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Sermon Discussion Guide - 07/06/2025
Published July 6, 2025
note to self - seeing what god sees:
Distorted Reflections
Sermon Recap
In this sermon, Dallas explores how our internal narratives often reflect lies more than God's truth. Using the story of Gideon from Judges 6, we’re reminded that God sees potential in us that we may not recognize in ourselves. Rather than define ourselves by weakness or fear, we’re called to trust God’s perspective. He calls us mighty warriors, even when we feel unqualified. The presence of God gives us courage to rewrite the distorted stories we've believed and to step into the identity He speaks over us.
Ice Breakers
- What kind of mirror (or camera filter) made you laugh the most at your own face?
- If you could instantly master any musical instrument, which would it be and why?
- What’s a silly label someone gave you as a kid that stuck (accurate or not)?
Discussion Questions
1. What distorted reflections are you rehearsing in your life?
- Context: Gideon repeated lies about his identity - calling himself weak and insignificant - despite God declaring him a mighty warrior (Judges 6:11–15).
- Application: What negative internal narratives have you repeated about yourself? Where might they have originated?
2. How does God's view of you differ from your own?
- Context: God greeted Gideon as a “mighty man of valor” while Gideon was hiding in fear. God often names us according to our future potential, not our current mindset.
- Application: If God gave you a new title today, what do you think it would be? Would you believe it?
3. Where are you hiding from something God is calling you to face?
- Context: Gideon was threshing wheat in a pit to avoid the Midianites. His circumstances and fear kept him hidden, even though God had a calling for him.
- Application: What fear or doubt is keeping you in hiding? What would it look like to step out of that place?
4. How can the presence of God give you courage right now?
- Context: God doesn’t answer all of Gideon’s "why" questions. Instead, He promises, “I will be with you” (Judges 6:16).
- Application: What is one area of your life where you need to trust that God is with you, even if you don’t have all the answers?
5. How can we help each other see what God sees?
- Context: The sermon ended with a challenge to speak life-giving identity over others, the way a coach or mentor might.
- Application: Who in your life needs encouragement right now? What truth can you speak over them to help them walk into their God-given potential?
Prayer
- Pray for hearts to release distorted lies and embrace God’s truth
- Ask for courage to step out of hiding and into God’s calling
- Thank God for His faithful presence and for seeing more in us than we see in ourselves
- Invite the group to lift up personal and community needs
Leader Tip
Sometimes, the most transformative thing in a small group isn't a deep theological insight - it's when someone hears truth about themselves for the first time. Encourage group members to speak encouragement and identity into one another this week. A well-timed, Spirit-led affirmation might be exactly what someone needs to come out of their “winepress.” Speak boldly, kindly, and with faith in what God sees.