Discussion starters – Judges 6-8
- In Judges 6:13 Gideon asks, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us?” Who today might be feeling the same?
- As soon as Gideon receives his commission from the Lord, he finds himself in conflict with his immediate family (6:25). In what ways do you find that your Christian faith brings you into conflict with those close to you? How do you deal with that?
- As with Moses (Exodus 3 &4), Gideon is reluctant to do what the Lord wants him to do (Judges 6:15). He asks for signs that the Lord really is with him (vv17-23; 36-40). Do you think it is OK for us to seek the Lord’s guidance or reassurance in this way?
- In chapter 7 we learn that God uses a small number of ill-prepared and poorly-equipped soldiers to win a victory. In what ways is it still true today that God uses unpromising material to achieve his aims? Why do you think this is so?
- What evidence can you see in chapter 7 that Gideon is relying on the Lord, but in chapter 8 he is relying on his own strength and skill? How can we today avoid the danger of beginning in God’s strength, but then continuing in our own?