JesusJoy

Q4. What is GOD's answer to Gideon's self-image? (6:16) Does this spiritual principle apply to our lives as Christians? Can you recall any New Testament passages that teach the same principle? What is an appropriate prayer to pray in light of what GOD has taught you from this passage? GOD's answer to Gideon's self-image is that He will be with him, and that with Him, Gideon will obtain the victory. Yes, this principle unequivocally applies to our lives as Christians on account of our need to be reminded that everything that we do is done by the will and strength of GOD in us and for us. And that ALL the GLORY belongs to GOD, and GOD ALONE. Yes, the New Testament passage that comes to my mind that teaches the same principle is in Matthew 14:29, where Peter walks on water. As long as Peter's mind was stayed on Jesus he was able to walk on water, but the minute he realized exactly what was taking place in his "finite" mind, he began to sink. To me it just reaffirms that nothing is impossible with GOD if we remain focused on HIM and sensitive to the leading of His Holy Spirit. And that OBEDIENCE, FAITH and BELIEF are the keys to accomplishing "greater works!" An appropriate prayer to pray in light of what GOD has taught me in this passage is: "ABBA, allow me to always be able to see the GOD in me that enables me to do ALL things through your son, Jesus Christ who strengthens me. Continue to light my path that in my times of darkness and doubt I will always be reminded that I am wondefully and fearfully made to do all that You have purposed me to do, and that there is no lack in my strength because my help comes from You, oh! GOD!!! In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Q3. (Judges 6:12-16) How did God see Gideon? How did Gideon see himself? Whose self-perception is most accurate? How can our own self-perception prevent us from becoming what God has made us to be? A3. Judges 6:12-16) GOD saw Gideon as a "mighty warrior"/"mighty man of valor" with the strength ("capacity to act"/"general ability to cope with situations") to save Israel out of the hands of the Midianites. Gideon saw himself as the "least," as weak and incapable of being used by GOD to accomplish the task at hand. GOD's self-perception is most accurate because He is "El Roi", GOD who sees all! Our own self-perception can prevent us from becoming what GOD has predestined us to be because we look at ourselves with our finite eye and not our spiritual eye. We see ourselves through our "flesh/carnal" abilities and fail to recognize our GOD given strength. After all, we are created in HIS image, and we are more than conquerors! Nothing is impossible with GOD!

Q1. (Judges 6:7-10) According to the prophet, what is the reason for Israel's oppressed state? What commandment did they break? In what way hadn't they "listened"? In what way does this same sin affect Christians today? A1. (Judges 6:7-10) According to the prophet, the reason for Israel's oppressed state is due to their disobedience to GOD's instruction. He told them NOT to fear the gods of the Amorites, yet they did, and many curses came upon them because the were not obeying the terms of the covenant. They broke the first commandment to have no other god before HIM, the only true and living GOD JEHOVAH. They also broke the commandment to make for themselves no images to which they were forbidden to bow down and worship. They hadn't listened because Gideon's father, Joash, had built a large altar to Baal, to which they devoted themselves to worship. This same sin affects Christians today because we allow idol worship to take on the form of our material possessions and the ways of this world. Many Christians fall victim to enslavement to things such as cars, houses, money, and people. Instead of striving to meet the perfection of Christ in us, we miss the mark by striving to build earthly riches by carnal means, instead of heavenly treasures derived from a spirit-led walk with GOD--for the greater reward of eternal life. We forget they we are to be in this world but not of this world--that we as Christians are to be sanctified, set apart for HIS use, and that we have been charged to lead a life of holiness. Instead, many Christians find it more suitable for their own carnal means and desires to fit in, rather than be recognized as HIS "peculiar people."

Gideon blames GOD for their suffering at the hands of the Midanites, when in all truth it is their own fault for not obeying the voice of the LORD. The way in which he blames the LORD is by accusing Him of not honoring His promise to their forefathers and delivering them into the hands of the Midianites. He goes as far as to accuse the LORD of forsaking them. Gideon's assessment is not accurate becasue GOD is not a man that he should lie--His Word clearly states that He will never forsake, nor leave us. Therefore, Gideon fails to take responsibility for their actions and the results which they've reaped by being disobedient to GOD's instruction. I believe that we tend to blame GOD when things are not going according to our plans because it is easier to place blame than to accept responsibility for our shortcomings--it's our human nature to readily recognize the faults of others and not see our own. The danger in blaming GOD is that we prolong the process of being reconciled to Him and His grace, mercy, and protection. We place ourselves and those connected to us in danger because disobedience (SIN) allows the enemy a foothold in our camp to steal, kill, and destroy, and it separates us from the LORD and leaves us vulnerable. We can stop short of this in the future by fervently seeking the LORD's instruction for our lives and living according to His Word, and when we fall short we must be quick to sincerely repent and seek Him in prayer, praise, and worship.