Step 1 of 2: Read the Following Outline
We encourage you to take your time and read all scripture references starting with Judges 6-7 in order to get the most out of this self-guided study.
"Follow the Follower"
A Self-Guided Study from Judges 6-7 on the Subject of Leadership from the Life of GideonIntroduction: The Cry – When Leadership Is Born in Desperation (Judges 6:6-10)
“And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites; and the children of Israel cried unto the LORD.” – Judges 6:6
Leadership in God’s Kingdom often emerges in times of crisis. Israel was under oppression, overwhelmed and hiding in fear. But out of that cry, God raised a follower—not a celebrity, not a commander—but someone humble enough to obey. Before Gideon ever led men, he listened to God. And that made all the difference. The cry of the people became the catalyst for the calling of a leader.
You are the answer to someone’s prayer. It’s time to follow God’s voice!
Point 1: The Call – Responding to God’s Assignment (Judges 6:11-16)
“Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel… have not I sent thee?” – Judges 6:14
Gideon wasn’t looking to lead—he was threshing wheat in secret. But God called him by a name he didn’t yet believe: “mighty man of valour.” His calling wasn’t based on confidence but on covenant. Leadership begins when you accept the assignment God has for you, even when you don’t feel ready. You can't lead others until you're led by the One who called you.
Point 2: The Cleansing – Removing What Competes with God (Judges 6:25-27)
“Take thy father's young bullock… and throw down the altar of Baal… and build an altar unto the LORD thy God…” – Judges 6:25-26
Before Gideon could lead the nation, he had to clean house. God demanded that the idols be torn down—starting in Gideon’s own backyard. That act of obedience, though done at night, showed that Gideon feared God more than man. Real leaders confront compromise—starting with their own circle. You can’t fight the enemy out there until you deal with the enemy in here.
You should tear down anything that competes with God in your life!
Point 3: The Confirmation – Trusting God’s Process (Judges 6:36-40)
“If thou wilt save Israel by mine hand, as thou hast said…” – Judges 6:36
Gideon asked for a sign—not out of rebellion, but out of a desire to get it right. God honored his request, confirming His word through the fleece. This shows us something important: even leaders need assurance. God isn't offended when we seek clarity—He honors a heart that wants to follow well. Leaders who follow God closely ask for direction often.
“Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.” – Psalm 51:11
Conclusion: The Conquering – Walking in Obedience and Victory (Judges 7:1-22)
“And the LORD said… By the three hundred men that lapped will I save you…” – Judges 7:7
With only 300 men, Gideon led Israel to victory—not through strategy, but by surrender. The victory was God’s, and Gideon was simply the vessel. That’s what makes him a leader worth following: he never stopped following God. He didn’t chase fame—he chased obedience. And because he followed the Lord, others could follow him safely. When we follow the Caller, we walk in victory—not because of who we are, but because of who He is.
“Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 11:1
