The book of Judges, presents us with a sad and turbulent period in Israel’s history. Contrasted greatly with the victorious book of Joshua that precedes it.
THE CYCLE DEFINED
Ø Judges 2:18-19 And when the LORD raised them up judges, then the LORD was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it repented the LORD because of their groanings by reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them. 19And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they returned, and corrupted themselves more than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down unto them; they ceased not from their own doings, nor from their stubborn way.
Ø Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
Ø James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16. Do not err, my beloved brethren.
LACK OF FIGHTING POWER
Judges 1:6 But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes.
§ CUT OFF HIS THUMBS - Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. (1 Timothy 6:12)
§ CUT OFF HIS GREAT TOES - Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; (Ephesians 6:13)
MEET THE JUDGES
| Enemy | Years of Bondage | Judge | Deliverance and Rest | Scripture |
| Mesopotamia | 8 | Othniel | 40 | 3:7-11 |
| Moab | 18 | Ehud | 80 | 3:12-31 |
| Canaan | 20 | Deborah | 40 | 4:1-5:31 |
| Midian | 7 | Gideon | 40 | 6:1-8:28 |
| Ammon | 18 | Jephthah | 6 | 10:6-12:7 |
| Philistia | 40 | Samson | 20 | 13:1-16:31 |
SAMSON
Samson had spiritual power and performed feats that were unmatched by any other man. However, he was unconscious of his high calling. Samson became the hero of his tribe and he received much popularity. In the process of this fame he became careless with his personal endowment of God’s power and ignored the traps of temptation.
SAMSON’S FALL INTO TEMPTATION
WAS A PROGRESSION:
(1) He married a Philistine woman of Timnah whom his parents objected to (Jud 14:3), but his motive was he "sought an occasion against the Philistines."
(2) After an incredible victory Samson went to Gaza the chief city of the Philistines. There he saw a harlot, and could not control his passions. (Jud 16:1-3).
(3) From Gaza Samson went to the valley of Sorek where he fell in love with another Philistine woman, named Delilah, The Philistine lords bribed her with a very large sum to deliver him into their hands. Jud 16:4-20).
WE NEED SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES TO
G.R.O.W AND BREAK THE CYCLE OF SIN
We know that if something is alive, it is suppose to grow. In this deeper study on growth we are going to look at a four-part acrostic on the word G.R.O.W. to give us an outline of a few areas that we as Christians should grow. Remember: Growth is not an option for something that’s living.
1.) G.OD’S WORD
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
BIBLE STUDY MUST BE CONSTANT – It is more important that you read and study your Bible daily than it is the amount of chapters that you read. Remember it’s about consistency.
USE ANY TOOL THAT HELPS YOU STAY FOCUSED – The Bible on CD can be found at your local library. A journal can also be useful. Stay faithful to in daily Bible reading.
2.) R.ELATIONSHIPS
My wife’s favorite Christian song is I Need You To Survive by Hezekiah Walker. “I pray for you, You pray for me. I love you, I need you to survive. I won't harm you with words from my mouth. I love you, I need you to survive. It is his will, that every need be supplied. You are important to me, I need you to survive.”
Galatians 6:2 “Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
3.) O.BEDIENCE TO GOD’S LEADERS
Every new (and Mature) Christian needs to live under an umbrella of Spiritual Authority. I understand this is the toughest part of spiritual discipline, but we should all have someone to whom we are accountable. Our pastor should be our primary spiritual authority to whom we submit ourselves.
Hebrews 13:16-17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief:
4.) W.ORK OF THE LORD
Ecclesiastes 9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
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PASTORS THOUGHTS
1) There is no success without a successor (PRAISE BREAK)
2) GOD ALWAYS RAISES UP A LEADER
1 Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
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