debs4jc

What are the basic elements involved in a sacrifice for sin? (Leviticus 4:32-35; 5:5-6) Which of these are still necessary for forgiveness of sins today? Which are no longer necessary? Why? The basic elements were..confession of sin..bringing an unblemished animal to the priest...laying of hands on the animal..slaying the animal..the Priest sprinkling the blood on the altar...burning of the fat portions...giving the rest to the priest. Today confession, the perfect sacrifice (Jesus), and the shedding of blood are all present. We confess with our mouths and believe with our hearts (Rom. 10:8) and we are saved. All the other parts are not needed anymore. When the person laid their hands on the animal, the people identified with their sacrifice...this seems similar to the act of baptism, when we identify with the body of Christ, our sacrifice. Symbolically we "die" with Him...just as the person's sins supposedly died with the animal in the OT sacrifice. Also the cleansing of the water is symbolic of the cleansing of the blood.

Q3. Why is animal sacrifice repulsive to modern people? How much of this has to do with a city vs. a farming way of life? Modern people who don't live on farms are not used to seeing animals slaughtered. The sight of the blood and pain of the animal would probably sicken them. City dwellers are removed from the process, they just buy the meat already prepared for them. We get removed from the provision of the Lord in this way, we don't see the struggle of growing and raising animals or a crop, we just take it for granted. It doesn't cost us any hard work like it did the farmer/rancher.

Why is anger an appropriate response to sin? What is the difference between capricious or uncontrolled anger and anger that brings about justice? Before I answer the question I just want to say that it is such a blessing to read all of your answers, your knowledge really helps me to gain a deeper understanding of the topics we are studying! Anger is an appropriate response because it is seeing how things that could be so good and right have gone wrong. It is wishing that things were right, just and fair the way they are supposed to be, not the way they are. We know that that person could have done so much better, made such a better choice. Capricous and uncontrolled anger, however, is more like resentment than displeasure. It focuses on the hurt that is done to myself and usually wants to retaliate and cause hurt to get "even" with the other party. The reason we have to get anger under control is to filter out this sinful, fallen man, response. An anger that brings about justice works for the good of the other person, to lovingly, in a gentle manner point out their wrong and steer them onto the right path.

How do you know that John the Baptist's statement about the Lamb of God refers to sacrifice? (John 1:29). How was the comprehensiveness of "sins of the world" so radical a concept? Before John said this some people had been asking him if he was the Messiah. So when he says this it's like he's saying..Look, I'm not the Messiah (or the one who is coming that I've been telling you about)...Here He is, the worthy one who will save us from our sins. Of course from the lamb and from the idea that to take away sins requires sacrifice we know what John is talking about. To extend this blessing to the Gentiles was a radical concept for the "chosen people". They were not expecting this. I doubt that they were excpecting a meek lamb either. Praise God and the Lord Jesus, our perfect Lamb supplied by God for our sacrifice! I've enjoyed reading all of your answers, it's amazing how so much of the gospel is in this one little verse.

Hi, my name is Deb. I want to welcome all of you who are new--you are in for a real treat. Pastor Ralph is a very insightful teacher. I just finished the Gideon study and I also participated in the Jesuswalk (Luke) study. I am excited about the topic of this new study--I've been wanting to get to know Jesus better and this topic looks really good. I am deeply involved in singles ministry in my community and I attend a Christian church. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you!

How does Gideon influence Israel during his life? (8:28-35) What is the positive continuing effect of his leadership as judge? Gideon influenced Israel to stop worshipping Baal and to follow God in defeating the Midianites. He also, unfortunately, left the golden Ephod which became an idol. While he was alive the land enjoyed peace, rest from invasion, and prosperity. After his death things kind of fell apart (read chapters 9-10 of judges to see what his sons did), however the memory of the his life lived on. It was remembered by the Israelites as references to him can be found in the Psalms and he is in the great hall of faith in Hebrews. It gave them an example of the great things God can do with one person, even one timid person. That lesson is still being studied today!

Why is spiritual unfaithfulness looked at as prostitution or ery? (8:24-27) What is the concept of God's relationship to his people which underlies this analogy? What kinds of temptations to spiritual ery do you face today Spiritual unfaithfulness--I liked the quote from one of you that spoke of giving the gifts and talents God has given us to the world or ourselves instead of to Him. God created us for His pleasure, He delights in seeing us use our gifts to glorify Him. How sad He must be when we use them for the wrong purposes. God, in both the OT and the New speaks of His people as being "married" to him, as being His bride. Especially as Christians we have willingly entered into a covenant with Him. When we break it it is as serious as a husband or wife being unfaithful. I face temptations especially in the way I think and in the way I use my time. It is a constant battle in my thought life to keep my mind on honorable things, to not let it wander off into some daydream or critical thought that would be unpleasing to God. I also struggle with wanting just to veg and use my time for relaxation, enjoyment instead of spending the time studying God's word. And with self-control as well, as when I overeat or overindulge in other things.

What is a snare? In what way does Gideon's ephod ensnare his family and the people of Israel? (8:24-27) How can something be a sin if we don't see it as a sin? What was the essence of the sin the Israelites committed? What is the essence of Gideon's sin? A snare, as many people pointed out, is a trap used to catch animals but the word is also used figuratively to refer to something that "traps" people. It looks innocent at first, but by a series of small decisions that person finds themselves caught up in a big sin--and they feel trapped, like there is no way out. This is what happened to Gideon and his family--taking the gold seemed like an OK thing to to, making the Ephod seemed like a good idea--at first probably only a few people started worshipping but then it got out of hand. Gideon now finds himself "stuck" in sin. Our minds do not always comprehend everything, especially the little things, that are sins to God. Romans says we must be transformed by the renewing of our minds so that we will know what God's will is...As our minds are renewed we begin to realize things in our lives that are not a part of God's will. As we ask God to search our hearts He reveals things to us that we need to repent of and get rid of. God is patient with us, tranforming us bit by bit into His perfect design. The essence of the Israelites sin was worshipping a created object instead of Yahweh, the Creator. The essence of Gideon's sin was allowing them to do it instead of stopping the idol worship. He may not have been their king but he was still a leader who had a responsibility to oversee his people.

What is an ephod? (8:24-27) What might the gold ephod have looked like? An ephod was a priestly tunic, worn over his regular clothes, that was made of fine linen with gold and other fine ornamental patterns sewn into it. It held the Urim and Thummim which were used to cast lots and determine God's will. An ephod could also be a less ornate garment, such as what David and Samuel wore. The Eerdman's Bible Dictionary also suggested that at times idols were clothed in garments like Ephods. "Ephod" could refer to the whole idol clothed in the Ephod in that case.

What does Gideon ask for his reward? (8:24-27) Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin? Gideon asked for one earring from each of his warriors. This wasn't wrong--it was a just reward for what he had done. However, and this is where the sin could have began, Gideon's attitude about the gold could have been wrong. He could have easily begun to be puffed up with pride here ... "Well I deserve an extra share of the plunder because I was the leader and .." Matters like this, taking an extra salary or whatever because you are in a leadership position can be so treacherous if they are not handled correctly. Trying to maintain a humble spirit is truly a struggle. Anyway, if Gideon at all had a spirit of pride when he took the gold the sin started there. We don't know that but certainly making the ephod and the subsequent worship of it were sinful. Better to have made a monument to God.

Why does Gideon refuse to be king over Israel? (8:22-23) In what sense would becoming king be treason? Why didn't the Israelites see bestowing kingship as treason? Gideon refuses because he knows it would be just plain wrong for him to accept the Kingship. He seems to have a knowledge of Israel's covenant with God that makes God their king. Since God was supposed to be king, for a man to become king without God's approval would be usurping God's rightful place. The Israelites either forgot or were ignoring the covenant. They wanted to be like other nations with a powerful ruler. They saw Gideon as someone who could give them victory over their enemies and respect in the eyes of the other nations. Like others have said, there is a danger in becoming enamored with someone's leadership/teaching, even a Christian leader, if it takes our eyes off of God's true place of kingship in our lives.

Why does Gideon slay Zebah and Zalmunna? Is he unjust or fulfilling his just obligation? (Numbers 35:16) Why does Romans 12:19 prohibit Christians from taking vengeance? (8:18-21) Gideon slew Zebah and Zalmunna in part as a vengeful act for killing his brothers. But also they were enemy Kings of the Midianites and so needed to be killed, just as Oreb and Zeeb were killed earlier by the Ephraimites. Gideon makes their deaths a bit more personal. Gideon is exacting vengance for what they did to his family...but since these are Midianites I don't think he was killing them as an act of justice under the OT Law. Only Israel (and those who chose to follow Israel's God) were under that law. The Midianites obviously weren't. It was a part of the war against Midian, although here we see how it was a personal act of vengeance as well for Gideon. So I think Gideon was justified, especially if Midian was one of the Canaanite nations that God told them to "utterly destroy" when they came into the promised land. (Does anyone know if they were?) At this point they were certainly an enemy of Israel and God had given Gideon a mandate to go out into battle against them. Christians taking vengeance into their own hands is a different matter. We have not been given a charge to destroy the wicked nations, people around us but rather to leave that up to the Lord (and to the government, which God has appointed to "wield the sword" of justice). The point is: God hates wickedness! Those who choose wickedness and do not repent will utimately choose destruction.

Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army? (8:4-9) Why does Gideon punish these cities later? What is their sin? Is Gideon just? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel? (8:13-17) The leaders of those cities decided that they would rather forgo giving hospitality to a brother than possible incur the wrath of the Midianites. They were afraid of Midianite reprisal and just plain unwilling to side with Gideon. By their choice they sided with Midian. Perhaps their position on the border had left them open to enemy influences. Gideon punishes them for refusing to aid in God's work of overthrowing the Midianites. They had chosen to play it safe instead of showing allegiance to God. Gideon is just in that they did deserve punishment and the standards of that time were harsh. They had broken the first commandment "Thou Shalt Have No Other God's before Me". Today we don't face the harsh punishments of the OT law. Refusing to join in what someone else is doing, when what they are doing is clearly God's work, would be to follow in the footsteps of the men of Succoth and Peniel. Unfortunately, pride and grudges can all to often lead to this happening in our own churches. Also, when someone becomes excited over what God has told him or her to do we must not err on the side of being too critical. Of course it takes discernment to see when something is of God but when it is it deserves our support, not our criticism.

Why must Gideon vanquish the Midianite force of 15,000 men in Karkor? What danger do we face when we deal with problems only half-way? (8:10-12) Gideon is acting in obedience to God--He must destroy ALL of the Midianite army. If he doesn't not only will he face the consequences of disobeying God but all of Israel will as well. We sometimes forget that our disobedience affects more than just ourselves, it can harm other people. I'm often tempted from laziness or fear to do something only half way. I often think I'll just take a baby step of faith. The danger is that the problem will not go away if we deal with it only halfway, it will come back to haunt us later. We have to deal with it completely and then keep watching so that it does not return.

What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? Why are they so angry? Who do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance? Gideon asked them to join in the battle by seizing the waters of the Jordan. The Ephraimites get angry because they weren't asked to help earlier--thus losing some of the glory (and spoils) that the others got when they won the battle (they wouldn't have complained, of course, if they had been losing). Gideon faces a situation familar to a lot of us, who hasn't been in a group where someone's feathers got ruffled because they weren't asked to help with something that turned out to be a big success. Well why was I left out, why didn't you ask me to do that, etc. Gideon shifts the focus onto the success that God did give the Ephraimites and assures them that they did play an important role in the battle. Sometimes in our human pride we want to take part in it ALL to be involved if every aspect of something that's going so well and looks so good. We have to be wise stewards and be content to manage the portion that the Lord has given us.

Why does Gideon divided into three companies? What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? (7:16-20) What was the result of this strategy? Why did this strategy work? (7:21-22) The three companies made the apprehensive Midianites feel like they were being attacked from all directions and added to their confusion. Plus it was good military strategy, as many already mentioned. The trumpets, breaking jars, torches, and even the shouting added to the illusion that a large army was attacking. The Midianites were already on edge because of the dream, news of which probably had spread thruoghout the camp. While some were surprised others were panicked because they knew something awful was about to happen and it did. The result was utter confusion, many Midianites killing each other (and no Israelite casualites that are reported) and the rest of them retreating. This strategy was from God and worked because they followed His instructions and allowed Him to get the glory for the victory.

What does the rolling barley loaf mean in the Midianite's dream? Why does the Lord show Gideon this dream? (7:13-14) The rolling barley clearly symbolizes Gideon and his small band of men as they defeat the larger army of the Midianites. The symbolism of a small, ordinary object overturning a much larger obstacle has already been discussed. The Lord, knowing Gideon's fear, gives him the opportunity to have his faith strengthened once again. This time Gideon didn't have to ask for it. The Lord shows Gideon how He has already begun to put fear into the Midianites. He also shows him that Gideon's much smaller force will be able to defeat the enemy. Gideon is immediately encouraged by the dream and calls his troops together for battle. He knows God has prepared the way and that the time to attack is at hand.

What significance, if any, do you see in selecting the "lappers" from the "kneelers"? I don't see any significance other than it was a handy way for God to seperate the men. Perhaps He prompted those He wanted to choose to lap rather than kneel. He ended up with the number of men He wanted so that the glory of the victory would go to Him. Oh to be one of the few chosen by Him to participate in His victories!

Why do we demand that God's directions make sense to us before we'll follow them? What's the spiritual danger here? We're afraid of being -- or being perceived as -- religious kooks. How can we balance blind obedience with getting confirmation through spiritual people whose discernment we trust? As human beings we like things to make sense. We are so wrapped up in our limited perception and vision that we miss the bigger picture that only God can see. Of course we know that His ways are not our ways and that they won't always make sense. Sometimes we can see after the fact how everything worked out and fit together. Sometimes only God knows. We face the danger of not joining in with what God is doing if we demand that everything make sense. This has clarified for me that often one of the factors that I base my decisions on is if it "makes sense". Often that's a good guideline, but not always--not if God's clear directions say to do something else. Of course we will be afraid of being perceived as kooks. We also face many other fears as well when stepping out on faith. What if God lets me down and this doesn't work out (a totally unjustified fear of course), what if I'm not really doing what He wants me to do (Gideon's fear and why he laid out the fleece?), what if I'm out there all alone and no one else believes in what I'm doing?, what if it takes a really long time and I have to go through trials and suffering before I see the reward? Getting confirmation from others--especially if the fear is that I'm not sure this is what God wants me to do--is a wise move. Where there are many counselors, etc. Seek out WISE, GODLY counsel though. Someone who won't just give you a "head" answer but who will seek God's answer in prayer. And if someone comes to you for confirmation don't answer with out seeking God's revealation first. Going back to the first point--God's plan won't always make sense so we can't rely on human reason alone.

Why did God feel Gideon's army was too large? Why was shrinking the army's size to a tiny band essential in restoring Israel's faith and allegiance? What kinds of pressures would Gideon be feeling NOT to obey God in shrinking his army? How was Gideon able to obey God fully in this? God clearly states that He does not want Israel to feel that they were victorious because of their own strength. A clear miracle of 300 men defeating 135,000 would show the Israelites that God had not abandoned them and that they should still have faith in Him. Gideon would get a lot of flack from his army, co-commanders, even family members about this decision. They would point out that God brought all these men here--why turn them away? Now we see the assurance that Gideon got from the fleece and from the comments of the Midianite soldiers. He shows no wavering, no doubt, he knows that God is with him and this is what he is supposed to do.

In Gideon's case he: *asked with a humble heart *needed confirmation that God really wanted him to do what God said he wanted him to do. Needed confirmation that NOW was the right time *needed an extra boost of faith *was about to undertake something really big that he could only do with God's help Similar qualifications should be in place before we ask God for a sign. It should never be self seeking. The danger is incurring God's anger, possibly not doing something God wants us to do (because we didn't get a sign), and thus sinning.

Why does Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord -- twice? Is this a sign of unbelief or of belief? This is a "testing" of God? How does it differ from the sinful testings of God the scripture warns against? Gideon knew what God had told him to do, but he wanted confirmation of it. I'm not sure why he doubted. Did he think that perhaps he had imagined the encounter with the Angel, that he didn't remember the message correctly? Or perhaps he wanted to make sure that now was the right time, the time when the Lord would fulfill His promise. I now recall that many times before the Isrealites would go into battle they would inquire of the Lord to make sure that He would go with them. Gideon knows his army is doomed if he goes through with this on his own strength. He asks twice to make sure the first miracle wasn't just a fluke of nature--although this second confirmation wasn't neccessary. God was very patient and forgiving with Gideon. God had told Gideon that He would go with Him and that by Gideon he would deliver Israel from the Midianites. God's word is always true so Gideon should have believed in it. But God was gracious and gave Gideon further confirmation of His word to strengthen his belief. Gideon's doubt seems more like "God I know you can do this but are you really going to use me? And is this really how you want me to do it--now?" An honest question to ask, and since Gideon shows his faith later by doing what the Lord commanded he was willing to go through with whatever the Lord asked of him once he was sure. It wasn't a test and Gideon always approached God with a humble and submissive heart. I think that is the difference--when the Israelites tested God they arrogantly asked Him to do miracles and accused Him of not caring for them. Gideon always shows great respect for God.

What inspires Gideon to blow the battle horn and summon an army against the Midianites. What does Gideon have in common with other judges and leaders of his era? It says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon Gideon and inspired him to do this act. It was a further act of obiedence as God had told Gideon that he would strike the Midianites. Now God is fulfilling that promise. Gideon has also been encouraged by the decision of his father stand up for Yahweh--Now is a good time to see who else is on the Lord's side. Gideon is anointed by the filling of the Holy Spirit, as were God's other judges, prophets, and leaders. He was also acting to further God's mandate that the Israelites drive all the Canaanites out of the land of Israel. Throughout this whole period Israel struggles to accomplish this task. P.S. I wonder where Gideon got the Shofar? Was it an everyday object of his families, something the local priest had? It's interesting to try and imagine this story as a movie--now that I know the characters so much better. I've been imagining the conversations between Gideon and his father--and now this dramitic scene where the former hideout blows the horn to summon his countryman to battle. Real Hollywood material, I'm telling you!

What kind of leader has Gideon's father Joash been up to this point? (6:25b) How does Gideon's action affect his father? (6:30-31) Shouldn't Gideon have considered the impact on his father? How should this have affected Gideon's action? In what sense is Joash a follower of Yahweh now? Joash has been a wishy-washy leader, allowing the people to build the altar on his land. He's compromised his standards by bowing to popular opinion. In my mind's eye I see him privately not approving of Baal worship, but he's afraid to make a public stand. Not only would it have been unpopular and made people mad at him, it probably would have hurt him economically if people refused to do business. And times were hard enough already. At least that's how he could have justified it. Gideon's action has the effect of forcing Joash to take a stand. He has to publically make a choice one way or the other. No longer can he protect his family and business by saying one thing at home and another in public. If he chooses to side with the people and Baal his own son will be hurt. If he chooses God his property and friendships will be at jeopardy. Gideon probably only had a little bit of time to think through the consequences of his actions. He knew that it would affect his family. This may have been one of the reasons he tore down the altar at night. But he had to do what God asked and leave the fate of his family in God's hands. Joash made a stand and publically sided with Yahweh. As Jesus said, anyone who confessed him before men, he will confess them before the father. Joash is now both publically and privately committed to the Lord.

Can a person be a "disobedient disciple"? Doesn't that represent an oxymoron? Did Gideon have a choice here? Do we have choices? I will agree with the majority of you who said that a person can be a disobedient disciple. Looking at the definition of what a disciple is it makes sense to me that while someone may have devoted themselves to following the teaching of another, they will have times when they slip up and even disobey. After all, they are "lesser" than the master teacher and if they were able to follow perfectly they wouldn't need to be a disciple. Paul himself said that there were times when he did what he didn't want to do. His sinful nature that dwelt within him was to blame when he did what he didn't want to do (Romans). Gideon had a choice, as we all do, since we all have free will.