In Judges 6-8, Israel repeatedly falls into cycles of disobedience and oppression, revealing a pattern of struggling with their will, entitlement, and victim mentality. Gideon’s story highlights battles with insecurity, doubt, and the need for true allegiance to God despite conflicting pressures. These narratives underscore the importance of responding to God promptly, maintaining gratitude, and navigating faith challenges with integrity and trust in God's guidance.
REVIEW: Responding to God’s Timing
- READ: Judges 6:1-7: “The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight. So the Lord handed them over to the Midianites for seven years. The Midianites were so cruel that the Israelites made hiding places for themselves in the mountains, caves, and strongholds. Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, marauders from Midian, Amalek, and the people of the east would attack Israel, camping in the land and destroying crops as far away as Gaza. They left the Israelites with nothing to eat, taking all the sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys. These enemy hordes, coming with their livestock and tents, were as thick as locusts; they arrived on droves of camels too numerous to count. And they stayed until the land was stripped bare. So Israel was reduced to starvation by the Midianites. Then the Israelites cried out to the Lord for help.”
- DISCUSS: What battles have you experienced victory in and which battles are you in right now?
REVIEW: Cultivating Gratitude and Overcoming Entitlement
- READ: Judges 6:7-10: When they cried out to the Lord because of Midian, the Lord sent a prophet to the Israelites. He said, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of slavery in Egypt. I rescued you from the Egyptians and from all who oppressed you. I drove out your enemies and gave you their land. I told you, ‘I am the Lord your God. You must not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you now live.’ But you have not listened to me.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”
- DISCUSS: How does a sense of entitlement affect our spiritual life and relationships? What can we learn from 1 Thessalonians 5:18 about fostering a thankful heart?
REVIEW: Handling Doubts and Conflicting Allegiances
- READ: Judges 6:17: “Gideon replied, “If you are truly going to help me, show me a sign to prove that it is really the Lord speaking to me.” Judges 6:25-27: That night the Lord said to Gideon, “Take the second bull from your father’s herd, the one that is seven years old. Pull down your father’s altar to Baal, and cut down the Asherah pole standing beside it. Then build an altar to the Lord your God here on this hilltop sanctuary, laying the stones carefully. Sacrifice the bull as a burnt offering on the altar, using as fuel the wood of the Asherah pole you cut down.” So Gideon took ten of his servants and did as the Lord had commanded. But he did it at night because he was afraid of the other members of his father’s household and the people of the town.”
- DISCUSS: Gideon asks for a sign in Judges 6:17, and faces a choice between obeying God or family traditions in Judges 6:25-27. How can we address doubts in our faith and navigate situations where following Christ conflicts with personal or cultural expectations?
ASK:
What else did you get from this week's sermon? What actions or next steps can you take to apply it to your life?
PRAY:
Lord, help me to surrender my will and trust your guidance. Help me to maintain a heart of gratefulness and thanksgiving while being quick to listen and respond to your voice in my life. Amen