Heart Prep:
In Judges 6-8, the story of Gideon illustrates how God’s power brings victory in seemingly impossible circumstances. After Israel turned away from God again, He allowed the Midianites to oppress them as a consequence for their sin. But when Israel cried out, God chose Gideon to deliver His people. God deliberately reduced Gideon’s army to only 300 men, ensuring Israel couldn’t claim victory by their own strength. With so few men, Gideon defeated the massive Midianite army because of God. This story points forward to an even greater salvation: just as Israel couldn’t earn victory on their own, we can’t earn salvation from sin except through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection.
Message:
The Israelites once again turned away from God, so He allowed the Midianites to oppress them. When the people cried out, God chose Gideon, the youngest man from a weak family, to rescue Israel. Gideon was unsure of himself, but God reassured him and confirmed His promise through miraculous signs. To ensure Israel knew victory was by His power alone, God significantly reduced Gideon’s army from thousands down to just 300 men. In a surprising nighttime attack, Gideon’s small group surrounded the Midianites, blowing trumpets and shouting loudly. Confused and frightened, the Midianites fought each other, and Israel won a remarkable victory through God’s strength and not their own.
Main Point:
“Gideon could have never won the battle without God’s power. Victory came from God alone. We cannot save ourselves from sin. Only Jesus can save us from our sin.”
Discussion:
Why do you think God chose a weak warrior like Gideon?
Gideon was from the weakest tribe, and he was the youngest in his family. Gideon’s weakness magnified God’s power. All throughout Scripture we see how God values characteristics like humility, trust in the Lord, and obedience more than physical appearance or ability. Gideon’s weakness helped him see that victory comes from God alone. (Option: read 1 Cor. 1:27.)
How does pride get in the way of trusting God for salvation and victory over sin?
Some people believe they can be good enough or do enough right things to earn their way to heaven, but the Bible tells us there is no way to be saved except through faith in Jesus. It’s a lie that says we can do what only God can do. Victory over sin comes from God alone. (Option: read Isa. 2:11.)
Why does God sometimes place us in situations that seem impossible?
God’s plans for His children are good, but sometimes God allows difficult situations in our lives to help us realize that He is the One who gives us victory. Just as God instructed Gideon to send home many of the troops so they would understand that God gave them the victory, God will use certain situations to teach us that we can do nothing apart from Him. (Option: read John 15:5.)
