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?
Starter
What is something that God has been faithful to help you repent of in your life?
Pray
Study Questions
The Lord promised the land of Canaan to Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. The people of Canaan were so wicked and had polluted 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?
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.
- How long did these two men judge Israel?
- While we don’t have many details about Tola and Jair, what can be encouraging about reading their stories?
- How can we tend to get more excited and spend a lot time talking about our earthly accomplishments or the Lord’s earthly accomplishments instead of rejoicing that our names are written in heaven?
- Jair's sons rode on 30 donkeys and ruled 30 cities, showing a focus on wealth, prestige, and family status. In what ways can a leader’s focus on building their own personal legacy subtly replace their calling to serve and shepherd others to repentance?
- Verse 6 lists seven different gods the Israelites were serving that practiced incredibly vile and wicked things. Why do you think sin and compromise tend to become progressively more vile and wicked over time without repentance?
- The text emphasizes that Israel completely "abandoned the Lord". What are some modern gods/idols that believers are most tempted to prioritize for comfort and security instead of practicing repentance?
- When Israel cries out, God initially responds by telling them to go ask the false gods they chose to save them.
- Why is this a good and just response from God?
- What does God’s response reveal about the difference between a broken heart and repentance verses a fear of consequences?
- In verse 15, the Israelites say, "We have sinned. Do to us whatever seems good to you; only deliver us this day."
How is this often our response when confronted with repentance?
How does submitting to God's discipline alter the intent of a prayer?
- Verse 16 notes that they finally put away their foreign gods, and God could no longer bear their misery. What does this sequence teach us about what God actually desires to see before executing a rescue?
- How does the way we share the gospel today often undermine this kind of response and repentance?