The text for this lesson is Judges 6:11–7:25
Key Point
- Christ, the light of the world, overcomes the darkness of sin and death, just as God overcame Israel’s enemy while the light streamed from the lamps of Gideon’s men.
- Law: Because of sin, I love the works of darkness, and I think darkness can hide my sin.
- Gospel: Christ, the light of the world, exposes and overcomes sin and grants me life and salvation through the cross.
Discussion Points
- Can you recall a time when you were surrounded by darkness that was either unexpected or complete? How did you react?
- In Judges 6:1–6, the Israelites are living in dark times, literally and spiritually. How does God chastise Israel for doing evil? What effect does this have?
- Read Judges 6:11–24. How does the Angel of the Lord describe Gideon compared to Gideon’s description of himself?
- Read Judges 6:25–32. Gideon has tested God, asking for a sign. What is God’s first mission for Gideon? What does the people’s response tell us about the state of Israel’s faith? How do the words of Gideon’s father set up the rest of the story?
- Read Judges 6:33–7:18. What is God teaching Gideon through everything that happens in these verses? How does Gideon respond?
- Read Judges 7:19–25. What part did Gideon and Israel’s soldiers play in this victory? How did God intervene?
- God defeated the Midianites, using only a loud sound and a flash of light in the darkness. How did the darkness contribute to the Midianites’ defeat? How does sin affect us the same way?
- In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” How does Jesus conquer the darkness of sin? Read John 12:35–36. What does it mean to be “sons of light”?
