Leading God’s People God’s Way Lesson 16 – The Law of Acceptance

The Law of Acceptance People accept the leader, then the vision Joshua 1: Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. 16 Then they answered Joshua, "Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. 17 Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses.

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)The Law of Acceptance says that people accept the leader first and then his vision. While vision is important, who you are as a leader is more important. Do you spend more time working on your vision, or on your character? b)Joshua’s life illustrates the Law of Acceptance. His vision never changed, but he did grow as a leader. What are you doing to grow as a leader so that people will accept you, and your vision?

Our Story in History Deborah becomes a judge and delivers Israel c BC Deborah dies. c BC Gideon defeats the Midianites with 300 men c BC JoshuaDavid c. = circa (about) 1200 Gideon Gideon dies after judging Israel for 40 years c BC

Scriptures to Read Judges 6:1-40 Judges 6:1-40 Judges 7:1-25 Judges 7:1-25

Spring of Harod Kishon River Ophrah Jezreel Valley Mt. Tabor Sea of Galilee Dead Sea Jordan River The Midianites and Others Oppress Israel Mt. Gilboa Succoth Peniel Karkor Mt. Ebal Mt. Gerizim Shechem Amalekites Midianites Other Eastern Peoples The Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern people were oppressing Israel. The Midianites especially impoverished the Israelites so that they called out to the Lord for help.

Spring of Harod Kishon River Ophrah Jezreel Valley Mt. Tabor Sea of Galilee Dead Sea Jordan River The Lord Appears to Gideon Mt. Gilboa Succoth Peniel Karkor Mt. Ebal Mt. Gerizim Shechem Amalekites Midianites Other Eastern Peoples Gideon was from the town of Ophrah. One day the Lord appeared to him and told him to go out and save Israel.

Spring of Harod Kishon River Ophrah Jezreel Valley Mt. Tabor Sea of Galilee Dead Sea Jordan River Gideon Calls Israel to Fight the Midianites Mt. Gilboa Succoth Peniel Karkor Mt. Ebal Mt. Gerizim Shechem Amalekites Midianites Other Eastern Peoples The Midianites, Amalekites and other Eastern Peoples joined forces and set up camp in the Jezreel Valley. Gideon blew a trumpet to summon the men from Manasseh, Asher, Naphtali and Zebulun. Naphtali Manasseh Zebulun Asher

Spring of Harod Kishon River Ophrah Jezreel Valley Mt. Tabor Sea of Galilee Dead Sea Jordan River Gideon Defeats the Midianites Mt. Gilboa Succoth Peniel Karkor Mt. Ebal Mt. Gerizim Shechem Amalekites Midianites Other Eastern Peoples Naphtali Manasseh Zebulun Asher Gideon and all his men camped at the Spring of Harod. The Midianites were to the north. God told Gideon he had too many men. The Lord reduced the number of Gideon's men to 300. The rest were all sent home.

Spring of Harod Kishon River Ophrah Jezreel Valley Mt. Tabor Sea of Galilee Dead Sea Jordan River Gideon Defeats the Midianites Mt. Gilboa Succoth Peniel Karkor Mt. Ebal Mt. Gerizim Shechem Amalekites Midianites Other Eastern Peoples Naphtali Manasseh Zebulun Asher God told Gideon to attack the Midianite camp in the middle of the night. Gideon and his servant went close to the camp and overheard to men talking about a dream they had that Gideon was going to destroy the Midianite camp.

Spring of Harod Kishon River Ophrah Jezreel Valley Mt. Tabor Sea of Galilee Dead Sea Jordan River Gideon Defeats the Midianites Mt. Gilboa Succoth Peniel Karkor Mt. Ebal Mt. Gerizim Shechem Amalekites Midianites Other Eastern Peoples Naphtali Manasseh Zebulun Asher Gideon went back to his camp and divided his men in to three companies of 100 men each. Then they surrounded the Midianite camp, blew their trumpets and broke the jars covering their torches. The Midianites were so afraid that they killed each other in the chaos of the moment. Those that were not killed fled before Gideon and his men

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)The Angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and gave him a vision to free Israel from the Midianite oppression. What vision has the Lord spoken to you that He wants you to accomplish? b)When Gideon called the men of Israel, they rallied to him immediately. They accepted him as their leader before they heard about the vision. Who are the people who are accepting you as their leader?

What Do We Learn From Gideon? 1. When people are confident in the leader, they are confident in the vision. 2. Acceptance is an ongoing process. 3. People get on board with a leader who will take them where they want to go. 4. The more attraction assets you have, the more attractive you become.

When people are confident in the leader, they are confident in the vision Vision can be a powerful thing. It provides a leader with… 1. Awareness – the ability to see. 2. Attitude – the faith to believe. 3. Action – the courage to do. 4. Achievement – the hope to endure.

Acceptance is an ongoing process Gideon grew in his influence. Here are four things he did: 1. He started at home (Character). 2. He won a key influencer (Charisma). 3. He enlarged his circle (Credibility). 4. He moved when the time and influence were right (Culmination).

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)The Law of Acceptance says that people accept, or follow, the leader before they will accept, or follow, the leader’s vision. As a leader you expect people to follow you. Here is a question: Would you follow you? b)All leaders have a vision. But, not all people who have a vision are leaders. Is your leadership as convincing as your vision?

People get on board with a leader who will take them where they want to go Until Gideon had a vision and knew where he was going, he could not lead. Here are the steps he took: 1. He assumed responsibility. 2. He anticipated results. 3. He accepted risks.

The more attraction assets you have, the more attractive you become Every leader must have attraction assets. Here are seven qualities that attract follower to a leader: 1. Calling. 2. Insight. 3. Charisma. 4. Talent.

The more attraction assets you have, the more attractive you become Every leader must have attraction assets. Here are seven qualities that attract follower to a leader: 5. Ability. 6. Communication Skills. 7. Character.

Discussion (in groups of 3 or 4) a)People will follow a leader who knows where he is going, and who will take them where they want to go. Where are you going? Why would anyone want to go with you? b)We must all develop and increase the qualities that make us more attractive for people to follow. How much effort are you giving to increasing your attraction assets?

Homework – Scriptures to Read 2 Chronicles 34: Chronicles 34: Chronicles 35: Chronicles 35:1-27