Bible Study Review: Five things you can expect from Priscilla Shirer's Gideon Study
Although logical the concept of church life groups was foreign to me before I moved to California to start my career. When I was introduced to it, I still didn’t begin participating until a couple years later when I moved again, but this time instead of across the country just an hour away to a nearby city. Already a newcomer to the state, moving to a new city felt like starting over again- again! I wanted to meet new people to spend quality time and “do life” with. After going through a process of commuting back to my former city for church on Sundays, then “church hopping” at local houses of worship, I made Mariners Church in Irvine my home and eventually joined Rooted, a ten week program that allows people of all stages of their Christian journey to learn and explore what it means to be a Christian and how to live it out. After graduating most of the women that were a part of my cohort continued our journey as a life group. Several months later, we began a study by Priscilla Shirer covering the book of Judges.
Gideon, Your weakness. God’s Strength. packs a lot into 192 pages cover-to-cover guiding readers through faith, history, self-reflection, group discussion and much more. The study will take you through a transformative experience with God, Gideon, Priscilla and those who do it with you. Structured similar to a devotional, the study outlines the weekly sessions within five days, giving you two days to reflect further and begin to put what you learned into action.
You can expect to
dive deep into bible history (maps and timelines included)
engage through activities, charts, multiple-choice questions and more for yourself and your group
reflect on the Word of God (in thought and scripture) and how it’s applied in your daily walk with Christ
connect with Priscilla through vivid stories of her life and experiences
and be moved by her many words of wisdom and tactics to put what you learn into action.
Although the study was designed to be completed with supplemental videos for each of the seven-week sessions, the video component is not required. The book also includes a leader guide and answers to questions posed within the video that can still be covered without it. Our group opted out of using the video component, but everyone enjoyed the study and didn’t feel like it was a deal-breaker. I’m sure it would’ve made it even better. The written study can be complete in six sessions, while the video adds a bonus.
The study is also written for women and while it would be just as useful for men, it is written as a conversation and addresses readers as sisters (and friends) throughout.
If you’re ready to dive into the story of Gideon and discover how God’s strength is used in your weakness, the study is available through LifeWay, Amazon, PrisicllaShirer.com and other major retailers at $15. Before you order or purchase and dive in here are a few reminders from Priscilla inked on the pages in her words.
Dealing with yourself takes courage.
To be aware of God’s purpose you must first be aware of his presence.
Commitment is not always in stride with convenience.
Good intentions are not enough- not enough to honor God, not enough to sustain your spiritual growth, not enough to keep your spiritual legacy intact for generations to come. We can choose to convert our good intentions into obedient actions.
God’s loyalty doesn’t equal God’s approval.
Retrieving and walking in the daily power you’ve been given is a daily requirement for victorious Christian living.
Your resources are in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
He specifically and uniquely fitted your keys to open divine doors.
Wherever you are now is where you are meant to serve now.
Your greatest impact will be done in the ordinary rhythms of your daily living.
Gideon was the first structured study our group did together outside of guided sermon series from our pastors. It was a great guide that enhanced our quality time together after intimate time with God through the story and lessons from Gideon, Priscilla and our own personal experiences. It’s a study that I would highly recommend, and I’m grateful for Priscilla and all that she put into it.
If you’re looking for a new study for your small group, give Gideon or any of her other studies a try. Have you been or are you currently a member of a life group? What has been your favorite study? Share in the comments below.
Hugs & Handshakes,
Jasmine C. Tate