Friends Who Won't Let Me Quit, Gideon

Judges 6:12

 Personal Reflections

  • Phil Tuttle reflects on his time as a student at Dallas Theological Seminary
  • Discussion of personal struggles and growth during his seminary years
  • Importance of character development and dealing with challenges

Theme Introduction: Ministry Mentors

  • Introduction to the concept of ministry mentors from the Bible
  • Explanation of focusing on four biblical characters who inspire perseverance

First Mentor: Gideon

  • Background of Gideon's story (Judges Chapter 6)
  • Description of Israel’s situation and Gideon’s initial fear and doubt
  • Emphasis on God's call to Gideon despite his feelings of inadequacy

Lessons from Gideon

  • Lesson 1: God Calls Inadequate People to Incredible Ministries
    • Personal anecdote about feeling inadequate
    • Encouragement to embrace feelings of inadequacy as part of God’s plan
  • Lesson 2: God Calls Fearful People to Faithful Ministries
    • Explanation of Gideon’s fear and God’s response
    • Personal stories about overcoming fear in ministry
  • Lesson 3: God Calls Doubting People to Daring Ministries
    • Discussion on Gideon’s doubts and need for reassurance
    • Encouragement to address and work through doubts in faith

Application and Encouragement

  • Encouragement to the audience to find their own “Gideon” moments
  • Practical steps to apply the lessons learned from Gideon
  • Emphasis on the importance of faithfulness and perseverance

Interactive Conclusion

  • Guided interactive activity where attendees encourage each other
  • Affirmation of God’s call to each individual in their unique circumstances

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.

About the Contributors

Phil Tuttle

 For more than three decades, Phil Tuttle has been a vital member of the Walk Thru the Bible family. He has served as Dean of Faculty, Senior VP for International Ministries, and Global Teaching Pastor before becoming President and CEO in 2007. 

A native of Normal, Illinois, Phil received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Education and Bible from Wheaton College in 1980 and his Master of Theology degree in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary in 1984. 

As President of Walk Thru the Bible, Phil continues to share God’s Word throughout the world in churches, Bible conferences, Christian education conventions, and corporate gatherings.  His unique blend of biblical instruction, real-life illustrations, and spontaneous humor makes learning easy and enjoyable.

Phil and his wife, Ellen, have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren.