From Fear to Faith: The Journey of Gideon
Overview
This 3-chapter Bible study walks through Gideon's calling, testing, and triumph. We see a scared man become a bold warrior through obedience and God's power. This is a study on identity, trust, and divine strategy.
Session 1: Gideon’s Call (Judges 6)
Theme: God sees more in you than you see in yourself.
Key Verses
Judges 6:12 (CSB): “The Lord is with you, valiant warrior.”
Judges 6:14: “Go in the strength you have and deliver Israel from the grasp of Midian. I am sending you!”
Summary
Israel had done evil and was suffering under Midianite oppression. Gideon was hiding in fear when the angel of the Lord appeared and called him a 'mighty man of valor.' Though Gideon doubted, God confirmed His call through signs (fire on the altar, dew and fleece).
Discussion Points
- Why was Gideon threshing wheat in a winepress?
- What does it mean that God calls him a “valiant warrior” while he’s hiding?
- How does Gideon respond to God’s call?
Application
Personal Reflection: What labels have I accepted that God wants to change?
Journal Prompt: Write about a time you felt unqualified but God called you anyway.
Action Step: Ask God to reveal what He sees in you—and believe it.
Session 2: God’s Strategy for Victory (Judges 7)
Theme: God gets the glory when we trust His way, not our strength.
Key Verses
Judges 7:2: “You have too many troops for Me to hand the Midianites over to them...
Judges 7:20: “A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!”
Summary
God reduces Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 men. He uses dreams, trumpets, and broken jars—not swords—to bring victory. This unconventional strategy proves the battle belongs to the Lord.
Discussion Points
- Why did God shrink the army?
- How do dreams and obedience play a role in the victory?
- What does this teach about how God works?
Application
Personal Reflection: Am I trying to win life’s battles in my own strength?
Journal Prompt: Write about something you need to surrender so God can work.
Action Step: Let go of one “security blanket” and trust God to provide a win His way.
Session 3: Leadership and Legacy (Judges 8)
Theme: Finish well and don’t let success distract you from God.
Key Verses
Judges 8:23: “I will not rule over you... The Lord will rule over you.”
Judges 8:27: “Gideon made an ephod... all Israel prostituted themselves by worshiping it there.”
Summary
After victory, Gideon refuses to be king but makes a gold ephod that becomes an idol. He starts well but stumbles in his legacy. The people return to sin after his death, forgetting God once again.
Discussion Points
- What are the dangers of post-victory pride?
- Why did the ephod become a snare?
- How can we stay humble after success?
Application
Personal Reflection: What “ephod” might I have built from my victories?
Journal Prompt: Reflect on your motives—are they for God's glory or yours?
Action Step: Take inventory of your victories. Give God the credit in a tangible way.
Final Takeaways
- God often calls us in our weakest place to reveal His strength.
- Obedience > strength. God's way often looks strange but leads to victory.
- Leadership is about faithfulness, not fame. Stay submitted.