Fina

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? '>>'John indicates that Jesus is the Lamb of God in some sacrificial sense, since lambs were commonly used by the Jews for sacrifices to obtain forgiveness for sin.' >> it is not for the sin of one person but for everyone.

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? Gideon blames God for their sufferings under the hands of the Medianites. I think Gideon's assessment is not accurate. They suffer because of their stubborness and unfaithfulness to God. We usually blame God for our sufferings because of our lack of understanding. We do not realize that we have our own free will to choose good or evil and whatever we choose we will suffer for the consequences of our actions. Blaming anybody for our mistakes or sufferings is not fair. In blaming God for our wrong actions, we are losing our trust and faith in Him. To avoid this kind of behaviour, we have to study and examine our actions carefully, ask God's guidance for whatever plans we have. Be humble and ask forgiveness for our wrongdoings and do our best not to commit the same mistakes over and over again

Gideon's strong leadership influence Israel during his life. 'His leadership keeps Israel strong enough both spiritually and militarily that they are not troubled by invaders during his lifetime.' They enjoyed peace for 40 years.

Spiritual unfaithfulness looked at as prostitution or adultery because this divert our attention to idols and not to our Creator. This also an act of disobedience to God. There are lots of temptations to spiritual adultery which I am facing today like my job and man-made traditions that I used to follow. In the OT, it is idolatry that God hated most because he is the only true God [isaiah 44-] which we could not compare to anyone [isaiah 46:5]. Truly, God is a jealous God and he tolerate no rivals [Exodus 20:40]. He wants us to put our trust in him alone and not on his creation in any other form. With the help of God, I know that I can overcome this temptations because I did not resist when he open my eyes and ears to his message.

Snare means a trap - entrapping people. Gideon and his family become caretakers of a new object of worship. Rather than serving the invisible God, they focus their attentions on caring for the golden ephod which draws many pilgrim worshippers -- with their money -- into the town." When the Israelites focus their attention to the ephod and not to God. Gideon created something which unknowingly it will be the cause of the people's unfaithfulness to God because instead focusing their attention and worhip Yahweh, they diverted their attention to the ephod and worship it. This is the essence of Gideon's sin - a sin which he is unaware of. Yet, God blesses Gideon's influence in Israel as a judge.

What is an ephod? (8:24-27) What might the gold ephod have looked like? An ephod seems to refer to a sacred garment. In OT, it is used of the high priest's garment. Sometimes it is used in the determining the will of God. "Perhaps the high priest's ephod when not used was hung on a wall or placed on a stand, possibly of roughly human shape, which may explain Gideon's golden ephod."

What does Gideon ask for his reward? (8:24-27) Was Gideon wrong to take a reward? Where did the sin begin? Gideon refused to rule the Israelites to be their king but asked for the share of their plunder - golden earrings as his reward instead. "As Pastor Ralph said, "Taking the gold isn't wrong. It is appropriate to reward the courageous commander of a successful military victory. The problem comes with what Gideon does with the gold. Money is like that. Money is a neutral element, but in how we hoard or spend it comes the sin." Gideon entraps people and lures them away from the worship of the true God by means of the golden ephod he created although it is not his intention.

Gideon refused to be king over Israel because he knows that it is God who save the Israelites. Gideon knows from the beginning that the battle he fought and won is not for him but for God. God wants Israel to recognize Him as their God and no one else, and to put their trust on Him alone and he only used Gideon as instrument to obtain this purpose. Accepting that would mean, rejecting God's will and a treason. Israelites seemed to have short memory to remember their unfaithfulness and God's faithfulness to them over and over again. They are stubborn. They can see but they don't want to open their eyes.

Why does Gideon slay Zebah and Zalmunna? Gideon slays Zebah and Zalmunna in act of vengeance in killing his brothers. Is he unjust or fulfilling his just obligation? (Numbers 35:16) "According to the standards of the time, Gideon has a family obligation to exact vengeance for his brothers' unjust deaths." Why does Romans 12:19 prohibit Christians from taking vengeance? (8:18-21) It prohibits Christians from taking vengeance for it is written:" It is mine to avenge; I will repay.[Deut. 32:35, Ro 12:19] These verses affirms that avenging is God's prerogative. It difficult indeed, "If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also."[Matt. 5:40] and "to love your enemy" [Matt 5:44]. That's why we should always seek God's help to strengthen our faith, that this faith may produce love, and this love may produce obedience that will teach us to obey his commandments of loving one another.

Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army? Succoth and Peniel want to be sure that Medianites are totally defeated before he extend his help to Gideon's army. It's like. "give me your payment first, before I give my goods." What is their sin? They are committing a terrible breach of hospitality to their own kinsmen and a grave sin against the God of the Covenant. Why does Gideon punish these cities later? Because they denies his army of food. Is Gideon just? I think Succoth and Peniel should be grateful enough that Gideon did not urge them to help in fighting their common enemy - they don't have to toil and sweat for defeating Medianites which is also a threat to them. Gideon is asking for his army's food only to sustain their energy and yet they denied it - i could not blame Gideon's actions. Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel? (8:13-17) I think that when we as Christians pray to God and lift up our concern for the homeless, for those who have no food on their table, for those who are sick and others who are in dire need but without actions, we are like Succoth and Peniel.

Why must Gideon vanquish the Midianite force of 15,000 men in Karkor? Gideon must vanquish the Midianite force of 15,000 men in Karkor in order to protect his people from future invasion. What danger do we face when we deal with problems only half-way? (8:10-12) All the efforts exerted will be futile and senseless. It's like treating a disease, when you stop taking medicine half-way, the disease will still be there and may get worst and later hard to cure. You have to go back again to the basic of treatment. This means lack of patience and obedience to the one who help you to make your health better. Same as in the case of Gideon, he should finish the task assigned to him by God and do what is instructed to him or suffer from God's wrath. A good example to this is to be found in the Book of Samuel wherein Saul rejected The LORD's commandment and in return God rejected him as King of Israel when he did not follow God's order completely.[1 Samuel 15:1-34]:

>>Gideon asked the Ephraimites to come down against the Midianites and seize the waters of the Jordan ahead of them as far as Beth Barah. >> They are so angry because Gideon does not inform them earlier of his plan to attack Midianites. >> I learn humility and calmness from Gideon in dealing the Ephramites. Once a person obey God, his obedience produces love and wisdom and this two will produce humility. If Gideon will react to the Midianites arrogance and anger negatively, it will do no good to both of them.

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? Gideon divided into three groups to surround the enemy rather than concentrating in one 1 group which will be difficult for them to conquer the enemy. In this way also, the enemy (Medianites) may think that they are really being surrounded not only by 300 hundred men but by thousands. One group has one trumpet to sound to direct them. There are 300 men under Gideon and sounding this 300 trumpets, the enemy will conclude that they are surrounded by huge batallion. Empty jars will hide the light of the torches and breaking these jars will create a great deal of noise and the enemy will have an idea that they are surrounded by enemies same as the sudden appearance of torchlights around the the enemy camps. Trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches - this three when you put together has the same tremendous impact enough to create confusion to the enemy especially attacking them at night. Who could ever imagine that this effective and brilliant strategy came from Gideon who once reasoned out to God that he is the weakest in Manaseh and the least among his family. The angel of the LORD is right when he called Gideon a "MIGHTY WARRIOR." This strategy succeeds because God revealed himself to Gideon, fulfill his promise TO BE WITH HIM, and that promise made him to obey God and changed his life

Because of LACK OF FAITH.. Spiritual danger is our TENDENCY TO DISOBEY GOD.( I agree with Mario) If knowing the will of God and obeying him will give us joy, peace, love and contentment, we should ignore and not be afraid of being...or being perceived as religious kooks . If we think we could not rely upon our own discernment, we should seek the help of spiritual people so that we may not fall into trap of Satan. We should not forget that it is also wise to depend on the Bible and ask God's Holy Spirit to lead us to what is wrong and right so that we may obey Him with all our heart. Pray for our weaknesses that He may forgive us. After all, "God delights to work through those too weak to act on their own." (taken from Pastor Ralph's Lesson from Disciples)

Hello... Sorry for introducing myself late. My name is Fina Santos-Sagra, migrated to Ontario, Canada from the Philippines in 1998. I discovered Pastor Ralph's Jesus Walk website more than 2 years ago and found that it is very helpful in studying the Bible. Having knowledge of Jesus teachings from the Book of Luke helps me to know how it is to be a Christian not only by deeds but words as well. There were times I found certain parts of the Scriptures hard to understand and need the help of someone experienced in such matters- and I found it in Pastor Ralph's website. I want to know more about God and our Lord Jesus that's why I signed up to this Bible Study Forum. In this regard, I would like to thank Pastor Ralph who made this online Bible studies accessible to thousands around the world and also to those who continuously give their financial support and talents to help Pastor Ralph carry out its mission. May our Almighty God gives you continued good health, protection and love through Jesus Christ. Peace and God be with us always.

The rolling barley loaf means Gideon's sword which reveals the sure victory of Gideon against the Medianites. The Lord shows Gideon this dream to remove any fear in his heart, to boost his faith and confidence - that victory is surely is at hand. Good evening and Peace to all.

I don't see any significance in selecting the "lappers" from the "kneelers." God wants only to reduce the size of the army so that Israel would not boast against Him, that it is He who saved them.

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 felt that Gideon's army was too large and needed to reduce it in number because he did not want Israel to take credit for the victory. Israel has been so unfaithful in the past and their faith returns only if things go well for them. This time, God would not allow that to happen again. >> Gideon did not allow his pride to prevail. He fully obeyed God with humility. There is nothing to be afraid of knowing God was in his side. It was God's battle, it was he who was chosen to carry out this battle with faithfulness and obedience. Knowing God in your side, there is no other reason to be afraid of.

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 was not fully committed to either Yahweh and Baal. >> Gideon has put his father on the spot - what to choose - his townsmen and Baal, or Yahweh and Gideon. >> I think Gideon has already considered the impact of his action on his father and the impact if he disobey Yahweh. That no matter what, he should put God first than anyone else. >> Joash did not rely on his own strength but let the Holy Spirit came upon him to stand with Yahweh and his son Gideon.

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 a disobedient disciple because as long as we are here on earth we could not avoid committing sins especially now in this kind of our present environment. Eventhough how much we struggle to avoid sins, we can not do it on our own but to seek God's help by praying always and by reading the bible so we may learn to love and obey Him. >> We all have choices - God gives us the freedom to do what is right and wrong but we should remember that we will suffer for the consequences of our wrong actions. Like what David did when he chose to disobey God by ordering Joab to put the husband (Uriah) of Bathseba in the front line so he would be killed and he (David) would be free to take Bathsheba as his wife. The same as Cain when he killed his brother, Abel wherein God said, "If you had done the right thing, you will be smiling, but because you have done evil, sin is crouching at your door. It wants to rule you, but you must overcome it." Gen. 4:7

Q2. How are we to obey the commandment to "Honor your father and your mother" in the kind of situation Gideon finds himself? What justification does Gideon have for his action? (Matthew 10:37). >> Gideon although there was a bit of worries in his actions, he found himself obeying God. Gideon knew that we have to fear our Creator rather than to fear his father whom God created. I would do the same and put my trust in Him. Gideon believes that God is aware of his concern and and he believes in His power to change one's heart. That God can change his father's heart's desire. This is what God did to Gideon's father that if we put our trust in him, He will fulfill His promise......he will never leave us and He.will give us a reward that nobody could offer except Him and that is everlasting life. "Though the fig tree does not bud and there re no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD. I will be joyful in God my Savior." (Habakkuk 3:17-18) May our God helps us to resist the world and to put Him first before anything else. In Jesus name, Amen.

When, if ever, should we ask God to confirm his direction with a sign? >> 1) When God himself wants us to give us a sign like what He did to Ahaz and Moses. 2) When God has already proven our faith by believing in Him right away like Abraham. >> Danger of demanding a sign - There is a tendency that God might not answered our prayers and punished us like what He did to Israelites. (Psalm 78:21) "When the LORD heard them, he was very angry; his fire broke out against Jacob, for they did not believe in God or trust in his deliverance." In this Psalm, it stated why God became angry. This shows that although our God is compassionate, loving, patient, kind, etc.. never tolerate the things that He does not like. (Psalm 78:31) "God's anger rose against them; he put to death the sturdiest among them, cutting down the young men of Israel." In this Psalm, God reveals his anger followed by punishment. The above explanation is based only on my own understanding and if I failed to explain it clearly I apologize.

> Gideon needs assurance so he can carry out God's plans successfully. > It is a testing of God. He is still lacking in faith. > I agree with Pastor Wilson when he says, "These were attempts to manipulate God into doing miracles to somehow prove himself. But what Gideon was asking was for God to do a minor miracle to help Gideon anchor his full faith in the Lord. Gideon's request is in order to establish his faith, whereas sinful testing of God is to get God to do miracles to meet selfish needs."

Q1. Why does God tell Gideon to tear down the Baal altar and Asherah pole? (6:25) What positive thing is he to do in their place? (6:26) What risks are involved in this action. Why does Gideon do this at night? Is the night mission a sign of weakness or faith? (6:27) ******** As we know, our God is a jealous God and he does not tolerate any rivals thus he ordered Gideon to demolish it and build an altar to the Lord. In doing this, he is in danger of being disowned by his father or killed by the men in their town. He did the demolition at night because he was afraid of his family and the people of their town. In biblical times, the people were so lucky that they could hear God's voice and talk to them directly. God had showed many times His great power, that He is the one who created us, that there is nothing impossible to Him - but why do it at night? For me, it is a sign of weakness/faith. I just want to be honest to myself and to God because He is the one who can read our minds and what is in our hearts. Majority of us, i include myself - we are like Gideon, sometimes we look for signs and miracles before we believe.

> The LORD assured Gideon that he could defeat the Medianites because He would be with him. > Yes. > "What is impossible with men is possible with God." (Luke 18:27) > "Our Father in Heaven, remove any doubts in our hearts and when we are discouraged give us strength. Teach us to trust in you always. In Jesus name. Amen."