[Q1. The Inspiration and Power of the Spirit]

God's Spirit is Gideon's inspiration. Gideon, like the other judges and leaders,

is awakened to his ability to make a difference, rather than continue as is. He becomes aware that the Spirit will enable him to become "a mighty man of valor". God's Spirit becomes our strength and our courage. With God all things are possible.

[Q5. Gideon's and His Father's Faith]

Joash had been an ineffective leader from God's perspective. Gideon calls his father to make a choice. Jesus tells us if we family members more than we love him, we are not worhty of the kingdom. Gideon's action actually called his father to higher ground and gave him the courage he needed to stand up for what God would ahve him to do.Younger people standing up for God and his principles always encouarges the older generation.

[Disobedient Disciple?]

We cannot be disobedient disciples. Jesus said in John 14:21a, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me." and John 15:10 says, "If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love..".

Gideon had a choice. We all have choices. God never makes us do anything. The doing flows out of our love for Jesus. Joshua told the people of Israel in 24:15, "But is serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then CHOOSE for yourselves this day whom you will serve...". We must do likewise.

[Prioritizing Allegiances]

If we meet resistance, we are to always do what God says rather than what man says regardless of the relationship.

[Q4. Tearing Down the Altar of Baal]

Gideon's obedience to remove the objects of idol worship and to replace them with symbols of worship of the covenant keeping God of Israel is evidence of his willingness to be obedient to the call of God on his life. According to these verses, he probably was aware that Baal's worshippers would desire to kill him. Therefore, his night mission(I believe) was a sign of fear of the community. He wanted to do what God wanted him to do but he didn't want any resistance. (HELLO CHURCH OF TODAY).

[Q3. Self-perception vs God's perception]

GOD SAW GIDEON AS HE WOULD BE WITH HIM TO GUIDE AND DIRECT HIM. WE TEND TO SEE OURSELVES WITH ALL OUR FLAWS AND IMPERFECTIONS. WE THEN BECOME PARALYZED IN OUR USEFULNESS TO THE KINGDOM AND GOD'S PURPOSES FOR OUR LIVES. WHEN WE SEE OURSELVES AS GOD SEES US, WE CAN BECOME PROSPEROUS FOR THE KINGDOM. THE ENEMY OF OUR SOULS WANTS US TO SEE OURSELVES AS WITH NO VALUE.