Rising as Gideon's Remnant: Embracing Our Divine Calling
Summary
In our journey through the family series, we have explored the themes of revival and deliverance, and today we delve into the life of Gideon, a man called by God to rise above his insecurities and lead a remnant army. This message is not just another sermon; it is a clarion call to each one of us to step into our God-given destiny, to be part of the 1% who are not just called but chosen.
God is raising a remnant, a Gideon family, who are not swayed by the comforts of this world or paralyzed by fear. We are called to be warriors who respond to God's voice with unwavering faith. The story of Gideon in Judges 6 and 7 is not just a historical account; it is a blueprint for our lives today. Gideon, though he considered himself the weakest and the least, was called a mighty man of valor by God. We too must shed the labels we have placed on ourselves or accepted from others and embrace the identity God has for us.
We must be able to hear God's voice, for His sheep know His voice and follow Him. Cultivating a lifestyle of prayer, being immersed in the Word, and standing strong in faith are non-negotiables for those who wish to be part of God's end-time army. We must also confront our insecurities and feelings of insignificance, recognizing that God calls us to go in the might He has given us.
Furthermore, we must be willing to tear down the altars of false gods in our lives, just as Gideon tore down his father's altar to Baal. This may mean confronting unhealthy patterns inherited from our upbringing or societal norms that conflict with God's kingdom principles. It is a call to radical obedience and faith, even when it means standing alone.
Fear has no place in the life of a believer. As Gideon's army was sifted, those who were fearful were sent home. We too must examine our hearts and rid ourselves of fear, trusting God fully, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Our faith must be accompanied by action, for faith without works is dead. We must be ready to respond when God calls, putting our belief into practice.
Finally, God often confirms His calling and direction through prophetic revelation, as He did with Gideon through the dream of the barley loaf tumbling into the Midianite camp. The prophetic ignites faith and propels us into action. We must be attentive to the ways God speaks, whether through His written Word, the spoken word, or through dreams and visions.
Key Takeaways:
- God is assembling a remnant army, and to be part of this, we must cultivate the ability to hear His voice. This requires a disciplined life of prayer and immersion in Scripture, ensuring that we are attuned to the whispers of the Holy Spirit. [07:22]
- Our identity in Christ supersedes any feelings of inadequacy. God calls us mighty warriors, and we must embrace this truth, casting aside any self-imposed limitations or negative confessions. This shift in perspective is crucial for stepping into our divine calling. [09:34]
- Obedience to God may require us to confront and dismantle idols in our lives, even those deeply ingrained from our past. This act of spiritual warfare is necessary to purify our devotion and align ourselves with God's purposes. [16:18]
- Fear is a barrier to fulfilling our destiny. We must be willing to let go of fear, embracing the courage that comes from God. This resolve will distinguish us as true followers, ready to face any challenge in His strength. [18:34]
- Prophetic revelation is a powerful catalyst for faith. When we receive a word from the Lord, whether through Scripture, a dream, or a prophetic voice, it should propel us into confident action, knowing that God is with us and for us. [23:03]
In conclusion, the message of Gideon is not just a story from the past; it is a living, breathing call to action for us today. Let us rise up as the Gideon family, fully equipped, fearless, and ready to follow God wherever He leads.
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Judges 6:11-16
2. Judges 6:25-27
3. Judges 7:2-7
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord appeared to him, and what did the angel call him? (Judges 6:11-12)
2. How did Gideon respond to the Lord's command to save Israel from the Midianites? (Judges 6:14-15)
3. What specific action did God command Gideon to take regarding his father's altar to Baal? (Judges 6:25-27)
4. How did God reduce Gideon's army, and what was the final number of men who remained? (Judges 7:2-7)
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God chose to call Gideon a "mighty man of valor" despite Gideon's own feelings of inadequacy? (Judges 6:12) [06:48]
2. What might be the significance of Gideon tearing down his father's altar to Baal before leading Israel into battle? (Judges 6:25-27) [12:26]
3. How does the reduction of Gideon's army to 300 men demonstrate God's power and purpose? (Judges 7:2-7) [18:34]
4. In what ways does the story of Gideon illustrate the importance of hearing and obeying God's voice? [07:00]
#### Application Questions
1. Gideon had to overcome his insecurities to fulfill God's calling. What insecurities or feelings of inadequacy do you need to confront in your own life? How can you start addressing them this week? [08:10]
2. Gideon was called to tear down the altars of false gods in his life. Are there any "altars" or unhealthy patterns in your life that you need to dismantle? What steps can you take to begin this process? [12:26]
3. Fear was a disqualifier for those in Gideon's army. What fears are holding you back from fully trusting and following God? How can you begin to let go of these fears? [18:34]
4. The prophetic revelation Gideon received through the dream of the barley loaf ignited his faith. How has God spoken to you in the past, and how did it impact your faith? Are you currently attentive to the ways God might be speaking to you? [22:01]
5. Gideon had to put his faith into action by leading a small army against overwhelming odds. What is one area in your life where you need to put your faith into action? What specific steps can you take this week to do so? [21:29]
6. The story of Gideon emphasizes the importance of a disciplined life of prayer and immersion in Scripture. How can you cultivate a more disciplined spiritual life? What changes can you make to your daily routine to prioritize prayer and Bible study? [07:13]
7. Reflecting on the idea of being part of God's remnant army, what does it mean to you to be part of the 1% who are not just called but chosen? How can you live out this calling in your everyday life? [03:02]
Devotional
Day 1: Hearing God's Voice in Silence
The ability to discern the divine whisper amidst life's clamor is a spiritual discipline that requires intentionality and commitment. It begins with creating a sanctuary of silence where one can commune with God through prayer and meditation on His Word. This practice is not merely about the absence of noise but about the presence of divine attention. It is in these quiet moments that the soul becomes attuned to the subtle nudges and soft utterances of the Holy Spirit. By consistently dedicating time to be still before the Lord, believers can cultivate a sensitivity to His guidance, learning to recognize His voice above all others. This is not a passive activity but an active pursuit, engaging the heart and mind in seeking the wisdom and direction that only God can provide. [07:22]
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!" - Psalm 119:105-108 ESV
Reflection: What specific time and place can you set aside each day to cultivate the practice of listening for God's voice through prayer and Scripture?
Day 2: Embracing Our Divine Identity
The journey to embracing one's identity as a mighty warrior in Christ begins with the rejection of false self-perceptions and the labels that others may have imposed. It is a transformative process that requires believers to view themselves through the lens of God's truth rather than the distorted mirrors of past failures or societal expectations. This new identity is not based on personal strength or ability but on the power and calling of God. As individuals begin to accept and internalize the reality that they are chosen and equipped by the Almighty, they can step out in confidence to fulfill their God-given destiny. This shift in identity is not a one-time event but a daily reaffirmation of who they are in Christ, leading to a life marked by boldness and purpose. [09:34]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." - 1 Peter 2:9 ESV
Reflection: What negative labels have you accepted about yourself, and how can you begin to replace them with the truth of your identity in Christ today?
Day 3: Dismantling Idols of the Heart
True obedience to God often involves the uncomfortable task of confronting and tearing down the idols that have taken root in our hearts. These idols can be anything that we prioritize above our relationship with God, including unhealthy patterns, cultural norms, or even personal ambitions. The act of spiritual warfare against these idols is a deliberate and sometimes painful process, requiring the courage to challenge long-held beliefs and the willingness to make radical changes in one's life. It is through this purification of devotion that believers can align themselves more closely with God's purposes, experiencing a deeper intimacy with Him and a greater impact in their spheres of influence. [16:18]
"Little children, keep yourselves from idols." - 1 John 5:21 ESV
Reflection: What idols or unhealthy patterns are present in your life, and what practical steps can you take to begin dismantling them in obedience to God?
Day 4: Courage Overcoming Fear
The life of a believer is characterized by the courage that comes from an unwavering trust in God, even in the face of daunting circumstances. This courage is not a natural disposition but a supernatural endowment that enables one to stand firm when fear seeks to paralyze. It is a resolve that is cultivated through the knowledge of God's faithfulness and the remembrance of His past deliverances. As fear is cast aside, a boldness emerges that sets apart the followers of Christ, ready to take on any challenge with the assurance that God is with them. This courage is not static but grows with each act of faith, leading to a life that is a testament to the power of God's presence. [18:34]
"For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." - 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV
Reflection: In what area of your life is fear holding you back, and how can you confront it with the courage that God provides?
Day 5: Propelled by Prophetic Revelation
Prophetic revelation serves as a divine catalyst that ignites faith and propels believers into action. Whether it comes through the written Word, a spoken message, or a dream, a word from the Lord has the power to clarify calling, confirm direction, and instill confidence. It is a sacred communication that requires attentiveness and responsiveness, as it often precedes significant breakthroughs and divine interventions. When received, prophetic revelation should not be taken lightly but embraced as a precious gift that can move one from a place of hesitation to a posture of bold faith and decisive action. [23:03]
"And the Lord said to me, 'Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.'" - Habakkuk 2:2 ESV
Reflection: How can you become more attentive to God's prophetic voice in your life, and what is one step you can take to act on a recent revelation you've received?
Quotes
1) "We've got to break off that insignificance thing. It'll stop you dead in your tracks. God's looking at you and calling you a mighty man or woman of valor." [09:34] (Download | )
2) "We need to cultivate the ability to hear God's voice in our lives. Go deep in the Lord. Pray without ceasing. Be in the Word of God. Stand strong in faith." [07:22] (Download | )
3) "God will often confirm His direction through prophetic revelation. When Gideon heard the dream's interpretation, he worshiped. The prophetic ignites faith and propels us into action." [22:23] (Download | )
4) "We must be free from fear. If you're afraid to go to the next level, God's saying go home. We need to be ready to face any challenge in His strength." [18:34] (Download | )
5) "Faith always requires action. You have to take steps. A lot of people get derailed right here, but we must put action to our belief." [20:52] (Download | )
6) "We're developing here at Revival X where God is raising the 1%. This is Christianity. This is our call. This is surrender to God." [25:15] (Download | )
7) "Some of you are in a place in your life where you have to tear down your father's altar, severing unhealthy things you don't want to pass on to your kids or grandkids." [16:18] (Download | )
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