33-40

LOVING THE OLD TESTAMENT A Christian’s Pocket Guide to LOVING THE OLD TESTAMENT by Alec Motyer Christian Focus Publications £4.99

The Bible Jesus read … and believed

“Everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” Romans 15:4

USING THE OLD TESTAMENT 1 Did Jesus quote this book? 2 Did Jesus refer to it? 3 Did Jesus use similar scriptures? How did He? 4 Did Jesus teach about Old Testament people? How did He? 5 Is there a similar person in the NT? 6 How does the New Testament use the Old Testament? 7 How did Jesus understand the OT?

5 Is there a similar person in the NT?

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” Judges 6:12 “And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church …” Matthew 16:18

‘The Spirit of the LORD came upon Gideon …’ (6:34) “Some translations have God’s spirit coming on Gideon as if the spirit is the clothes - but it is Gideon who is the clothes!” John Goldingay: JUDGES FOR EVERYONE

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven.” Matthew 16:17

Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord told him Judges 6:27 “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you!” Matthew 26:35

but because he was afraid of his family and the men of his town, he did it at night rather than in the daytime Judges 6:27 He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” He went outside and wept bitterly …. Matthew 26:72,75

TOWERING FAITH? COWERING FAITH?

The God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast 1 Peter 5:10 I do not have time to tell of Gideon … who through faith conquered kingdoms Hebrews 11:32,33

IF A comfort blanket ….? “ - as you have promised”??(36) THE COMFORT OF CERTAINTY?

5 Is there a similar person in the NT? Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this?” “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” “ - a wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign …” JESUS

5 Is there a similar person in the NT? “ - you will be silent and not able to speak” “The Holy Spirit will come upon you …”

5 Is there a similar person in the NT? “You did not believe my words” “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as you have said!” “Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!”

COMPETENCE COURAGE ‘A GOOD TRACK RECORD’ SELF CONFIDENCE EXPERIENCE WHAT ISN’T ESSENTIAL

FAITH HUMILITY OBEDIENCE WILLINGNESS WHAT IS ESSENTIAL