The Priests Went Woke

Judges 17:6 NLT

6 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

Judges 21:25 NLT

25 In those days Israel had no king; all the people did whatever seemed right in their own eyes.

Leviticus 19:15–18 NKJV

15 ‘You shall do no injustice in judgment. You shall not be partial to the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty. In righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go about as a talebearer among your people; nor shall you take a stand against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord. 17 ‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him. 18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Navigating a Culture of Relativism

Bible Passage: Judges 17:6

Summary: Judges 17:6 captures a critical moment in Israel’s history marked by individualism and a rejection of divine authority. This lack of spiritual leadership led to a society where moral standards were based on personal preference rather than God’s commands, ultimately resulting in disorder and strife.

Application: This passage serves as a stark warning for Christians today to recognize the dangers of relativism in our own culture. By prioritizing personal beliefs over biblical truths, individuals can easily drift away from God’s purpose, leading to personal and communal chaos. It prompts believers to actively engage with Scripture and communal accountability to uphold God’s standards.

Teaching: The sermon teaches the urgent need for God’s Word to be the foundation of our lives and decisions. It illustrates that without a common moral compass, societies can descend into confusion, and believers are called to be lights in such darkness.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the context of the entire Bible, this passage points to Christ as the ultimate authority who embodies God’s truth. Where Israel lacked righteous leadership, Christ fulfills that role, calling believers to submit to His guidance as they navigate a morally ambiguous world.

Big Idea: In times of moral ambiguity, turning back to God’s Word and recognizing Christ as our guiding authority allows us to navigate through chaos with clarity and purpose.

Recommended Study: While preparing this sermon, consider utilizing Logos to explore the theological implications of authority in the Old Testament context, particularly through the lens of the failure of Israel’s leaders. Research how the concept of individualism in Judges parallels contemporary societal trends, and examine how commentaries interpret the phrase ‘everyone did what was right in his own eyes,’ to better articulate your message.

1. Chaos in the Absence of Kings

Judges 17:6

You could emphasize how the absence of a king in Israel led to moral chaos, reflecting today’s culture of relativism where personal preference often overrides divine command. Encourage listeners to counter this by building their lives on the solid foundation of biblical truths and acknowledging Christ as the ultimate authority in their lives. Suggest developing a routine of engaging with Scripture collectively to foster a shared moral compass.