Cycles of Disobedience and God's Relentless Grace

Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the book of Judges, exploring its initial chapters and the transition from the leadership of Joshua to the era of the Judges. The book of Judges begins with a continuation of the narrative from Joshua, emphasizing that the biblical story is a cohesive whole. While Joshua is a book of triumph and fulfillment, Judges presents a stark contrast, depicting a period of increasing darkness and moral decline among the Israelites. Despite this, the book remains a testament to God's enduring love and grace, which shine even more brightly against the backdrop of Israel's waywardness.

We examined the initial successes of the tribe of Judah, who, with God's help, conquered significant territories. However, this success was short-lived as the Israelites began to compromise, failing to fully drive out the Canaanites and instead opting for coexistence. This partial obedience led to a gradual but inevitable decline, as the Israelites began to adopt Canaanite practices and worship their gods. This accommodation and eventual assimilation into Canaanite culture resulted in a loss of distinctiveness and faithfulness to God.

The narrative shifts in chapter two, where God provides a theological interpretation of these events. The angel of the Lord rebukes Israel for their disobedience and warns of the consequences: the Canaanites would become a thorn in their side, and their gods a snare. This divine commentary underscores the seriousness of Israel's failure to obey God's commands fully.

The sermon also highlighted the importance of passing on the knowledge of God's works to the next generation. The failure of the Israelites to teach their children about God's mighty deeds led to a generation that did not know the Lord, resulting in further disobedience and idolatry. This serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility parents have to instill a deep and accurate understanding of God in their children.

Ultimately, the book of Judges is a story of cycles: Israel's rebellion, God's judgment, Israel's distress, and God's deliverance through judges. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God's compassion and love remain steadfast. This relentless grace points forward to the ultimate solution to the dilemma of God's justice and mercy: the cross of Christ, where God's love and holiness are perfectly fulfilled.

### Key Takeaways

1. The Importance of Obedience Over Success: The Israelites' initial military successes were overshadowed by their failure to fully obey God's commands. True success in God's eyes is measured by obedience, not by worldly achievements or strategic victories. This calls us to examine our own lives and prioritize obedience to God's word over our personal or professional accomplishments. [19:02]

2. The Danger of Compromise: The Israelites' decision to coexist with the Canaanites rather than driving them out led to their gradual assimilation into Canaanite culture and idolatry. This serves as a warning against compromising our faith and values for the sake of convenience or societal acceptance. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to God. [23:27]

3. Passing on the Knowledge of God: The failure of one generation to teach the next about God's mighty works led to a generation that did not know the Lord. This underscores the critical role of parents and elders in imparting the knowledge of God to their children. It is through the recounting of God's deeds and faithfulness that faith is nurtured and sustained across generations. [38:17]

4. The Power of Sin and Idolatry: Sin and idolatry are not just choices or actions; they are powers that can control and ensnare us. Like addiction, they can dominate our lives and lead us away from God. Recognizing this, we must be diligent in identifying and uprooting idols in our lives, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance is to God alone. [56:59]

5. God's Relentless Grace: Despite Israel's repeated failures and disobedience, God's compassion and love remain steadfast. This relentless grace is a profound mystery that points to the ultimate expression of God's love: the cross of Christ. It is through Christ's sacrifice that God's justice and mercy are perfectly fulfilled, offering us hope and redemption. [17:21]

### YouTube Chapters

[0:00] - Welcome
[09:26] - Opening Prayer
[11:00] - Introduction to Judges
[12:27] - Holding Hands in the Dark
[13:53] - The Transition from Joshua
[15:15] - Judah's Initial Success
[16:18] - The Beginning of Compromise
[17:40] - The Mixed Picture Emerges
[19:02] - Obedience Over Success
[20:27] - Accommodation and Negotiation
[23:27] - The Danger of Compromise
[24:46] - Excuses and Justifications
[27:35] - Theological Interpretation
[28:46] - God's Rebuke
[30:16] - The Significance of Gilgal
[31:46] - God's Rhetorical Question
[33:18] - Language of Ability vs. Choice
[34:26] - Honest Language and Choices
[36:44] - Failing the Next Generation
[38:17] - Passing on the Knowledge of God
[39:03] - The Importance of Teaching
[41:16] - Silence About Christ
[42:17] - Teaching the Facts
[43:18] - The Most Important Reference
[44:20] - Everyday Conversations
[45:23] - What Do They Know About Him?
[45:53] - The Consequences of Ignorance
[46:22] - Forsaking the Lord
[47:24] - The Succession of Verbs
[48:24] - Pagan Idolatry
[49:24] - The Attraction of Baal
[50:24] - The Danger of Syncretism
[51:24] - Exclusive Worship
[52:24] - Pursuit and Prostration
[53:24] - Prostitution and Covenant
[54:23] - Becoming "This People"
[55:26] - What Do I Worship?
[56:28] - The Snare of Idolatry
[57:29] - The Power of Sin
[58:29] - God's Righteous Anger
[59:30] - Fulfilling Promises
[01:00:31] - Sin as Its Own Punishment
[01:01:31] - The Contractor's House
[01:02:26] - God's Withdrawal
[01:03:33] - The People's Response
[01:04:36] - Conviction vs. Repentance
[01:05:37] - The Lord's Perspective
[01:06:06] - Inevitable Canaanization
[01:07:06] - Intermarriage and Assimilation
[01:08:09] - Married to the Culture
[01:09:10] - Default Mode
[01:10:13] - Becoming Unrecognizable
[01:11:14] - The Danger of Fitting In
[01:12:16] - The World Finding Its Way In
[01:13:46] - The Cycles of Judges
[01:14:49] - The Mystery of Deliverance
[01:16:19] - Compassion on Their Groaning
[01:17:21] - The Unreasonable Love of God
[01:18:23] - God's Dilemma
[01:19:25] - God Torn Apart
[01:19:55] - The Violence of the Cross
[01:20:58] - The Kindness of God
[01:21:29] - Edmund and Aslan
[01:22:29] - The Love That Changes Us
[01:22:59] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. Judges 1:1-2:5
2. Deuteronomy 6:6-9
3. Psalm 78:1-7

### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial success of the tribe of Judah, and what eventually hindered their progress? ([13:53])
2. How did the Israelites' decision to coexist with the Canaanites rather than driving them out affect their faithfulness to God? ([20:27])
3. What was the angel of the Lord's message to Israel in Judges 2:1-3, and what was its significance? ([28:46])
4. According to the sermon, what was the consequence of the Israelites failing to pass on the knowledge of God to the next generation? ([38:17])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does the sermon emphasize that true success in God's eyes is measured by obedience rather than worldly achievements? How does this perspective challenge common societal values? ([19:02])
2. What are the dangers of compromising one's faith and values for societal acceptance, as illustrated by the Israelites' assimilation into Canaanite culture? ([23:27])
3. How does the failure to teach the next generation about God's works lead to a cycle of disobedience and idolatry? What does this imply about the role of parents and elders in faith communities? ([38:17])
4. In what ways does the sermon describe sin and idolatry as powers that can control and ensnare us? How does this understanding affect our approach to identifying and uprooting idols in our lives? ([56:59])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you prioritize personal or professional success over obedience to God's word? How can you realign your priorities to focus on obedience? ([19:02])
2. Have you ever found yourself compromising your faith or values for the sake of convenience or societal acceptance? What steps can you take to remain steadfast in your commitment to God? ([23:27])
3. As a parent or elder, how are you actively passing on the knowledge of God's works to the next generation? What specific actions can you take to ensure that your children or younger members of your community know and understand God's deeds? ([38:17])
4. Identify any idols in your life that may be controlling or ensnaring you. What practical steps can you take to uproot these idols and ensure that your ultimate allegiance is to God alone? ([56:59])
5. The sermon highlights the importance of teaching children about God's deeds in everyday conversations. How can you incorporate discussions about God's works into your daily routine with your family? ([44:20])
6. Consider the concept of God's relentless grace despite repeated failures. How does this understanding of grace impact your relationship with God and your approach to repentance? ([17:21])
7. Reflect on the cycles of rebellion, judgment, distress, and deliverance in the book of Judges. How can you break any similar cycles in your own life and seek consistent faithfulness to God? ([14:49])

Devotional

Day 1: Obedience Over Success
True success in God's eyes is measured by obedience, not by worldly achievements or strategic victories. The Israelites' initial military successes were overshadowed by their failure to fully obey God's commands. This calls us to examine our own lives and prioritize obedience to God's word over our personal or professional accomplishments. The story of the tribe of Judah's initial success, followed by their compromise and failure to fully drive out the Canaanites, serves as a powerful reminder that partial obedience is still disobedience. We must strive to follow God's commands fully, trusting that His ways are higher than our ways. [19:02]

Joshua 1:7-8 (ESV): "Only be strong and very courageous, being careful to do according to all the law that Moses my servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you prioritizing success over obedience to God? How can you realign your priorities to ensure that you are fully obeying God's commands?

Day 2: The Danger of Compromise
The Israelites' decision to coexist with the Canaanites rather than driving them out led to their gradual assimilation into Canaanite culture and idolatry. This serves as a warning against compromising our faith and values for the sake of convenience or societal acceptance. Compromise can start small but eventually lead to significant spiritual decline. We must remain vigilant and steadfast in our commitment to God, resisting the temptation to conform to the world around us. The story of Israel's compromise and its consequences is a sobering reminder of the importance of maintaining our distinctiveness as God's people. [23:27]

James 4:4 (ESV): "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have compromised your faith for the sake of convenience or acceptance? What steps can you take today to recommit to God's standards?

Day 3: Passing on the Knowledge of God
The failure of one generation to teach the next about God's mighty works led to a generation that did not know the Lord. This underscores the critical role of parents and elders in imparting the knowledge of God to their children. It is through the recounting of God's deeds and faithfulness that faith is nurtured and sustained across generations. The story of Israel's failure to pass on their faith serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of intentional discipleship within our families and communities. [38:17]

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."

Reflection: How are you actively teaching the next generation about God's works and faithfulness? What practical steps can you take to ensure that your children or those you mentor know the Lord?

Day 4: The Power of Sin and Idolatry
Sin and idolatry are not just choices or actions; they are powers that can control and ensnare us. Like addiction, they can dominate our lives and lead us away from God. Recognizing this, we must be diligent in identifying and uprooting idols in our lives, ensuring that our ultimate allegiance is to God alone. The story of Israel's descent into idolatry serves as a stark warning of the destructive power of sin and the importance of remaining vigilant in our spiritual lives. [56:59]

Romans 6:12-14 (ESV): "Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace."

Reflection: What idols or sinful patterns have taken root in your life? How can you actively work to uproot these and ensure that your ultimate allegiance is to God alone?

Day 5: God's Relentless Grace
Despite Israel's repeated failures and disobedience, God's compassion and love remain steadfast. This relentless grace is a profound mystery that points to the ultimate expression of God's love: the cross of Christ. It is through Christ's sacrifice that God's justice and mercy are perfectly fulfilled, offering us hope and redemption. The story of God's unwavering grace towards Israel, despite their waywardness, is a powerful reminder of His love and faithfulness towards us. [17:21]

Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV): "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Reflection: How have you experienced God's relentless grace in your life? How can you respond to His grace with gratitude and a renewed commitment to follow Him?

Quotes

1. "You can't understand Judges without Joshua. You can't really understand Joshua without Deuteronomy. You know, it does work backwards, that this is all of a piece, that the biblical narrative is one great story. Judges seems very different than Joshua. Joshua, though it has very hard things, is overall a very bright book in the history of the people of God. And then you turn over, and everything grows dim and gets increasingly dim into great darkness in the book of Judges. But this is still a book about God. It is still a book about his love. It is still a book about his grace. This grace is not that obvious form of fulfilled land promises, okay? It is the pursuing grace of a wayward people." [11:00] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The love and the grace of God are not different in the book of Judges than they are on this Wednesday morning for all of us. They're just really, really visible in this book. They are so terribly visible because it is so terribly dark. This morning, we are looking at these first like two and a half or so chapters of the book of Judges. We don't have to do any introduction to the book of Judges. Because the book of Judges introduces itself." [11:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Nothing in the scripture is ever measured by its success. It's measured by its what? Obedience. Be careful not to turn to the right or to the left. Be careful to do all that I have commanded you. Be careful. Be careful. Be careful. Success does not equal obedience." [23:27] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We have put this, language of ability, all over to cover up our language of choice. We do it all the time. We have to do this. We can't do this. I wish we could do this with our children. I wish we could take this away. I wish we could give money in that way. I wish we could live sacrificially. I wish we could be at church every Sunday. I wish we could, could, could, could, could. But we what? What do we say? But we can't. We never say we won't. We never say we won't." [33:18] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The most important thing that my children need, the most important thing that your children need is to think correctly and truly about God. Only their hearts will do with that true and correct knowledge. But their greatest need is to think and know the truth about God. The most important school for that knowledge is the home. And the most important teachers are mom and dad. That's what this is telling us here. The source for all of that knowledge is not your knowledge. It's the scripture." [40:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Parents, teach your children to Jesus. It is impossible not to teach children about God because not to teach them is to teach them plenty. It teaches them that Jesus does not matter much. That mom and dad don't consider him nearly as important or as exciting as new furniture or college admissions or weekends at the lake or frustrations at work or sports or homework or all the other things that fill all of our conversation. Silence about Christ is not to teach the infinite value of Christ is to teach that he is negligible." [40:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and they served the Baals and they abandoned the Lord the God of their fathers who brought them up out of the land of Egypt they went after other gods from among the gods of the people who were around them and bowed down to them they provoked the Lord to anger they abandoned the Lord and served the Baals and the Ashteroth so the anger of the Lord was kindled." [46:22] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "You cannot believe what you do not know you cannot cling to what you have not been given I love teaching kids Sunday school you know why because they love it you will not find resistance in children for learning about the great works of God they forsook the Lord okay part number two here of the analysis this double edged thing they failed their children and they forsook the Lord." [45:53] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The worst thing for them would not be that they would be defeated is that they would be included and if I am honest all I want is to be included all I want for my children is to be included to be right and what we even talk about being in the what in the middle of things they are right up in the they are all up in it right they are all up in the middle of it and that's exactly what they are all up in it people they are all up in the middle of it it's not because they're persecuted it's not because they're opposed it's because they are fitting in." [01:12:16] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "None of us will ever be led to repentance by the threats of God we won't will only be led there by the love of God and it's not a love you hope you'll get it's a love you've already got as you look at a torn savior so that we never nothing will ever tear me from him because he was torn from me that is the reasoning that then sets sets the irony and the frustration and the beauty and all the rest of the things that are coming through the cycles of this book the Lord's wrestling in his own heart and the love wins not that it cancels the holiness but the love wins so much that it will fulfill everything that nothing nothing nothing can separate us from his love." [01:22:29] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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