Deliverance on SermonAudio

Preached at Woodseats Evangelical Church, Sheffield, England, UK

This sermon examines the narrative of Gideon in Judges 6, highlighting how God selects the weak and fearful to demonstrate His power. It explores the irony of God calling a hidden, timid man a 'mighty man of valor,' illustrating that divine strength is perfected in human weakness. The message emphasizes the necessity of personal reformation, such as Gideon's destruction of the altar to Baal, before engaging in public ministry or spiritual battle. Through Gideon's request for signs via the fleece, the sermon warns against testing God's patience and encourages believers to trust in His leading rather than seeking tangible proof. Ultimately, the text calls for a commitment to serve as full-time soldiers for Christ, relying on eternal security and unity within the body of believers.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on Matthew 6:13, explaining that temptation is an incitement to sin arising from Satan, our sinful flesh, and the world, not from God (James 1:13; Galatians 6:1). The petition does not ask never to encounter temptation—Jesus himself was led into the wilderness and warned his disciples to "watch and pray" in Gethsemane (Matthew 4; Matthew 26:41)—but asks God to preserve and strengthen believers so they are not overcome by and do not give in to temptation. Christians should continually pray this sixth petition, confess their weakness, rely on God's power rather than self-resolution, and seek deliverance from Satan's present attacks while hoping and waiting for the final destruction of evil. Hogan interprets "deliver us from the evil one" as chiefly concerning Satan and his domain, while the closing, "For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever" (Matthew 6:13), affirms God's sovereign rule, ability, and eternal glory. The prayer's "Amen" is thus an expression of confidence that the Father hears and answers his children's petitions.

Psalm 140:1-8 (KJV) To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the violent man; 2 Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they gathered together for war. 3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah. 4 Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings. 5 The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah. 6 I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. 7 O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

Judges chapters 4–5 recount Israel's deliverance from twenty years of oppression under Jabin, king of Canaan, and his powerful army. As Deborah and Barak lead Israel into battle, the Lord makes clear that the victory belongs to Him: He draws the enemy into the place of battle, goes before His people, and delivers them from an army of 900 iron chariots. In this verse-by-verse study, we follow the events of the battle and the victory song of Deborah and Barak, considering both the willingness of some in Israel to hazard their lives and the unwillingness of others to come to their aid. Above all, these chapters point us to the Lord as the One who fights for His people and gives them deliverance.

Israel's history has been hardness of heart. Despite God's deliverance, their hearts grew cold. God welcomes their empty defense.

Bible Reading: Psalm 42 1. The causes of depression. 2. The cure for depression. This sermon addresses the spiritual reality of depression, identifying its causes as emotional drought, isolation, and the taunts of enemies who question the believer's faith. Drawing from Psalm 42, the message highlights the internal struggle between despair and the conscious awareness of God's presence, noting that even great figures like David, Elijah, and William Cowper experienced profound discouragement. The central theological argument posits that the cure for spiritual depression is not found in human solutions or worldly distractions, but in the deliberate act of commanding one's soul to hope in God. By trusting in the immutability of God's character and His unchanging love, believers can override their negative emotions and find lasting peace. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to maintain confidence in God's sovereignty, asserting that hope in Him is the only sure remedy for the troubled soul.

Wednesday Evening September 30, 2026