Lean In // 5 minutes
Who have been some “unknown” heroes in your life?
Leader note: We all have people that have positively impacted our lives but are mostly “unknown” to the outside world. Listed below are some suggestions but be ready to jump in and lead the Lean In question with examples of your own. This opening question is designed to engage the whole group and create energy.
Sample answers may include…
- Teacher
- Coach
- Mentor
- Co-worker
- Neighbor
- Youth Worker
Look Down // 15 minutes
What do you learn about Jephthah and the elders of Gilead?
Sample answers may include…
Jephthah
- He is a mighty warrior (v. 1) and a leader (v. 3)
- Born into brokenness: His father was Gilead; his mother was a prostitute (v. 1)
- Rejected: …they drove Jephthah away…because [he] was the son of another woman. (v. 2)
- God is with him (v. 29)
- Jephthah attempts to secure victory through a rash vow (vv. 30-31)
Elders of Gilead
- They are in trouble and need a commander to lead the fight (v. 6-7)
- The elders represent the people that rejected Jephthah (v. 7)
- In desperation, they turn to Jephthah to lead them (v. 8)
Commentary: In Judges 10, we learn of the context for Israel’s situation and the need for Jephthah. Israel had rejected The Lord and began serving other gods (Judges 10:6). As a result, they were crushed and oppressed by their enemies. Out of desperation, the Israelites cry out to the Lord, looking for a deliverer. Help your group to see how the story of Jephthah is an embodiment of Israel’s story. Israel rejected God but then turn to Him out of desperation, just like they did with Jephthah. If you have time, it may be helpful to read Judges 10:6-17 along with Judges 11:1-8 to see the parallels. Also, in Judges 11:29-35, we learn about a vow that Jephthah makes with The Lord in an attempt to secure the victory. It is not clear if the vow meant that he would sacrifice his daughter or dedicate her for a life of service. The thing that becomes clear is the incredible cost of Jephthah’s decision.
Look Out // 10 minutes
When do people turn to God?
What are some of the “deals” people attempt to make with God?
Sample answers may include…
- If God bless me financially, then I’ll…
- If God takes care of this problem, then I’ll…
- If God brings me a spouse, then I’ll…
- If God fixes this relationship, then I’ll…
Look In // 20 minutes
Where are you attempting to negotiate a deal with God?
What might it look like to simply turn to Him with no strings attached?
Leader note: We are often unaware of the expectations we bring into a relationship with God. And, although it is very human to do so, they can potentially become damaging when or if the “deal” or expectation goes unmet. As your group wades into the question, help them to identify some of these possible “deals” or expectations and invite them to imagine what it might look like to simply trust God regardless of the outcome.
Live It Out // 5 minutes
What if we let go of the conditions and simply received God’s gift of relationship? What will it speak to those around us?
Leader Note: Listed below is a Key Verse and Key Thought that is designed to help your group have one simple takeaway from the discussion. Encourage the group to possibly memorize the verse and discuss how it impacted them at the next life group gathering. Also, discuss with your group a possible action item to do or experience, in the week ahead, that might help reinforce what you have learned.
Key Verse: “Nevertheless, we are turning to you now…” –Judges 11:8a
Key Thought: Victory is given, not negotiated
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Learn More About Flow Questions: Check out Kenton Beshore’s book Ask in the Irvine Campus Bookstore for more on the Flow Question model.