Message Details

• Sermon Series Name: Failing Forward
• Message Title: Gideon
• Short Summary: This message explores how failure is not the end of our story but a place where God can show up. Through the story of Gideon, we learn that God sees more in us than we see in ourselves, and He calls us to tear down the altars of our past to fully follow Him. In our weakness, God’s strength is made perfect, and He invites us to surrender to His plan.

Icebreaker Question

• What is one thing you loved doing as a child during the summer that you wish you could do more often now? How does that activity make you feel?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on your commitment from last week: I will confess my disobedience to God.  What was the hardest part about being open with God? did you notice any changes in how you felt or how you interacted with others?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on Gideon’s Story:
   • Gideon was called a "mighty warrior" while he was hiding in fear. How does this story challenge your understanding of how God sees you versus how you see yourself?
   • Context: Judges 6:11-16
   • Life Application: Consider an area in your life where you feel inadequate. How might God be calling you to step out in faith despite your fears?
2. Identifying Personal Altars:
   • The message discussed tearing down altars of the past. What are some "altars" in your life that compete for your trust and attention away from God?
   • Context: Judges 6:25-27
   • Life Application: Identify one practical step you can take this week to begin dismantling an altar in your life.
3. Experiencing God’s Strength in Weakness:
   • Share a time when you felt weak or outnumbered. How did you experience God’s strength in that situation?
   • Context: Judges 7:1-7, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
   • Life Application: How can you embrace your weaknesses as opportunities for God to demonstrate His power?
4. Breaking the Cycle of Failure:
   • The message highlighted the cycle of failure and how it can feel inescapable. What cycles have you experienced, and what has helped you begin to break free?
   • Context: Romans 7:15-20
   • Life Application: What is one new habit or mindset you can adopt to help you move forward?
5. Surrendering to God’s Plan:
   • Gideon’s victory was not through his own strength but through God’s plan. How can you practice surrendering your plans to God this week?
   • Context: Judges 7:19-22
   • Life Application: Identify an area of your life where you need to let go of control and trust God’s plan.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will tear down one altar.

Prayer Prompts

1. Begin by asking for any specific prayer requests from the group.
2. Pray for the courage to identify and dismantle personal altars that hinder our relationship with God.
3. Ask for God’s strength to be made perfect in our weaknesses and for the faith to surrender to His plans.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.