The Illegitimate Son

Sermon Note

[Hebrews 11:32-34] How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. [33] By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, [34] quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.

God is always willing to FORGIVE those who call on Him for help.

[Judges 10:18] The leaders of Gilead said to each other, "Whoever attacks the Ammonites first will become ruler over all the people of Gilead."

God is looking to use people with godly CHARACTER.

[Judges 11:1-3] Now Jephthah of Gilead was a great warrior. He was the son of Gilead, but his mother was a prostitute. [2] Gilead's wife also had several sons, and when these half brothers grew up, they chased Jephthah off the land. "You will not get any of our father's inheritance," they said, "for you are the son of a prostitute." [3] So Jephthah fled from his brothers and lived in the land of Tob. Soon he had a band of worthless rebels following him.

Your past does not have to DETERMINE your future!

[Judges 11:4-8] At about this time, the Ammonites began their war against Israel. [5] When the Ammonites attacked, the elders of Gilead sent for Jephthah in the land of Tob. The elders said, [6] "Come and be our commander! Help us fight the Ammonites!" [7] But Jephthah said to them, "Aren't you the ones who hated me and drove me from my father's house? Why do you come to me now when you're in trouble?" [8] "Because we need you," the elders replied. "If you lead us in battle against the Ammonites, we will make you ruler over all the people of Gilead."

Only God can turn rejection into TRIUMPH.

[Judges 11:30-32 NIV] And Jephthah made a vow to the LORD: "If you give the Ammonites into my hands, [31] whatever comes out of the door of my house to meet me when I return in triumph from the Ammonites will be the LORD's, and I will sacrifice it as a burnt offering." [32] Then Jephthah went over to fight the Ammonites, and the LORD gave them into his hands.

We need to always choose our WORDS wisely.

REJECTION can bring us closer to God.