Theme:
Perspective
Title:
The revelation of a breakthrough
Desired Outcomes:
The aim of this uGroup is for members to understand the difference between a victory, to overcome the enemy, and a breakthrough. When members grasp the fullness of the concept of a breakthrough their pursuit and appreciation of it will intensify.
Core Scriptures:
- 1 Corinthians 15:57
- John 16:33
- 1 Chronicles 14:11
- Judges 6 - 8
Welcome:
Any fun and welcoming Icebreaker that gets the members moving, on their feet, where all the members can participate in. If there are new members be careful not to create a space where they feel exposed or uncomfortable.
Word:
Introduce the message by asking the following questions:
- What does a breakthrough mean to you?
- What is the difference between breakthroughs, victory and overcome?
In reply, the leader can respond to the questions by explaining what a victory means (victory: an act of defeating an enemy or opponent in a battle) and what it means to overcome something, (to succeed; have or take back control). This suggests the notion that to obtain a victory or to overcome something one has a clear view or understanding of what it is to be victorious over or what one should overcome. More often than not this is the daily battles we fight, goals we wish to achieve, temptations, and stumbling blocks that we need to overcome.
Form a background on what breakthrough means.
The word victory (1 Corinthians 15:57) and overcome (John 16:33) is used throughout the bible but the word breakthrough not so often. The only context this word is used in is in the literal from was one breakthrough something or someone like in the case of a physical battle (1 Chronicles 14:11). This leaves us with the question of why do we as Christians so often mention that we need a breakthrough in our jobs, health, relationships, and ultimately we need breakthrough spiritually if God never really mentions the word breakthrough in that context. The definition of breakthrough sheds some light on the context of the word which in turn will help us to understand it better. Breakthrough: a sudden, dramatic, and important discovery or development. The definition states that one is faced with a sudden discovery (the process of discovering or uncovering) which leads me to think that a breakthrough tends to lean more towards an uncovering or revelation than to a victory.
Read Judges 6-8:
In the story of Gideon we learn that Gideon was a troubled man with very little self-confidence. Gideon faced issues such as oppression, religious conflicts and family disputes. In the mist of this God chose him to lead and army against the enemy of Israel. Ultimately the story boils down to the fact that Gideon doubted himself and his army which stood against a very large force that numbered over a hundred thousand men. To escalade matters God reduced his army twice until he was left with only 300 men which tested his faith and tempted his doubt. God gave Gideon victory in the battle by confusing the enemy and allowing him to overcome the large force. This is the basics surrounding the story but when one apply the true lesson learnt the “breakthrough” if you will you would find that the breakthrough Gideon modelled for generations to come was greater that the victory won. The breakthrough was that even in the face of great adversity with all odds against him and even in his preparation things continued to go wrong only to realize that God is always true to his word and will not only fight with you but for you as well.
Importance of a breakthrough. God clearly states that we should have a relationship with Him and through the relationship, we should fear him “fear of the Lord” or be in awe of Him because of His splendor (Psalms 33:8). When we experience breakthrough as previously explained we discover more about Him and ultimately uncover secrets that was hidden from us previously. In turn when we discover more about Him and get to understand Him better our fear for Him grows. Since we know that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom, a true breakthrough in our lives can ultimately lead to wisdom and better understanding. One can obtain a breakthrough in the midst of a victory or when you have overcome something in your life. Important to notice that it is not the same thing. You can just as well have a breakthrough while at home or busy with everyday tasks since a breakthrough is a discovery or unveiling of information and not necessarily an action. The action does often lead to breakthroughs so do not become complacent in this matter but the breakthrough itself is unknown and unscripted beforehand.
Additional notes:
- The aim is to discern between victories, overcoming something and breakthroughs.
- Since we will eat the fruit of that which we speak it is important to use the right terminology so we can grow accordingly.
- Consider using your own testimonies to help explain the differences.
- Consider to use more examples out of the word such as the stories of David.
- Emphasize the fact that breakthroughs is the basic building blocks of personal growth, understanding “the fear of the Lord” and revelation of God power above our own.
- Perhaps mention that non-believers can obtain victories out of our own capacity but will never have a true breakthrough in the sense of the definition explained above without God.
- Breakthroughs explains how victories are obtained and why they are important, it is the substance of a true victory!