Gideon

Intro

From Fear to Faith: When God Calls the Underdog

 Main Text:

Judges 6–7

 Big Idea:

God often chooses the least likely people to accomplish His greatest purposes—not because they’re strong, but because He is.

 Outline:

1. God Finds Us in Our Fear (Judges 6:11–16)

Key verse: “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” (Judges 6:12)

-Gideon is hiding in fear, yet God sees a warrior.

-God doesn’t call the brave—He makes them.

-When God calls us, He speaks to our potential, not just our present state.

 What fears are holding you back from obeying God's call?

2. God is Patient with Our Doubts (Judges 6:36–40)

Key verse: “If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised…” (v. 36)

-Gideon asks for signs—not once, but twice.

-God doesn’t shame him. Instead, He meets him where he is.

-Faith doesn’t mean having no doubts—it means taking the next step anyway.

 Bring your doubts to God—He can handle them.

Mark 9:24 “24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!””

3. God Wins Through Our Weakness (Judges 7:2–7)

Key verse: “You have too many men…” (Judges 7:2)

-God reduces Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300.

-Why? So Israel would know the victory was God’s, not theirs.

-God's math is different—He subtracts numbers to multiply His glory.

 Where are you relying on your own strength instead of God's power?

4. God Turns Fear into Boldness (Judges 7:15–22)

Key verse: “When Gideon heard the dream... he worshiped God.” (v. 15)

-God encourages Gideon through the enemy’s dream—he worships before the battle!

-The victory is unconventional: trumpets, jars, and torches. No swords.

-Gideon goes from hiding in a winepress to leading a nation to freedom.

 Your obedience might look strange—but it can shake kingdoms.

 Main Takeaways:

-God can use anyone, even the most fearful and uncertain.

-Faith is not the absence of fear, but the courage to move forward anyway.

-God's power is perfected in our weakness.

-Worship fuels confidence.

Discussion Questions

Why do you think God chose someone like Gideon?

Have you ever felt too weak or scared to follow what God was calling you to do?

How can God use your weaknesses for His glory?

What’s one small step of obedience you can take this week?