More Than Enough [God's Calling] Discussion Guide

Summary
This sermon explores the story of Gideon from Judges 6, focusing on how God calls ordinary people despite their doubts and fears. Jonathan examines how God sees potential in us that we may not see in ourselves, using examples of Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah who all responded to God's calling with doubt and inadequacy. The key message is that God doesn't call the equipped, but equips the called. When we express our doubts to God, His consistent response throughout Scripture is 'I will be with you.' The sermon emphasizes that God's calling requires action and obedience to the next step, even when we can't see the full picture. Like Gideon who was hiding in fear but was called a 'mighty hero' by God, we must trust that God's calling in our lives is more than enough to overcome our limitations and perceived inadequacies.

Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with grateful hearts, knowing that You have a unique purpose and calling for each of us. As we gather together to study Your Word and learn from the story of Gideon, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be honest about our doubts and fears, knowing that You understand them completely. Lord, we pray that You would speak to us through this discussion and show us how Your calling in our lives is more than enough. Give us ears to hear Your voice and the faith to respond to whatever You are asking of us. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker
What's one skill or talent you have that you initially thought you weren't good at, but others saw potential in you before you saw it in yourself?

Key Verses

• Exodus 3:11-12
• Judges 6:12
• Judges 6:14-16
• Jeremiah 1:6-8

Questions

• When the angel called Gideon a 'mighty hero' while he was hiding in fear, what does this teach us about how God sees us versus how we see ourselves?
• Moses, Gideon, and Jeremiah all responded to God's calling with doubts about their abilities. How does God's consistent response of 'I will be with you' encourage you in your own doubts?
• Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide from the Midianites. What are some 'winepresses' (places of fear or hiding) in your own life where God might be calling you to step out in faith?
• Before fighting the Midianites, God first asked Gideon to tear down the idol altars in his hometown. What 'next step' might God be asking you to take before moving to bigger things?
• The sermon mentioned that 'God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.' How have you seen this principle play out in your own life or in the lives of others?
• Gideon asked for a sign to confirm God's calling. When have you asked God for confirmation about something He was asking you to do? How did He respond?
• What fears or feelings of inadequacy are currently holding you back from fully embracing what you believe God is calling you to do?
• How can we distinguish between healthy humility about our abilities and paralyzing self-doubt that prevents us from obeying God's call?

Life Application
This week, identify one area where you feel God might be calling you to take a step of faith, but you've been held back by doubt or fear. Spend time in prayer asking God to show you the 'next step' He wants you to take, and commit to taking that step in obedience, trusting that He will be with you. Write down any doubts or fears you have about this step and bring them to God in prayer, listening for His reassurance that He will be with you.

Key Takeaways

• God sees potential in us that we may not see in ourselves - He called Gideon a 'mighty hero' while he was hiding in fear
• God understands our doubts and fears, and His consistent response throughout Scripture is 'I will be with you'
• God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called - our adequacy comes from Him, not from our own abilities
• Answering God's call requires taking action on the next step He shows us, even when we can't see the full picture
• God's calling in our lives is more than enough to overcome our limitations, past failures, and present circumstances

Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and for the encouragement we've found in Gideon's story. We're grateful that You don't look at our doubts and fears and disqualify us, but instead You meet us with the promise that You will be with us. Help us to trust in Your calling on our lives, even when we feel inadequate or afraid. Give us the courage to take the next steps You're asking us to take, knowing that Your power is made perfect in our weakness. May we leave here today with renewed confidence that Your calling in our lives is more than enough. We love You and thank You for Your faithfulness to us. In Your precious name Jesus, we pray. Amen.