Mercenary Worship Part II: Paying the Price

Purpose – Demonstrate how idolatry is the root of immorality and injustice and why our only hope is the saving work of the Jesus our one true King.

Mercenary Worship Part I: Buying God. Judges 17-18. Sowing

Mercenary Worship Part II: Paying the Price. Judges 19-21. Reaping

1. Why Idolatry Leads to Ruin – Principle

2. How Idolatry led to Israel’s ruin – Case Study

3. Why Jesus is Our Only Hope

Why Idolatry Leads to Ruin – Judges 17:6 and Romans 1:21-25

• View of God – Reduced (vending machine)

• View of Religion – how to work the machine

• View of Obedience - optional

• View of Self - king

• View of Others – commodities or servants

• View of Justice - for those in power

How Idolatry led to ruin – Judges 19-21

· Immorality – selective morality. 19:1-26

· Indignation – selectiveindignation. 19:27-20:11

· Injustice – selective Justice (injustice). 20:12-21:25

· Civil War: Israel loses 40,000. Benjamin loses 25,000 leaving only 600

· Human Trafficking: 400 wives from Jabesh-Gilead slaughter. 200 from Shiloh

Our Only Hope – Jesus as Our One true King

· How Jesus as Lord and Savior changes everything

o View of God – Object of Worship Hebrews 1:1–3 1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

o View of Obedience – if you love me… John 14:21

o View of Self – child of God, servant of King… Ephesians 1:14-

o View of Others – fellow image bearers

o View of Justice – what is right in God’s eyes

· Is Jesus your king? An invitation to faith

o Romans 3:23

o Romans 6:23

· Communion – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26