The Seductive Power of Success

 Judges 8

– The story of Gideon in Judges 6-8 outlines two dramatic transformations in the life of this Judge.  In chapter 7 he is transformed by God’s Spirit from a Coward to a Conqueror.  In chapter 8 he is transformed by sinful pride from a Conqueror to a Compromiser.

– The last chapter of Gideon’s life stands as a timeless warning against the seductive power of success

I. Corruption of Morals (vv. 1-21)

1)    Gideon’s Two-Faced Diplomacy

a.   Flatters opponents who are stronger (Ephraim)

b.   Threatens opponents who are weaker (Succoth and Penuel)

2)    Gideon’s Personal Vendettas

a.   The ‘sword of the Lord’ gives way to the ‘sword of Gideon’ in stage 2 of the battle

• Pursues two defeated Midianite Kings 100 miles east of the Dead Sea!
• Takes personal revenge on these Midianite Kings for the death of his brothers

b.   Brutal Revenge on his Israelite Brethren

• Tortures the men of Succoth
• Murders the men of Penuel

Application:   Let us never refuse to extend to others the same grace and mercy that we ourselves have received from the Lord.  Success can easily cause us to forget the grace of God.

II. Corruption of Motives (vv. 22-)

1)    Gideon’s Political Presumption

a.   Gideon honours God with his words (v. 23)

b.   Gideon honours himself with his actions

• Exacts tribute from the people (over 40 pounds of gold!!)
• Keeps the royal treasure of Midian for himself
• Establishes a harem and a dynasty
• Marries a Canaanite woman in violation of God’s Law
• Names his son ‘Abimelech’ (means ‘my father is king’)

Application:  If our theology (beliefs about God) does not influence the way we live our daily lives there is a spiritual problem somewhere that needs attention.

2)    Gideon’s Religious Presumption

a.   He makes a golden Ephod (priestly garment) presumably for himself

• Used for divination
• Limited by Law to the Levites
• Only Jesus Christ has the right to be both a King and a Priest!

b.   He sets up a new centre for worship in Ophrah

c.   He leads a new generation back into the old ways of idolatry