Irmela

Q4. (Judges 8:4-17) Why do the cities of Succoth and Peniel refuse aid to Gideon's army? The reply they give sounds almost cocky. Almost as if they doubted that the kings they were pursuing would be caught by them. It is a strange answer though. These men were faint from hunger, whether they would catch up with the fleeing army or not. They just needed some fortification. The people from Succoth and Peniel were fellow Israelites and it was almost like their God-given duty to help Gideon's army. By not doing this, they showed that they were siding with the enemy. Why does Gideon punish these cities later? If he had not punished them , it was like leaving a bit of poison to eventually add up and poison more and more people surrounding them. They were actually like traitors, these even today, get eliminated. What is their sin? Their sin was that they did not assist their covenant brethren who had been chosen by God to be in that group. Many had been sent home. Is Gideon just? In a way I guess he didn't have much option. If they got away with it. Others would try the same. Where was loyalty? Can you think of a circumstance when a Christian might be guilty of the sin of Succoth and Peniel? When we do not trust God, or the people who say they have been chosen by God to fulfill a certain task and do not assist them financially, when we maybe could have. I think we need to follow the Holy Spirit's leading. It is when we are disobedient to Him then we are guilty.

Q3. (Judges 8:10-12) Why must Gideon vanquish the Midianite force of 15,000 men in Karkor? To complete what he had set out to do, to vanquish the Midianite marauders who kept plaguing them. If he left them they would just get others to join forces and in this way form a stronger foe than before. What danger do we face when we deal with problems only half-way? When leaving problems half-solved they are not solved at all. In fact mostly they become more difficult to deal with later. Just like sin, be it pride, or whatever, in ones life, deal with it when you recognize it and are prompted by the Holy Spirit to do so. It just becomes harder to deal with the longer you wait. Just as in the garden when dealing with weeds. It does not help chopping the top off and leaving the root behind. They will just grow again and be more difficult to pull out the next time you try. regarding your health. When fighting a disease you might be given some antibiotics. Strict instructions FINISH THE COURSE. The reason for that is, is because if you don't the disease in your body is not completely overpowered and can "mutate" and become stronger. Next time the antibiotics are of no use. So if you do not deal with the problem completely and erase it, it will remain there as a problem and only get bigger.

Q2. (Judges 7:24-8:3) What does Gideon ask the Ephraimites to do? To stop the enemy from crossing the intervening fords and also the Jordan. In this way stopping their escape routes. Basically finishing off the enemy that had escaped the original battlefield and who were trying to escape and possibly join up again with others and continue to destroy their crops etc. and impoverishing the land. Why are they so angry? The Ephraimites are angry that they seem to have been overlooked and had not been called to join in in the main battle. What do you learn from Gideon's approach to the Ephraimites' arrogance? Gideon remained humble in his answer. He did not blow his own proverbial trumpet but instead pointed out the fact that they had "caught the bigger fish", so to say. Humility of conduct is the . . . surest method of ending strife

Q1. (Judges 7:16-22) Why does Gideon divide his army into three companies? When the men are divided in three companies they give the impression of a very much larger group. If it was all just from one side they would be easily overcome , when from three sides it is difficult to decide where the people actually are and which ones to go for to attack. It sure gives the impression that the attack is from all sides and no knowing how big the enemy army actually is. What is the strategy with the trumpets, the empty jars, and the torches? The blast from one trumpet is already loud. From 300 trumpets it is deafening. That would bring fear and total confusion as to deciding from which direction the blast came. Also that would bring questions to mind as to the size of the army. If the trumpet blowers are so many to create that kind of noise how many other soldiers are there? They definitely did not suspect only trumpet blowers. A huge army was envisioned. The jars were first used to hide the torches until the right time came for the light to be exposed, surrounding the enemy camp. Then the jars were broken to create a loud noise yet again confusing the enemy into thinking that it was a huge group. The noise from all sides and the lights held high sure had the desired effect on the Midianites. It induced fear and panic and in that frame of mind brought about chaos par excellence. Why did this strategy work? This strategy worked because it was God's plan and Gideon was careful to follow His direction completely. It pays to be obedient.

Q6. (Judges 7:13-14) What does the rolling barley loaf mean in the Midianite's dream? Why does the Lord show Gideon this dream? The rolling barley loaf is Gideon's sword. This dream and the interpretation given, is shown to Gideon to encourage him, just before the battle

Q5. (Judges 7:5-6) What significance, if any, do you see in selecting the "lappers" from the "kneelers"? I understand that one is more alert of the surroundings and immediately at the ready to move when needing to. I do feel that God allows us free choice. This was His way of selecting the fewer men with which He would continue His operation against the enemy.

Q4. Why do we demand that God's directions make sense to us before we'll follow them? What's the spiritual danger here? We're afraid of being -- or being perceived as -- religious kooks. How can we balance blind obedience with getting confirmation through spiritual people whose discernment we trust? I don't think we always do that intentionally. If we do I guess it is because we do not see the full picture. The danger is that we then partly follow His directions and then go off on a tangent that reads "I think this way . . ." There is no longer certainty and we no longer walk by faith. Big doubts have clouded our visions. I do believe that it is good to share with people we trust and to pray together for peace and clear guidance before venturing forth.

Q3. (Judges 7:1-3) 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? If it was a small band then one can know for definite that it was not by man's strength. There would be no doubting the fact that it was God Who intervened and won the victory. What kinds of pressures would Gideon be feeling not to obey God in shrinking his army? He would put his army and country in jeopardy if they failed in conquering the enemy. They would be overrun. If they did win, then they could become proud and feel it was their doing. They would leave God out. How was Gideon able to obey God fully in this? His humility before God, helps him to be obedient,

Q2. (Judges 6:36-39) Why does Gideon put out a fleece before the Lord -- twice? He just wanted to make doubly sure, so he asked for it to be wet and then for it to be dry, so it was turned around and no way would it be by chance then. He knew God could deliver them, but was overwhelmed by the fact that it could possibly be by his hand. Is this a sign of unbelief or of belief? I don't think either, I think he wanted reassurance. Does this constitute "testing" God? 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. How does it differ from the sinful testings of God the scripture warns against? This was not manipulating and demanding. It was humbly going before the Lord, and not wanting to anger the Lord. The request was in order to establish his faith, whereas sinful testing of God is to get God to do miracles. When, if ever, should we ask God to confirm his direction with a sign? Not demanding or manipulating, just to be absolutely certain of God's direction. What is the danger of demanding a sign?

Q1. (Judges 6:33-35) What inspires Gideon to blow the battle horn and summon an army against the Midianites? The enemy tribes had encamped in the Valley of Jezreel . Joel, Gideon's father had stood for him and said if baal was really a god, then he would stand up for himself. This must have been a great encouragement to Gideon, knowing he had his father and his clan's backing. Most important of all, the Spirit of the Lord clothed Gideon with Himself and took possession of him What does Gideon have in common with other judges and leaders of his era? Deuteronomy 34:9 : And Joshua was full of the Spirit of Wisdom . . . and the Israelites listened to him. Judges 3:10 : The Spirit of the Lord came upon Othniel, the son of Kenaz . . . and he went to war, and the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim . . . into his hand. Judges 13:25 : And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him (Samson) at times in Mahaneh-dan Judges 14:6 : And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him . . . Judges 14:19 : And the Spirit of the Lord came upon Samson . . . Judges 15:14 : . . . and the Spirit of the Lord came mightily upon him . . .

Q5. (Judges 6:25-31) What kind of leader has Gideon's father Joash been up to this point? Joash has definately up to this point, not chosen to take a stand of serving God only. He was doing what pleased the masses. So his leadership left much to be desired. How does Gideon's action affect his father? It gave him a wake-up call. It made him think and make an important decision. He came to the realization that Baal was no god. They had followed a false teaching in 'serving' Baal. It was futile. Shouldn't Gideon have considered the impact on his father? That was now in God's Hands and the outcome proved that Joash did realize that baal-worship was futile. How should this have affected Gideon's action? (See Matthew 10:34-38) As Gideon was now doing what God told him to, I guess he would have continued with his clean-up operations anyway. In what sense is Joash a follower of Yahweh now? He too has realized the falseness of serving something that has no life. It is meaningless and serves no purpose. He too now stands and is a follower of Yahweh.

Q4. (Judges 6:25-27) What is the strategic significance of God's command for Gideon to tear down the Baal altar and Asherah pole? The root cause of Israel's problem was -- Baal worship. Gideon needed to be brave enough and trust God enough to tear down the Baal altar and the Asherah pole. He had to be prepared to pull the sin out by the roots as it were. What positive thing is he to erect in their place? He is to erect an altar unto the Lord. He called it the Lord is Peace. What risks are involved in this action? Firstly his father could turn against him and the people of the community could kill him for his actions. Why does Gideon do this at night? He was afraid of his father's household and the men of the city. Is this night mission a sign of weakness or of faith? Somehow I don't think it was a sign of weakness. I think it was almost wiser to do it at night, in this way they would not stop him from completing his mission. He could concentrate on fulfilling what God had ordered him to do. He was scared. Now the deed would only be seen as done when it was completed, and could not be reversed.

Q3. (Judges 6:12-16) How did God see Gideon? How did Gideon see himself? Whose self-perception is most accurate? How can our own self-perception prevent us from becoming what God has made us to be? What is God's answer to Gideon's self-image? What might be an appropriate prayer to pray in light of what God has taught you from this passage? God saw the Gideon that could be, (a mighty warrior) not the Gideon that was there now. Now he was brave, in that he was threshing the wheat. A coward in that he was doing it at the bottom of the hill and not on top of the hill, which was the appropriate place. Gideon, at this time and place had an inferiority complex, and was very skeptical. He saw himself belonging to the poorest family in Manasseh, and also as being the least in his father's house. God's is accurate because He sees far deeper than what we do. ( When we perceive that we are nothing then He can use us without us opposing Him because we think we know better. ) If we rely on what we see and feel we will never get started on anything. We will never take that step in faith. Go in this thy might . . . have I not sent thee. Gideon's strength was that God had sent him. Lord whatever and wherever You send me, may I be aware that I am able because Thou hast sent me. Without Thee I can do nothing. In and with Thee I am able. In Jesus Name I pray. Amen 1 Cor 1:28 & 29 . . . things that are despised, God has chosen . . .

Q2. (Judges 6:13) In what way does Gideon blame God for his troubles in verse 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 has learnt that in the past, the God Whom the Israelites were supposed to serve, had performed mighty deeds in the time of Moses, when He led them out of Egypt etc. They, of the present generation had not seen this. He is stating a fact that he was unsure of. It is as if he wants to believe but has no proof that it is so. He wants to believe that God is with them but he cannot see that it is so. Here he is threshing wheat at the bottom of the hill instead of at the top of the hill. If he does go to the top of the hill the present oppressors are bound to see him and become aware of what he is doing. I understand from this passage that Gideon expected God to continue delivering the people from their oppressors, so he seemed to blame God for the trouble the nation was in. No, it is not really accurate. Gideon too was not only worshiping the True God. There was also an image which needed to come down. We do not look at the broader picture. We do not see what has led up to that point. We tend to focus on the present, meanwhile deeds performed or a lifestyle has led us to the present state we are in. We need to repent .

Q1. (Judges 6:7-10) According to the prophet, what is the reason for Israel's oppressed state? They did not obey God, Who told them that He was the Lord their God Who had delivered them out of the hand of their oppressors. He told them not to fear the gods of the Amorites, not to worship them. What commandment did they break? You shall have no other god before or beside Me. In what way hadn't they "listened"? They practiced syncreticism in that they feared the gods of the peoples of the land also. It was no longer pure worship of Yahweh. In what way does this same sin affect Christians today? In many ways we function in "fear' of not having or being the same as the next one. Or what will the next one say about my lifestyle etc. It is like we are making man a god instead of being in awe of God alone and worshiping Him alone.

Q38. (1 Peter 5:5-6) Why is prideful living incompatible with showing grace? Why do you think God opposes the proud? What does humility have to do with repentance to enable us to receive God's grace? How does pride prevent us from showing grace? A person that is proud is full of his own importance. In that state you think so highly of yourself that to accept a gift, would almost be beyond your capabilities or contrary to your nature. That would be why it would not be part of the proud person's nature to be able to show grace. To maybe give what is owed , yes but not easily to give graciously to the one not deserving the favour. It does not fit together. The two natures clash. When we have done wrong, we are usually flooded with guilt. It usually seems like one is drowning in it. To repent means to acknowledge without a shadow of a doubt that your actions were wrong and forgiveness is needed. A proud person will not easy acknowledge that. It is only in humility that we can accept God's forgiveness and acknowledge His grace in Him granting forgiveness.

Q37. (2 Corinthians 9:6-9; 8:9; Luke 6:37-38) Is it possible to be grace-filled and stingy at the same time? No Why is this so? Grace is giving unreservedly and getting undeservedly. What is the relationship between forgiving and giving generously? Forgiving someone is taking away the wrong that was done and making as if it did not happen. Like wiping the slate clean. It is an action that is not deserved to be taken away. Yet because of grace together with mercy forgiveness is metered out. Giving generously is also giving what is not deserved. As soon as it is deserved, it is payment and no longer grace. I am reminded of the song penned by Annie Johnson Flint. He Giveth More Grace The chorus is: His love has no limit, His grace has no measure, His pow'r has no boundary known unto men; For out of His infinite riches in Jesus, He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.

Q36. (Colossians 4:5-6; 1 Peter 3:8-9, 15; Ephesians 4:29-32) What would be the characteristics of a conversation with an unbeliever that might be termed "full of grace"? What guidelines should rule our ways of speaking? How can we avoid the bad examples set for us by leaders of our culture and our world? The conversation must be such that no offense is felt or taken because of the words used. Use words that build up rather than break down, gracious words. Let your speech be open and friendly and not defensive , hard and condescending. We should be gentle and respectful in the way we speak to others, irrespective of what they deserve. Avoid replying to every criticism with an insult. "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." (1 Peter 3:9)

Q35. (Luke 6:27-36; Romans 12:12-21) What is the difference between ethical behavior and grace? What is so radical about Jesus’ teaching about loving one’s enemies? What illustrations does He use of this outrageous grace? In plain English one can say that ethical behaviour is moral or good behaviour. Almost like saying the normal expected good behaviour. Whereas GRACE is unmerited favour shown to someone or received. Something good that is not deserved. Doing something good for someone that is out of the ordinary and not deserved by that person is grace. Radical grace towards your worst enemies would be reacting to them in a way they did not deserve. Reacting towards them in such a way which their behaviour did not warrant. It stands out in contrast to what is expected. One of the illustrations is that if the enemy strikes you on the cheek to offer him the other cheek also. Don't strike back at your enemy. Don't give him a taste of his own medicine but rather let God handle the deeper part of the situation in His way and in His time. Pray for your enemy. Show favour to your enemy. Do good to him.

Q34. (1 Corinthians 15:10) How does your openness to God's grace define your persona, who you actually are? How does your willingness to dispense God's grace to others mold you into who God has designed you to be? If I, as Paul and others, allow the Holy Spirit full reign in my life, He, by His grace molds and makes me into who He wants me to be , to be used effectively where He has placed me. As His grace is then poured into my life , that same grace will then be used to reach others. To work with them. To serve them. In doing so I become more and more who God has designed me to be.

Q33. Why are God's gifts of grace an immensely greater blessing to those who attend church and are a functioning part of a congregation? How can isolating yourself from the Christian community involve selfishness and fear? How can it impoverish you? God gives so we can in turn give. He did not make us to isolate ourselves from the human race. We are exhorted in the Word not to neglect the gathering together of the saints. This is for a reason. When we are a functioning part of a body of believers, then the caring nature that God has bestowed on us can function in the form He has gifted us with. Be it in serving, teaching, pastoring, nursing, encouraging, sharing etc. When we are isolated , we become me-thinkers (ego), no longer seeing the need in the community. Fear of crowds sets in, and in fact a fear of not being able to cope in a normal everyday situation. I guess if one is not careful one can become selfish or begin having lonesome pity-parties.

Q32. (1 Peter 4:10) We are stewards of God's grace. What are the responsibilities of a steward or trustee? In what way do we act as trustees of what belongs to God? In what way are spiritual gifts or the message of the gospel part of this trust we have been given? The steward or trustee needs to manage what has been entrusted to them, fairly and responsibly, so that the work entrusted to them can be accomplished. We are to use it to draw others and encourage others as He guides us on a moment by moment basis. In the Great Commission, Christ sent us into all the world to share the Gospel, to make disciples of all nations.

Q31. (Ephesians 4:7; Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-6) Why is there such a close relationship between "grace" (charis) and "gifts" (charisma)? What is the chief characteristic of a generous person? In what ways do spiritual gifts channel God's grace? Grace is an undeserved gift . A generous person will practice just that. Undeserved favour on the recipient. Spiritual gifts are not there to be hoarded by the person with that gift, but to be shared, to be used with or among the believers, the "church", in this way God's grace is distributed. For we are not all given the same gifts. But all the gifts are distributed so nothing is lacking in the body of believers.

Q30. (2 Corinthians 12:9) Why does God's power flourish best when we feel weak? If God's grace is "sufficient," what is it sufficient to do or accomplish in or through us? What are the practical limits of the sufficiency of grace? When we are weak we know without a shadow of a doubt that whatever is accomplished is definitely not through us. When we are weak we cannot do much in our own strength and God's power takes over and accomplishes what is needed. When we still can do things it is easy to give the credit where it does not belong. It is when there is humanly speaking an impossible situation, then God's grace can accomplish what He wants in and through us. There are no limits to what God can do. We must just let go and let God.

Q29. (2 Corinthians 12:7) Why do we often feel so weak in times of sickness or affliction? Why are we tempted to stop ministering to others when we are struggling? It is easy to look on self in such time and presume that the reason for the malady/infirmity/sickness, be it whatever, is because of sin and being counted unworthy to be a vessel to be used by the Master. We come to the conclusion, who are we? But it is "who are we?" For it is not to us or on us others should look, for we are just a vessel, it is Christ using us. Christ knows our human frame and I just marvel again and again how and who He uses. For when I am weak, then I am strong, for Christ in me is reflected so much more.