Embracing Identity Through God's Sifting Process
Summary
In today's sermon, we explored the story of Gideon and the profound lessons it holds for our spiritual journey. Gideon, a mighty warrior, found himself in a winepress, threshing wheat, a task that seemed beneath his calling. This image of Gideon in the winepress serves as a powerful metaphor for the times we find ourselves trapped in situations that do not reflect our true identity or potential. We often confuse our current state with our true self, just as Gideon did. He questioned God's presence and promises, feeling abandoned and oppressed by the Midianites. However, the angel of the Lord addressed him as a "mighty warrior," revealing that God saw beyond his circumstances to his true potential.
We delved into the concept of sifting, drawing parallels between Gideon's physical act of sifting wheat and God's spiritual sifting in our lives. Sifting is a process of separation, where the valuable is distinguished from the worthless. God sifts us to remove the negative thoughts, vile imaginations, and false identities that hinder our spiritual growth. This process is essential for us to become the "real thing" for Jesus, as our faith must survive the sifting to experience the fullness of our identity in Christ.
I shared personal experiences of feeling like quitting, being in a winepress of my own weakness, and how God’s Word sustained me even when my feelings did not. This vulnerability highlighted the importance of relying on God's Word and Spirit, rather than our emotions, to fulfill our calling. The wind of the Holy Spirit lifts us, just as it did for Gideon, empowering us to rise above our circumstances.
We also discussed the concept of ANTS (Automatic Negative Thinking Syndrome), which can trap us in a cycle of negativity. This syndrome becomes a part of our identity, making it difficult to see beyond our current struggles. However, God sees us as mighty warriors, capable of overcoming these negative patterns. He gets into our situations, even when we try to keep Him out, because He knows our true potential.
Gideon's story teaches us that before God can lift us, He must sift us. This sifting process is crucial to prepare us for the responsibilities and blessings He has in store. We must allow God to remove the attitudes and behaviors that could sabotage our future. Just as Gideon was called to lead despite his initial doubts and fears, we too are called to step into our God-given roles with confidence, knowing that He is with us.
### Key Takeaways
1. Identity vs. Circumstances: Gideon’s story reminds us that our current circumstances do not define our true identity. God sees us as mighty warriors, even when we feel trapped in situations that seem beneath our calling. We must learn to see ourselves through God's eyes and not let our present struggles dictate our self-worth. [01:25]
2. The Importance of Sifting: Sifting is a necessary process where God removes the negative thoughts and false identities that hinder our spiritual growth. This separation allows us to become the "real thing" for Jesus, ensuring that our faith can withstand trials and lead us to our true potential. [06:17]
3. Relying on God's Word: In moments of weakness and doubt, it is crucial to rely on God's Word and Spirit rather than our emotions. God's Word is powerful enough to sustain us and guide us through our calling, even when we feel like quitting. [09:52]
4. Overcoming Negative Thinking: Automatic Negative Thinking Syndrome (ANTS) can trap us in a cycle of negativity, making it difficult to see beyond our struggles. Recognizing and addressing these negative patterns is essential for spiritual growth and embracing our true identity as seen by God. [12:06]
5. God's Preparation: Before God can lift us to new heights, He must sift us to remove any attitudes or behaviors that could sabotage our future. This preparation is crucial for us to step into our God-given roles with confidence and effectiveness, just as Gideon did. [12:38]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:25] - Gideon's Identity Crisis
[03:05] - Encounter with the Angel
[04:30] - The Trap of Negativity
[06:17] - The Process of Sifting
[08:03] - Personal Struggles and God's Word
[09:52] - The Wind of the Holy Spirit
[12:06] - Overcoming ANTS
[12:38] - God's Preparation Process
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 6:11-16 (NIV)
> "The angel of the Lord came and sat down under the oak in Ophrah that belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, where his son Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to keep it from the Midianites. When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, 'The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.' 'Pardon me, my lord,' Gideon replied, 'but if the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our ancestors told us about when they said, "Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?" But now the Lord has abandoned us and given us into the hand of Midian.' The Lord turned to him and said, 'Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?' 'Pardon me, my lord,' Gideon replied, 'but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.' The Lord answered, 'I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord appeared to him? ([01:25])
2. How did Gideon initially respond to the angel's greeting and message? ([03:05])
3. What does the process of sifting represent in Gideon's story and in our spiritual lives? ([06:17])
4. How did the pastor describe his personal experiences of feeling like quitting and how did he overcome it? ([08:03])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Gideon questioned God's presence and promises despite being called a "mighty warrior"? ([03:05])
2. How does the concept of sifting relate to our spiritual growth and preparation for God's calling? ([06:17])
3. What role does relying on God's Word and Spirit play in overcoming moments of weakness and doubt? ([08:03])
4. How can recognizing and addressing Automatic Negative Thinking Syndrome (ANTS) help us embrace our true identity in Christ? ([12:06])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt trapped in a situation that did not reflect your true identity or potential. How did you overcome it, or how can you apply Gideon's story to your current situation? ([01:25])
2. What negative thoughts or false identities do you need to allow God to sift out of your life? How can you actively participate in this sifting process? ([06:17])
3. In moments of doubt and weakness, what specific scriptures or promises from God's Word can you rely on to sustain you? ([08:03])
4. Identify a pattern of Automatic Negative Thinking in your life. What steps can you take to break this cycle and see yourself as God sees you? ([12:06])
5. How can you prepare yourself for the responsibilities and blessings God has in store for you by allowing Him to sift out any attitudes or behaviors that could sabotage your future? ([12:38])
6. Think of a situation where you felt like quitting. How did God's Word or the Holy Spirit help you to keep going? How can you apply this experience to future challenges? ([08:03])
7. How can you support others in your small group or community who may be struggling with their identity or negative thinking patterns? What practical steps can you take to encourage and uplift them? ([12:06])
Devotional
Day 1: Seeing Beyond Circumstances
Gideon’s story reminds us that our current circumstances do not define our true identity. God sees us as mighty warriors, even when we feel trapped in situations that seem beneath our calling. We must learn to see ourselves through God's eyes and not let our present struggles dictate our self-worth. Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress, a place of hiding and fear, yet God called him a "mighty warrior." This teaches us that God’s perspective of us is not limited by our current situation. He sees our potential and calls us to rise above our circumstances.
When we find ourselves in situations that seem to diminish our worth, it is crucial to remember that God’s view of us is not confined to our present struggles. He sees the mighty warrior within us, capable of great things. Embracing this truth can transform how we perceive ourselves and our challenges. Trusting in God’s vision for our lives allows us to step into our true identity and fulfill our divine calling. [01:25]
Judges 6:12 (ESV): "And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, 'The Lord is with you, O mighty man of valor.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel trapped or undervalued. How can you begin to see yourself through God’s eyes and embrace your true identity as a mighty warrior?
Day 2: The Process of Sifting
Sifting is a necessary process where God removes the negative thoughts and false identities that hinder our spiritual growth. This separation allows us to become the "real thing" for Jesus, ensuring that our faith can withstand trials and lead us to our true potential. Just as Gideon sifted wheat to separate the valuable from the worthless, God sifts our lives to remove anything that hinders our spiritual growth. This process, though often uncomfortable, is essential for our development and preparation for the roles God has for us.
God’s sifting process is not meant to harm us but to refine us. By removing negative thoughts, vile imaginations, and false identities, He prepares us to step into our true potential. Embracing this process with faith and patience allows us to grow stronger and more resilient in our walk with Christ. Trusting in God’s purpose for the sifting helps us to endure and emerge as the "real thing" for Jesus, ready to fulfill our divine calling. [06:17]
Luke 22:31-32 (ESV): "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."
Reflection: What negative thoughts or false identities do you need to let go of today? How can you trust God’s sifting process to refine and prepare you for your true potential?
Day 3: Relying on God's Word
In moments of weakness and doubt, it is crucial to rely on God's Word and Spirit rather than our emotions. God's Word is powerful enough to sustain us and guide us through our calling, even when we feel like quitting. Emotions can be fleeting and unreliable, but God’s Word remains steadfast and true. It provides the strength and guidance we need to navigate through difficult times and fulfill our divine purpose.
When we feel overwhelmed or tempted to give up, turning to God’s Word can provide the encouragement and direction we need. The Holy Spirit empowers us to rise above our circumstances and continue on the path God has set before us. By relying on God’s Word and Spirit, we can overcome our doubts and weaknesses, trusting that He will sustain us and lead us to victory. [09:52]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your emotions rather than God’s Word? How can you make a habit of turning to Scripture for strength and guidance?
Day 4: Overcoming Negative Thinking
Automatic Negative Thinking Syndrome (ANTS) can trap us in a cycle of negativity, making it difficult to see beyond our struggles. Recognizing and addressing these negative patterns is essential for spiritual growth and embracing our true identity as seen by God. Negative thoughts can become ingrained in our minds, shaping our perception of ourselves and our circumstances. However, God calls us to overcome these patterns and see ourselves as He sees us—mighty warriors capable of great things.
By identifying and challenging negative thoughts, we can break free from the cycle of negativity and embrace our true identity in Christ. God’s perspective of us is not limited by our struggles; He sees our potential and calls us to rise above our challenges. Trusting in His vision for our lives allows us to overcome negative thinking and step into our divine calling with confidence. [12:06]
2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."
Reflection: What negative thoughts are holding you back today? How can you take these thoughts captive and replace them with God’s truth about your identity and potential?
Day 5: God’s Preparation Process
Before God can lift us to new heights, He must sift us to remove any attitudes or behaviors that could sabotage our future. This preparation is crucial for us to step into our God-given roles with confidence and effectiveness, just as Gideon did. God’s preparation process involves refining our character and removing anything that could hinder our success. This process, though often challenging, is essential for our growth and readiness to fulfill our divine calling.
Embracing God’s preparation process with faith and patience allows us to develop the qualities needed for the roles He has for us. By allowing God to remove negative attitudes and behaviors, we become better equipped to handle the responsibilities and blessings He has in store. Trusting in His preparation process helps us to step into our God-given roles with confidence, knowing that He is with us every step of the way. [12:38]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: What attitudes or behaviors do you need to let go of to prepare for God’s future plans for you? How can you embrace God’s preparation process with faith and patience?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "You could be a great man trapped in a really bad habit. You could be a great woman going through a period of chronic pain followed by depression, but you could still… It'll be something, and not see it in yourself because of where you are. I don't even think I knew what that line meant when we wrote it, Chandler. I know who I am, but I can't stay where I'm at. Now I get it when I read Gideon, because the Lord says, Mighty warrior, the Lord is with you." [01:25]
2. "Stop confusing yourself with your state. It's easy to do. It's easy to do. Gideon is threshing wheat in a winepress. He's a warrior. Come on. We just have to stop and marvel at this. He could be a warrior in a winepress. You could be a great man trapped in a really bad habit. You could be a great woman going through a period of chronic pain followed by depression, but you could still… It'll be something, and not see it in yourself because of where you are." [01:25]
3. "When you've been in a situation long enough… I don't care if it was done to you or if it was done through you. When you've been in it long enough, you begin to get the negative thing so embedded into your mind that you can no longer see anything but that. Am I right? Yes. The negativity becomes embedded, so you are no longer choosing to be negative. You now think that's normal to be negative. You have names for it. You call it keeping it 100. Or when you do something really rude and out of pocket, you go, I just have to be me." [04:30]
4. "I heard it called ANTS one time, automatic negative thinking syndrome. Isn't that good? I didn't make that up. I read it one time a paid subscription website to Psychology Today. They said, ANTS. I said, That is it. It's automatic negative thinking syndrome. It becomes just who I think I am, because my automatic response to anything God wants to do… I hide." [12:06]
5. "You better let God sift that thing. I don't like being single. You better let him sift it. All right, be good. Be good. He's sifting it. He's sifting it, just like Gideon is sifting the wheat. God is sifting Gideon. He's blowing out all the worthless thoughts, all the vile imaginations, all of the things I think I am that I'm really not, all of the things I think I'm really not. I think I need that God is more than enough to cover for." [08:03]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Before lifting comes sifting. Better if God raises you up to something, and he hasn't sifted from your life some of that. The attitudes, you will sabotage what he brings you into. How many witnesses do I have that you tried to skip the sifting? You just thought, well, I'll just go ahead and do it anyway. How did that work for you when you said, I know I have 17 warning bells going off?" [06:17]
2. "I've been down before and thought about quit preaching. Sorry, but I have. It's hard to get the wind of the Holy Spirit to get a word to give to you when I'm in a winepress of my own weakness. I've been there many times. It makes me want to cry when I think about all the times I tried to quit, but he sifted me to show me I don't even need a feeling to do this, that the Word of God is powerful enough without my feelings for me to stand up and preach it." [09:52]
3. "God saw his people oppressed by the hand of Midian. He saw you oppressed by sin. He saw you oppressed by shame. You know what he has to do before God can get you out? He has to get in. He's getting in. He's getting in. You tried to keep him out. You tried to do everything you could do. You tried to push him away. You tried not answering your phone. You tried not texting the healthy people back. You texted the other people back. You tried everything you could do to love the locusts, but you know why it didn't work? Because you have a lion inside." [12:38]
4. "I am so passionate about that because if your faith does not survive the sifting, you will miss the best parts of being you. So I've been down before and thought about quit preaching. Sorry, but I have. It's hard to get the wind of the Holy Spirit to get a word to give to you when I'm in a winepress of my own weakness. I've been there many times. It makes me want to cry when I think about all the times I tried to quit, but he sifted me to show me I don't even need a feeling to do this, that the Word of God is powerful enough without my feelings for me to stand up and preach it." [09:52]
5. "Gideon is threshing wheat in a winepress. He's a warrior. Come on. We just have to stop and marvel at this. He could be a warrior in a winepress. You could be a great man trapped in a really bad habit. You could be a great woman going through a period of chronic pain followed by depression, but you could still… It'll be something, and not see it in yourself because of where you are. I don't even think I knew what that line meant when we wrote it, Chandler. I know who I am, but I can't stay where I'm at. Now I get it when I read Gideon, because the Lord says, Mighty warrior, the Lord is with you." [01:25]
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