Small Group Discussion Guide
Sermon Series: Ordinary People – Extraordinary Faith
Sermon Title: Gideon
Why is it difficult for us to see ourselves as God sees us?
Focus on circumstances or self, paralyzes us and casts a shadow on our true identity in Christ!
We will look today at how to realize our God-given identity.
Transition:
Read Judges 6:1
What cause and effect do you see in this verse?
People did . . .?
God did . . .?
Israel chose to turn their back on God, so God judges them mightily.
Truth = It is not a good thing for you or me to be handed over to the enemy for punishment!
What did Midian do to the Israelites?
In v. 2 – they oppressed Israel, so that Israel hid in mountains, caves, and strongholds
In v. 4 – they destroyed their crops, and sheep, goats and donkeys, leaving nothing for them to eat
In v. 6. – they swarmed the land with their cattle and camels to lay waste to the land
Truth – God uses affliction and suffering to turn mankind back to Himself
Read Psalm 119:67 – What does this verse state?
Read Isaiah 48:10 – In this scripture, what does affliction produce?
Read Psalm 32:3-4 – How did David describe God’s hand on him?
Read Judges 6:6 – What does Israel do in their poverty and affliction?
Truth is God desires intimacy with you and me. Relationship is better than rebuke.
Transition – When Israel turned back to God (repented), God engaged by calling Gideon as their Deliverer/Warrior
Read Judges 6:11-12
How did God show up in these verses?
How did God describe Gideon?
Read Judges 6:15
How does Gideon describe himself? Where is his focus?
False Focus: Gideon is focused on his circumstances and self
True Focus: The presence of God is most fully displayed when the people of God accept the mission of God in the power of God to the Glory of God !
How many times did God remind Gideon that He would be with him?
Read vv. 12, 16, 23
Truth: God doesn’t name Gideon for who he IS, but who he will BECOME !
Personal Application:
Read Isaiah 43:1
How does God come alongside and encourage Jacob?
Read Philippians 4:13
Read Psalm 73:26
Read Isaiah 40:29
These three verses promise you and me what?
Let’s review the Three Points today . . .
- God calls us to join him on mission, He gives us a name and His presence !
- We as humans focus on our inadequacies and circumstances.
- God refocuses us and reassures us that He is with us !
Truth – When we Align with God’s Will – We Step out and demonstrate our Faith, just like Gideon !
Extra !! In chapter 7 of Judges – God reduces Gideon’s army by 99%, from 32,000 to 300
to defeat the Midianites !
Read Judges 7:2 – what is the truth here?
Close it out:
What was your one compelling take-a-way this week?
Let’s Pray
** For further perusal and thought – https://dailyhisdisciple.com/2022/10/10/boaz-is-a-type-of-christ/