BIG IDEA

God rescues us from inward corruption; He calls us to Himself in faith regardless of circumstances.

ICE BREAKER

The Midianites oppressed the Israelites in a new way by stealing their food at harvest time. Many Israelites ended up starving and the nation was riddled with fear and anxiety. Take some time as a group to write down all your current fears and anxieties.
Share a verse that tends to really help you move from fear and anxiety toward faith in God’s rescue.

Group leaders: consider taking time as a group(either now or later in the meeting) to pray using the verses the group just shared.

NEXT STEP

Discuss: When I fall out of faith where do I go: fear or full?

Do: Useful prayer guide to help be a good neighbor. Respect other people’s level of concern.

ADDITIONAL DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

In Gideons’ life we see three stages: fear, faith, and fullness(depending on himself instead of God). When we are fearful that means we believe our situation is too great to trust God.

Is there anything God is currently calling you toward and you feel the resistance of fear in response to His nudging? Share your reflections with the group
Think of a time you were “full of yourself”– for example a time when you knew you were looking down on someone. Share your reflections with the group.

NOTES AND QUOTES

Key verse for the book of Judges 21:25 “ In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.”
God called Gideon a “mighty man of valor” when he was fearful and hiding in the wine press out of sight so Midianites.
God’s promise to Gideon when he was afraid is that He will be with him.
Crisis can reveal our deep fears.
WHEN IS THE LAST TIME WE INVITED SOMEONE TO GIVE US FEEDBACK ON OUR CHARACTER? When was the last time I was defensive with feedback?