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GOD'S INCREDIBLES: 
What Bible Characters Teach Us About Life, Leadership, and the Power of God
"GIDEON: An Incredible Example of How to Conquer Your Daily Battles" 
Pastor Jeff Duchemin
Sunday, July 17, 2005

Great news for today: The Bible holds the key for victory in every battle that we face.


Judges 7:2-8--The LORD said to Gideon, "You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, announce now to the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.'" So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. But the LORD said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, 'This one shall go with you,' he shall go; but if I say, 'This one shall not go with you,' he shall not go." So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, "Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink." Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. The LORD said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place." So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others.


3 incredible lessons we learn from Gideon in facing our battles each day:

1. Closely follow God’s instructions. 

Key principle: “God says it, we do it.”

Ps 119:105--Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. I have taken an oath and confirmed it, that I will follow your righteous laws.

Prov 3:5-6--Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.


2. Always be on guard.

Being on guard is not the expectation that something is going to go wrong, but it is the preparedness in case it does.

1 Cor 10:12-13
So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!

How do we spiritually stay on guard?
1- Guard yourself thru spiritual growth.

2- Guard yourself thru a small group.

3- Guard yourself thru seeking God.


3. Live with a confidence in Christ

Judges 7:15--When Gideon heard the dream and its interpretation, he worshiped God. He returned to the camp of Israel and called out, "Get up! The LORD has given the Midianite camp into your hands."

Jer 17:7--But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.

How are we able to have confidence in Christ?
1- His omnipresence
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."- Heb. 13:5

2- His omniscience
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight…” - Heb. 4:13

3- His omnipotence
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Heb. 13:8

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. What battles are you facing right now?

2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 

3. How can you ensure you are prepared for battles in the future?

4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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