Series Summary:

WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US? What we are fighting for? These questions guide our lives and the lives of generations. The Book of Judges shows us that when we are unwilling to fight as God commanded, compromise to get along, fight with the wrong people, and fight for lesser things, then we descend into tribalism and chaos. We end up with the disaster of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Then we find ourselves crying out again…WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Starter

What is something that tends to keep you from being obedient and acting like a snare in your life?

Pray

Study Questions

The Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The people of Canaan were so wicked and had polluted the land so badly the Lord said they had to get out. God tells the Israelites to, divide the Land by lot, drive out inhabitants, not to make treaties or covenants, destroy idols and worship sites, not intermarry, not adopt Canaanite customs, and worship only at the chosen place, setting yourselves and the land apart. It is now time for the people of God to take the land. However, The Angel of the Lord confronts them with reality, “But you have not obeyed Me. What is this you have done?” “The Lord’s anger burned” so He “raised up judges” like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar. The people abandon the Lord again and the questions are raised, “Hasn’t the Lord commanded you?“ Am I not sending you?” Now the people have peace, but it became a snare.

Reminder: When reading a narrative part of the bible, especially the book of judges, God is often giving a description of what happened not necessarily a prescription of what He ideally wanted or wants for us now.

  1. As a group, recap where we are in the story of Gideon from chapter 7.

READ: Judges 7:24-8:1

  1. What was the violent complaint of Ephraimites?
  2. Gideon did call them into the flight, just not the way they thought he should have. How do we still see people have this similar violent response to leader’s decisions in our day?

READ: Judges 8:2-4

  1. How did Gideon handle this conflict?
    1. Why do you think he chose a more humble approach instead of defending his pride or asserting his authority?
    2. What are the positives and negatives we might glean from Gideon’s approacjh and response as we handle things like this in our relationships?

READ: Judges 8:5-17

  1. Why do you think they were “weary yet still pursuing”?
    1. What characteristic does this show?
    2. How should we emulate this characteristic in our lives?
  2. The actions Gideon takes with Succoth and Penuel have been the subject of theological debate. God did not tell Gideon to treat Succoth and Penuel this way. Gideon was given the authority as a judge. It would have been considered rebellious and treasonous to not help the Lord’s judge (Gideon) and the Israelite army.
    1. Should the people of Succoth and Penuel have helped Gideon and his men?
    2. What does their lack of help expose about their hearts and faith?
    3. Was Gideon right in threatening them and punishing them? explain
    4. How does the way Gideon treated his fellow Israelites (the men of Succoth and Peniel) contrast with his earlier calling from God? (6:14)
  3. Have you ever noticed how prolonged stress, exhaustion, and success might bring out impatience and bitterness which may have been the case with Gideon. How do we guard against becoming bitter or vindictive when under pressure?
  4. How should we NOT be like the people of Ephraim, Succoth and Penuel?