johncuse
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Posts posted by johncuse
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Q6. How does Gideon influence Israel during his life? (8:28-35) What is the positive continuing effect of his leadership as judge?
God blesses Israel despite their idol worshipping thanks to Gideon. Israel prosperred both spiritually and militarily.
Gideon's influence kept Israel strong and free from invaders during his lifetime.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q5. Why is spiritual unfaithfulness looked at as prostitution or adultery? (8:24-27) What is the concept of God's relationship to his people which underlies this analogy? What kinds of temptations to spiritual adultery do you face today. (This is not a place to dump on denominations or sects, but to examine your own personal temptations to spiritual adultery.)
The bible refers to Israel as God's bride and by Israel worshipping another god it amounted to spiritual adultery.
God enjoyed a closeness and love for his people as a bride and groom. A love that is pure and neverending.
Anything that diverts our attention from God is commiting spiritual adultery eg: television, sports, celebrity worship etc.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q4. 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 is a trap used to catch a desired prey. Gideon became like his father an idol worshipper and so did Gideon's people. The Israelites worshipped the ephod not unlike the Israelites worshipped the golden calf. Gideon became consumed with the accumulation of riches.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q2. What does Gideon ask for his reward? (8:24-27) Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin?
Gideon asks foran earring from each of the Ishmaelites. Yes, because after the gold earrings were made into an ephod the people began to worship the ephod and not God.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q1. 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 refused to become because God is the only ruler anyone needs . The Israelite's faith was not as strong as Gideon's and needed a visible king to rule over them. Without a ruler the Israelites felt their nation would disinegrate.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q3. 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 must vanquish the Midianites to ensure that they do not rise again. If we only do things half way it leaves at lot loose ends that could come back to give us grief.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q2. 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? (7:24-8:3)
Help him to defeat the remaining Midians. The Ephraimites felt cheated being asked to help at the end of the battle and not being able to share in the spoils. Gideon assured the Ephraimites that their contribution was just as great. They captured the generals and separated them from being united with their armies.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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Q3. Can a person be a "disobedient disciple"? Doesn't that represent an oxymoron? Did Gideon have a choice here? Do we have choices?
Yes, we can be disobedient and a disciple. Even a law bidding citzen runs a yellow light or does not stop all the way at a stop sign. Gideon had a choice , he could have followed the crowd and been content ot worship idols.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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3. How did God see Gideon? (6:12) How did Gideon see himself? (6:15). Whose self-perception is most accurate? How can our own self-perception prevent us from becoming what God has made us to be?
God saw Gideon as man of valor and Gideon felt he was too weak. God's perception of Gideon is most accurate because God is NEVER wrong. Our own self-perception can prevent us from becoming what God made us to be my not trusting in God and leaving everything in His hands.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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#2. According to the prophet in 6:7-10, what is the reason for Israel's oppressed state? What commandment did they break? In what way hadn't they "listened"? How does this affect Christians today?
Israel turned their backs on the Lord. They feared the god of the Amorites and ignored their deliverer and Savior.I believe the Israelites broke the commandment "You shall have no other gods before Me" Today we replace God with a number of things television, money, celebrites etc.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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#1. In what way does Gideon blame God for his troubles in 6:13?. Is Gideon's assessment accurate? Why or why not? Why do we blame God? What's the danger and how can we stop short of this in the future?God delivered his people from Egypt and bondage but the Israelites failed to remember this. Thier attitude is like so many of ours "What have you done for me lately?" It is easier to blame God than to confess our own weaknesses and shortcomings. We always have to remember what God has done for us and the reward He has prepared for us.
In Christ Jesus,
John
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I am John from Syracuse, New York. I have been done other bible studies with Pastor Ralph and he is awesome. I am so looking forward to this new topic.
In Christ Jesus,
John
Q3. Worthy Is the Lamb
in #3. The Lion That Is the Lamb (Rev 4-5)
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Jesus was worthy becuase He shed His blood for us and cleansed us. He is worthy because He is the only one who was was out sin and pure. Also, Jesus being God's son has the right to open the scroll.
In Christ Jesus,
John