Series Summary:

WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US? What we are fighting for? These questions guide our lives and the lives of generations. The Book of Judges shows us that when we are unwilling to fight as God commanded, compromise to get along, fight with the wrong people, and fight for lesser things, then we descend into tribalism and chaos. We end up with the disaster of everyone doing what is right in their own eyes. Then we find ourselves crying out again…WHO WILL FIGHT FOR US?

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Starter

What is something that you have wanted, regularly want, or keep wanting that you do not even consider or ask if it is what God wants?

Pray

Study Questions

The Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The people of Canaan were so wicked and had defiled the land so badly the Lord said they had to get out. God tells the Israelites to, divide the Land by lot, drive out inhabitants, not to make treaties or covenants, destroy idols and worship sites, not intermarry, not adopt Canaanite customs, and worship only at the chosen place, setting yourselves and the land apart as holy.

It is now time for the people of God to take the land. However, The Angel of the Lord confronts them with the reality of their disobedience, “But you have not obeyed Me. What is this you have done?” “The Lord’s anger burned” so He “raised up judges”.

The people abandon the Lord again and again and questions are raised, “Hasn’t the Lord commanded you?“ Am I not sending you?” The people have peace in their idolatry, but it became a snare. Now, is it better for you? How about you practice real repentance? Will you let the Judge decide? Will you take on the responsibilities and mission God has given, or will you just say I want what’s right in my own eyes?

Reminder: When reading a narrative part of the bible, especially the book of judges, God is often giving a description of what happened not necessarily a prescription of what He ideally wanted or wants us to do now.

READ: Judges 14-15:19

  1. What was Sampson’s mission? (Judges 13:5)
  2. Sampson says demands his parents,“Get her for me, because I want her.” Which can be translated “Get her for me, because she is right in my eyes.”
    How do we still see this mentality in relationships with God’s people today?
  3. What is the parents response?
    1. What are all the things that happen as a result of their decision?

READ: Exodus 34:15-16, Deuteronomy 7:1-3, 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

  1. What do these verses tell worshipers of Yahweh?
  2. The Philistines were a pagan sea people and are not specifically mentioned in the Deuteronomy 7:1-3 list of prohibited Canaanite people. Sampson was supposed to deliver God’s people from the Philistines. He does not listen to his parents. Instead, he marries into the Philistine people.
    1. How do we as believers often use the letter of the law instead of the intention of the law for our earthly benefit seemingly like Sampson?

READ: 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

  1. What does this passage say to believers in Jesus about being married to an unbelieving spouse?