Men of Strength

Sermon OverviewScripture Reference: Judges 11There is a great and present need for men of character, integrity, and strength. Judges 11 tells the story of Jephthah, a mighty man of valor, who is an inspiration for all who want to be men and women of strength.First, he was a man of character in the face of difficulty:“Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, but he was the son of a harlot; and Gilead begot Jephthah” (Judges 11:1).Jephthah’s undesirable origin as a harlot’s son meant he did not have any sort of upper hand in life, yet he rose to the occasion.We must become unshackled by our pasts and quit making excuses for sin. When we stop blaming our circumstances, we will finally rise to be what we ought to be.Adrian Rogers says, “The Bible teaches that guilt is real, that we are responsible; the Bible also teaches that grace is wonderful and forgiveness is free and full.”Jephthah also exhibited confidence in the face of danger.Assigned commander of the Israelite army, Jephthah was not fazed by his foes or fettered by his fear, because his confidence was in God. Before the battle ever began, Jephthah prayed to the Lord and asked for strength. (See Judges 11:11.) It was not a last resort, rather, a first thought.Finally, we see Jephthah’s commitment in the face of disappointment.Judges 11:29-33 describes the vow Jephthah made to God, that if God gave them victory, Jephthah would devote or sacrifice the first thing to meet him upon his arrival home.God gave him the victory; when he returned home, his daughter was the first one out to greet him.The Bible condemns human sacrifice. (Deuteronomy 12:31.) The Spirit of God would never lead Jephthah to contradict the Word of God. Rather, Jephthah devoted his virgin daughter to never marry and always serve the Lord. Jephthah kept his word, though it meant his lineage would end with her.Any righteous or holy vow he makes, a man of strength keeps it no matter the cost.Apply it to your lifeIf Jephthah’s story tells us anything, it is how crucial it is to be people of prayer. Focus on your prayer life today. Men of strength are men of faith; and it is impossible to have faith if you are not a man of prayer.