How A Great Win Can Take Down A Great Leader | Judges 8

Winning the battle is one thing — staying faithful after the victory is another.

Summary:
Gideon’s story in Judges 8 shows us a hard truth: success can be more dangerous than struggle. After a miraculous victory over Midian, Gideon let pride, vengeance, and compromise creep in — and it unraveled his leadership and legacy. This chapter warns every man that the fight doesn’t end when the enemy falls; it often begins when the applause starts. In this study, Vince Miller challenges us to examine how we lead after the win and how we guard our hearts against the subtle traps that success brings.

Reflection & Discussion Questions
1. Why do you think success often exposes more about a person’s character than failure?
2. What signs of pride or self-reliance do you see in Gideon after the battle?
3. How did Gideon’s pursuit of revenge distort his leadership?
4. What does this chapter teach us about the danger of power without accountability?
5. How might Gideon’s refusal to be king sound humble, yet still reveal compromise?
6. In what ways can spiritual success lead to spiritual complacency in our lives?
7. How did Gideon’s choices impact the nation after his death?
8. Where are you most tempted to relax spiritually after a “win”?
9. What safeguards can you put in place to stay faithful after seasons of victory?
10. How does Jesus model the opposite of Gideon’s leadership in success?