Carnality leads to carnage

Introduction

1. Let’s turn to Judges 19:1.

2. As we think about our world, things don’t seem to be getting better no matter how much we know.

a. We double our knowledge base every 3-5 years; there are so many breakthroughs.

·        We see medical breakthroughs such as diabetes with adult stem cells.

·        We see scientific breakthroughs in energy, transportation, and

·        It is almost like what is said in Genesis 11:6, The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them.

·        There is such hope for technology; we seem to think that all of our troubles are due to a lack of technology.

·        We need to find a cure for AIDS; the problem is technology not morality.

b. Even though we are progressing with technology yet we are not morally or spiritually.

3. The consequences of carnality can be devastating with unbelievable carnage.

4. We are finishing our study of the book of Judges tonight.

a. Can you believe it?

b. We have seen how the nation repeatedly turned from the Living God to dead idols.

c. God was faithful to send a deliverer to help Israel when they turned in sorrow.

d. Tonight, we will see another example of the kind of social and moral context that the nation lived in at that time.

·        Last week, we saw the idol of Micah and the movement of the tribe of Dan.

·        Tonight, we will see the consequences of carnality in the nation of Israel.

5. Beloved, carnality can have some devastating consequences and unbelievable carnage.

I. Israel’s carnality leads to unbelievable carnage.

A. There was wickedness in the city of Gibeah.

1. A Levite gets a concubine and experiences some marital difficulty (19:1-10).

2. The Levite experiences difficulty in Gibeah (19:11-28).

3. The Levite cuts up his concubine and sends her throughout Israel (19:29).

B. There was stubbornness within the tribe of Benjamin.

1. Israel gathers at Mizpah to hear what has happened (20:1-7).

2. Israel determined to go and punish the men of Gibeah (20:8-17).

3. Benjamin goes to war with Israel to protect the wicked men (20:18-46).

4. Only 600 men of Benjamin are left (20:47-48).

C. There was brokenness within the nation of Israel.

1. The nation gathers to mourn and decides to punish Jabesh Gilead ().

2. The nation tells the 200 extra Benjamites to get wives at the festival ().

II. Carnality in our lives can lead to unbelievable carnage.

A. The consequences of carnality can be devastating with unbelievable carnage.

1. I saw an interview with Dianne Zimmora – she was involved in murder (30 years)!

2. I have personally talked with several individuals who fell into immorality, devastating.

3. When we sin, it can have devastating consequences; don’t buy the talk of the culture!

B. How can we avoid the horrific consequences of sin?

1. We can embrace carnality when we loose the respect of authority and fear of God (21:25).

2. We serve a king, Jesus; therefore, we are not free to do what’s right in our eyes (John 14:21).

3. We can avoid pain and suffering by walking in the fear of God (Prov 9:9 and 2 Cor 5:9-11).

·        No fear leads to arrogance, carelessness, and reckless behavior.

Conclusion

1. Israel’s carnality leads to unbelievable carnage.

2. Let’s fear God and obey the commandments for this is the whole duty of man (Eccl 12:13).