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

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 the inhabitants, not to make treaties or covenants, destroy the idols and worship sites, not intermarry, not adopt Canaanite customs, worship only at the chosen place, and set 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? Hasn’t your idolatry became a snare? 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? Will you be blinded by sin?

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 17

1. What does Deuteronomy 21:18-21 say was punishment in the old testament for rebellious sons that did whatever they wanted?
   1. Why so harsh?
2. Why did Micah give back what he stole?
   1. Why is fear of a curse different from true spiritual repentance?
   2. How is this mother and son story similar to what we see today among believers?
3. How does Micah’s mother show a distorted view of God and the scriptures when she dedicates stolen silver to Yahweh while simultaneously funding an idol to Yahweh?

READ: Exodus 20:3-7

1. What are some of the ways that people today mix worldly values with worship calling it serving God and/or putting God’s name on it?

READ: James 2:19-20

1. What is James’s warning to the church?
2. How did Micah and his mother look like they had faith, but in reality their works exposed they were not acting in faith?

READ: Deuteronomy 12:1-17

1. How and where were God’s people supposed to worship?
2. Micah did what was right in his own eyes putting his son in as a priest only to later remove him when something better came along.
   1. How do we see this similar nepotism approach today in churches?