Study Questions for Groups
By Michael C. Mack
1. What challenge did you face last week?
2. In what ways did you see the Lord going before you over the past week?
Ask three people—two readers and one reteller—to help. Ask the readers to read Judges 6:11-16, 25-40 one after the other, preferably from different Bible versions.
Ask the third person to retell the story in four acts: Act 1: A Mighty Message; Act 2: “Altering” the Altar; Act 3: Dad’s Defense; Act 4: A Trumpet and a Test.
3. What stands out to you in this passage?
4. Let’s look more closely at some of the details:
• How would you characterize Gideon’s attitude at different times in this narrative?
• What encouragement does the angel of the Lord give to Gideon?
• What do you think is the turning point in Gideon’s transformation? Why?
• What differences between false gods and the true God does this story illustrate?
5. What do you learn about the Lord God from this narrative?
6. What does this passage teach you about how God sees you?
7. What do you learn about obeying God even when you feel weak or afraid or doubtful?
8. Serving God well often depends on allowing him to change our attitudes—from “Why do bad things happen?” or “Who, me?” to “I am a mighty warrior whom God is sending, and he will be with me. Why should I be afraid? What can man do to me?” What can you do, empowered by God’s Spirit, to share the love of Jesus with someone?
9. Based on our study and discussion, complete this sentence: “This week, I will . . .”
10. What challenges do you anticipate this week?
For next week: Over the next week, read and reflect on Ruth 1:3-5, 8-11, 14-18 as we continue studying the books of Judges and Ruth and the theme, “Reverse the Trend.” You can also read next week’s supplemental texts as well as the Study and Application sections as part of your personal study.
Author: Michael C. Mack
Michael C. Mack is editor of Christian Standard. He has served in churches in Ohio, Indiana, Idaho, and Kentucky. He has written more than 25 books and discussion guides as well as hundreds of magazine, newspaper, and web-based articles.
