Gideon: Disciple Lessons from the Bronze Age
A 73-page Bible study in 4 lessons

by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson
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Free Sermon on the Mount Bible Study

The God of the Old Testament is the same as the God of the New. New Testament saints have no monopoly on learning how to be disciples. The story of Gideon, found in Judges 6 - 8 gives us an opportunity to examine themes basic to all disciples:

• Learning to trust God, especially when you feel weak and inadequate.
• Taking unpopular, but necessary stands.
• Finding guidance from God to make difficult decisions about your future.
• Experiencing the presence of the Holy Spirit to empower you.
• Obeying when you don't fully understand God's plan.
• Keeping focused on the mission when distractions come.
• Leaving a spiritual legacy for those who follow you.

Shofar (ram's horn) used as a bugle to summon troops and initiate the battle

Even if you don't understand much about the Old Testament, try this four-week study. You'll find your commitment strengthened and your faith growing. God will use this study to prepare you for things that lie ahead of you.

Preface		2
Table of Contents		3
References		5
Reprint Guidelines		7
Introduction to Gideon and the Period of the Judges		8
	Cycles of Prosperity and Oppression	8
	Political Structure	9
	Judges	9
	Religious Situation	11
	The Purpose of Judges	11
	Author and Date of Judges	11
1. The Lord Is With You, Mighty Warrior (Judges 6:1-32)		13
	The Scourge of the Midianite Hordes (6:1-5)	13
	Prophet Explains the Oppression (6:6-10)	14
	An Angel Appears to Gideon (6:11)	15
	Mighty Warrior (6:12-13)	16
	Gideon's Call to Be a Deliverer (6:14-16)	16
	Gideon's Hospitality -- and Sacrifice (6:17-21)	17
	Building an Altar (6:22-24)	18
	Worship of Baal and Ashtoreth	18
	Gideon's First Assignment (6:25-27)	18
	Gideon's Father Defends Him (6:28-32)	20
	Lessons for Disciples	21
2. Gideon's Incredible Shrinking Army (Judges 6:33-7:15a)		23
	Gideon Summons the Tribes to War (6:33-35)	23
	Putting a Fleece before the Lord (6:36-39)	24
	Gideon's Army Encamps (7:1)	26
	Too Big an Army to Give God Glory (7:2-3)	26
	Still Too Many (7:4)	27
	Separate the Lappers for Battle (7:5-6)	29
	Nearly 10,000 Lappers Sent Home (7:7-8)	30
	With 300 I Will Deliver You (7:7)	30
	The Lord Encourages Gideon (7:8b-12)	30
	The Enemy's Barley Bread Dream (7:13-15a)	31
	Lessons for Disciples	32
3. The Sword of the Lord (Judges 7:15-8:21)		34
	300 Men, Trumpets, Jars and Torches (7:15-20)	34
	A Rout of the Midianite Army (7:21-23)	35
	Calling upon Ephraim for Assistance (7:24-25)	36
	Dispute with the Ephraimites (8:1-3)	37
	Allies Refuse Aid (8:4-9)	38
	Capturing Zebah and Zalmunna, Kings of Midian (8:10-12)	39
	Punishing the Uncooperative Allies (8:13-17)	40
	Slaying Zebah and Zalmunna (8:18-21)	40
	Lessons for Disciples	41
4. Gideon's Tragic Mistake (Judges 8:22-35)		43
	The Lord Will Rule over You (8:22-23)	43
	Gideon the Savior (8:22-23)	43
	Gideon Refuses the Kingship (8:22-23)	44
	Suzerain-Vassal Treaty	44
	The Tabernacle Throneroom	45
	Gideon's Share of the Spoils (8:24-26)	46
	Gideon's Ephod (8:27)	46
	Spiritual Unfaithfulness (8:27)	47
	Spiritual Snares that Divert our Focus	48
	40 Years of Peace (8:28-31)	49
	Return to Baal Worship (8:33-35)	50
	Lessons from Gideon's Later Years	50
Appendix 1. Canaanite Religions and Baal Worship		52
	Baal and Ashtoreth	53
	Cult Prostitution	53
	Monotheism	53
	Idolatry	54
	Detestable	55
	Summary	56
Appendix 2. Weapons in the Late Bronze Age		57
Appendix 3. Handouts for Group Members		60
	1. The Lord Is With You, Mighty Warrior (Judges 6:1-32)	61
	2. Gideon's Incredible Shrinking Army (Judges 6:33-7:15a)	63
	3. The Sword of the Lord (Judges 7:15-8:21)	65
	4. Gideon's Tragic Mistake (Judges 8:22-35)	67

 

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