Dark Times. Broken People. Faithful King. | Week 2
Bellevue Women's study of the book of Judges enters its second week with Donna Gaines teaching on Ch. 3
Dark Times. Broken People. FAITHFUL KING.
Week 2
Judges 1-2
I. Judges 1
The first chapter is the historical description of Israel’s occupation of the Promised Land. It is their accounting of why they did not complete the mission to which God had called them.
II. Judges 2
Heaven’s assessment of their occupation. God spoke and said, “You have not obeyed me”.
Judges 2:10 – “All that generation also were gathered to their fathers; and there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord, nor yet the work which He had done for Israel.”
These were not innocent people that Israel was driving out. These were wicked people that God was using Israel to bring judgment upon. We are no longer dispensers of judgment , but of mercy. Jesus came to save. We are living during the Missions Era of the Biblical Timeline. We are to be making disciples until Christ’s return when He will come as the Judge of all the earth.
III. Judges 3:1-4
We must be prepared for war!
“5 Signs Your Church Might be Heading Toward Progressive Christianity”
- There is a lowered view of the Bible
- Feelings are emphasized over facts
- Essential Christian doctrines are open for re-interpretation
- Historic terms are redefined
- The heart of the Gospel message shifts from sin and redemption to social justice
- Alisha Childers (alisachilders.com)
Article by Dr. Albert Mohler, “The Eclipse of God, the Subversion of Truth, and the Assault upon Religious Liberty” (albertmohler.com).
IV. Judges 3:5-8 – 1st Sin Cycle
How did they get here? How do we? One. Step. At. A. Time.
Every step of compromise will ultimately lead to depravity. Depravity, which is fueled by rebellion and choosing to create life outside the garden apart from God, always leads to the oppression of the weak. Small areas of disbelief lead ultimately to sinful enslavement.
The people said, “We can’t” and God said, “No, you won’t”.
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts” (Zechariah 4:6).
Everyone is broken. If you don’t think someone is, then it is simply because you don’t know them that well.
We don’t serve God in our own strength, just like we weren’t saved in our own strength. Remember Jericho.
How are we compromising?
“But I have to cheat to get ahead”
“I can’t tell the truth, or I will be penalized”
“I know this relationship doesn’t honor Christ but I am afraid of being lonely.” “I know the Bible says my behavior is sinful, but...”
“Did God say?”
“You surely will not die.”
“God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:1-4)
We cannot break God’s laws without them breaking us!
V. Steps of Integrity
- Bible Reading – Dedication to truth
- Prayer – Intimacy with Christ
- Scripture Memory – Renewing of our minds
- Meditation – Joshua 1:8
- Fellowship – Hebrews 10:24-25; Acts 2:46-47
- Witnessing – Acts 1:8
- Discipleship – Matthew 28:19-20
Mark 12:30-31
Why are there some sins that I just seem to not be able to conquer? These tests are only passed in the power of the Spirit. We must choose Jesus above our sin. When we do, He will fight for us.
VI. Judges 3:10 – Othniel, Caleb’s nephew
Peace for 40 years.
VII. Judges 3:12-14 – 2nd Sin Cycle
VIII. Judges 3:15 – Ehud a Benjamite - The Left-Handed Savior
Peace for 80 years – Judges 3:30
God does things in such a way that man will not get the glory. What is it that God has called you to do that you are not doing?
IX. Judges 3:31 – Shamgar
Judges 4:1 – “Then the sons of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord,...”