Judges 1 and Introduction
Introduction
1. Let’s begin by turning to Judges 1:1.
2. Our culture has many programs for addictive behaviors.
a. There are programs for alcohol abuse, drugs, sexual addictions, gambling addictions, etc.
b. Relapsing is a major problem within these treatment programs.
c. Tragically, some just substitute one addictive behavior for another such as they quit smoking just to become addicted to over eating.
d. This is a common human experience – we go through cycles of victory and defeat.
3. How can we break the cycles of sin in our lives?
4. We are beginning our study of the book of Judges.
a. The book is called Judges in the original (shophetim)
· The Judges were not men in black robes who decided legal matters.
· They were individuals who led the nation through exploits.
b. Judges was probably written by Samuel, the last Judge.
· 4 times in Judges it says that “there was no king in those days” (Judges 17:6, 18:1, 19:1, and 21:25).
· 1 Samuel 7:15 says that Samuel judged Israel.
· Sometime between the beginning of Samuel’s ministry and the Kingdom of Saul, Samuel wrote Judges.
· If David wrote Judges, Samuel would have probably been included in the book.
c. What’s the purpose for the book of Judges?
· Some argue that it provides a justification for the monarchy.
· Others argue that it shows God’s sovereign grace in preserving Israel.
· Still others say it was to show that Israel’s spiritual condition determined its political and material condition.
· Obviously, these all connect at some level with the intent of the author – I’m convinced that it argues for the need for leadership for God’s people
· The key verse is Judges 21:25.
d. Judges has a familiar pattern in it through the 6 apostasies in the book.
· Serving the Lord.
· Succumbing to sin.
· En-Slaved to sin.
· Sorry and Sad about their situation.
· Saved by the Lord and the people Serve the Lord.
e. I want you to take time and read through Judges in one sitting.
· You can use an easier to read translation.
· Look for the main characters such as Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson.
· Look for the cycle of sin in the life of Israel.
· Some of the stories might challenge you, but ask why would God?
5. Tonight, I want us to see how we can break the cycles of sin in our lives.
I. After Joshua’s death, Israel came to a place of sorrow and sadness.
A. Joshua is dead, but the fight goes on.
1. Judah is to lead in the taking the land from the Canaanites.
2. Could it be that Judah takes the lead due to the prophecy of Jacob (Genesis 49:10).
B. Joseph leads the attack following Jacob.
1. There will be conflict between Joseph (Ephraim) and Judah in the future.
2. Ephraim and Manasseh lead their tribes to battle.
C. The other tribes do not drive out the inhabitants.
1. Zebulon, Asher, Naphtali, and Dan did not drive out the inhabitants.
2. All the tribes are mentioned except Levi and Issachar.
3. Their incomplete obedience is the first step in their downward spiral.
II. How can we break the cycles of sin in our lives?
A. First, we need to recognize and respect the cycle of sin in the lives of people.
1. We are no different than the children of Israel – if we succumb to sin, we will hurt.
2. We frequently see individuals get all excited about receiving Christ.
a. Satan comes and takes away the seed.
b. Persecution burns up the faith so that it dies.
c. The cares of this life (pleasure, wealth, etc) choke the seed making it unfruitful.
3. If we know the pattern, we can protect ourselves from falling into a harmful situation.
B. Second, we have access to something that tells us what is right and good.
1. Our Key Verse: In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. (Judges 21:25)
2. We are not left to try to decide what is right and what is wrong.
a. Our culture believes in pluralism; it doesn’t matter what you believe.
b. We believe in objective truth given by a loving God to guide our lives.
C. Finally, we look to our King and the leaders he has placed in our lives.
1. Our Key Verse: In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit. (Judges 21:25)
2. We have a supreme example and leader in the person of Christ (Hebrews 12:1-2).
a. Christ left us an example to follow.
· He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. (1 John 2:6)
· Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. (1 John 2:6)
· WWJD – What Would Jesus Do?
b. Christ empowers us through his Spirit to live the life.
· Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:1-2)
3. We have other in the Body of Christ to act as leaders and mentors (Ephesians 4:11-13).
a. We all need Spiritual input – Spiritual directors and leaders who help us to see what we can’t see on our own.
b. God provides pastors in the flesh – the local assembly.
c. God provides pastors on the radio, internet, etc, but they can’t replace the local.
d. God provides for mentors for men and for women to help us grow – leaders.
Conclusion
1. After Joshua’s death, Israel came to a place of sorrow and sadness.
2. We can begin to be free from the cycle of sin by recognizing and respecting it, receiving the objective truth, and obey the Risen Lord.