Less is More.

Introduction:

Odds: 4-1

God's 2-Step Plan for Your Victory (Judges 7:1-15):

1. Lose your Self-Confidence . (Judges 7:1-8)

   Isaiah 42:8 - I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other...

God gave 2 tests to Gideon's already way-outnumbered army:

1. Test #1: Are you Afraid ? (Judges 7:3)

   Odds: 13-1

   Duet 20:8 - And the officers shall speak further to the people, and say, Is there any man who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go back to his house, lest he make the heart of his fellows melt like his own.

2. Test #2: Are you paying Attention . (Judges 7:7)

   Odds: 450-1

2. Put your confidence in God . (Judges 7:9-15)

   1 Corinthians 10:12-13 - Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

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Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 7:1-15

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why did God reduce Gideon’s army? Why do you think He did it in stages (32k to 10k to 300) instead of just doing it all at once?
   

3. Isaiah 42:8 says “I am the LORD; that is my name; my glory I give to no other…” (See also Isaiah 48:11) How would you respond to someone who says, “Isn’t it egotistical of God to demand all the glory?”
   

4. In Judges 7:9-14, why did God let Gideon spy “if he was afraid” (Judges 7:10)? Since Gideon was obviously still afraid (made clear by Gideon taking God up on His offer), why didn’t Gideon get sent home with all of the other fearful soldiers earlier (Judges 7:3)?

Breakout
Pray for one another, specifically that God would remove all self-confidence and teach us to find all of our confidence in Him!

How (Not) to Know God's Will.

Introduction:

How do I know the will of God for my life?

Matthew 6:10 - Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Ephesians 5:17 - Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

Why "fleeces" aren't the way to know God's Will (Judges 6:36-40):

1. Gideon already Knew God's will. (Judges 6:36-37).
2. Gideon wasn't revealing his trust, he was revealing his Doubt . (Judges 6:36-37).
3. Gideon was Telling God what to do. (Judges 6:37-39).
4. Gideon still wasn't Convinced after the first round. (Judges 6:39).

What is God's Will for my Life?

1. Saved

   2 Peter 3:9 - The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise vas some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

2. Sirit-filled

   Ephesians 5:17-18 - Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit...

3. Sanctified

   1 Thessalonians 4:3 - For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality...

4. Submit to the government

   1 Peter 2:13-15 - Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.

5. Sometimes suffer

   1 Peter 4:19 - Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

6. Showing gratitude

   1 Thessalonians 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
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Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 6:36-40

1. What was your big “take-away” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why is “fleece-laying”, like Gideon, not the way to learn God’s will? How do we know Gideon didn’t need to do that?
   

3. How do you know someone’s advice is from the Lord or from their own ideas?
   

4. Tell of a time you struggled to know God’s will for something in your own life? How did you ultimately make the decision? Did you feel it was the right one?

Breakout
Pray for one another.

You Have to Step Up.

Introduction:

How To Be a Difference-Making Leader (Judges 4:4-9):

1. Identify the real Need . (Judges 4:6).
2. Identify the Person for the job. (Judges 4:6).
3. Motivate that person to action. (Judges 4:6-9).

Biblical Motivation 101:

1. Confront with God's Command . (Judges 4:6).
2. Strengthen with God's Promise . (Judges 4:7).
3. Encourage with your Presence . (Judges 4:9).

4. Develop and execute a clear Plan . (Judges 4:6-7).

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Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 4:4-9, 17-22 (or all of chapter 4)

1. What was your big “takeaway” from this passage / message?
   

2. Why do you think Deborah was called to be a judge? Many people cite this story to validate women as pastors. Do you believe that is valid? Why or why not?
   

3. Why are people often afraid to step up and serve God? How can we motivate them to, in the way that Deborah motivated Barak?
   

Breakout
Pray for one another.

God Uses Limitations.

Introduction:

How to Conquer Dominating Sins (Judges 3:12-30):

1. Go after the Biggest sin first. (Judges 3:15-23).

   Romans 8:13 - ...if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

2. Recruit Others to help you. (Judges 3:27).
3. Believe Victory has already been won. (Judges 3:28)
4. Don't stop Fighting . (Judges 3:29)

   Matthew 3:8 - Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

5. Make no Excuses . (Judges 3:15-23)

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Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 3:12-30

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Read Judges 3:16-25. Why do you think the Lord provided so many graphic details in this account?
   

3. Explain how going after the most dominant sin in your life can help you attack other sins, too. (Judges 3:15-25)

Breakout
Have you ever felt that you had some limitation that would keep the Lord from using you? What was / is it? How does the story of Ehud speak to that?

Pray for one another.

"Good Enough" Isn't Enough.

Introduction:

See: Judges 17:6, 21:25 | Judges 1:1 | Joshua 24:16 | Judges 3:7 | Judges 2:1-2

Three Consequences of Partial Obedience (Judges 1-3):

1. Your life gets Harder (Judges 2:3).

   Exodus 23:33 - They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me; for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.

2. Your spirit gets Miserable (Judges 2:4-5).

   Psalm 51:12 - Restore to me the joy of your salvation...

   Ephesians 4:30 - do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God

3. Your children get Apathetic . (Judges 2:7-10)

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Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Judges 2:1-5

1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
   

2. Describe in your own words how Israel sinned. Why was this such a big deal to the Lord (Judges 2:1-3)?
   

3. Read Ephesians 4:30. How do you grieve the Holy Spirit? How do you know you have? How can you stop grieving the Spirit? How do you know you have?
   

4. What is the “second generation syndrome”? How does that happen? How can we prevent that with our kids (and the kids at HBC)?

Breakout
Pray for one another. In what area(s) have you been “partially obedient”?