Embracing God's Grace: Lessons from Judges
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, church! It's wonderful to be back from vacation and worshiping with you all. Despite some technical issues with our lighting system, we are here to celebrate God's work among us. This summer has been incredible, with mission teams going to Guatemala and Kenya. Today, I want to share some testimonies from our Guatemala trip, highlighting the impact of your prayers and support. If you're interested in future mission trips, you can sign up for updates from our World Mission Team.
As we look forward to our 100-year anniversary celebrations on August 11th and 18th, let's remember the legacy of our church and the incredible journey God has taken us on. On August 18th, we'll have a special outdoor service at Fireman's Field, right next to where our church began. It's going to be a unique and memorable day, so mark your calendars and join us.
This week is also Wind Shaped Week at our church, with about 400 kids attending. Please pray for energy, safety, and that many kids will come to know Jesus. Over a third of the kids have no church home, so this is a significant outreach opportunity.
Today, we begin a new series on the book of Judges. The book of Judges is filled with shocking stories that might seem out of place in the Bible, but they are real accounts of God's people, the Israelites. These stories often make us ask, "How did we get here?" The book of Judges charts out a cycle of sin, disobedience, and God's grace. This cycle is not just about the Israelites; it mirrors our own lives and struggles.
The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land is a model for our spiritual journey. However, just like the Israelites, we often let enemies (sins, bad habits, etc.) linger in our lives. These small disobediences can snowball into significant issues. The book of Judges shows us that God is always ready to restore us if we turn back to Him.
As we dive into Judges, let's examine our own lives. Are there areas where we are not fully obeying God? Are we letting enemies stay in our lives? Are we willing to do the hard things God asks of us? Let's commit to being doers of God's word, not just hearers. If we find ourselves in a cycle of sin, let's quickly confess, repent, and seek God's restoration.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Cycle of Judges Reflects Our Lives: The book of Judges reveals a recurring cycle of sin, disobedience, and God's grace. This cycle is not just historical; it mirrors our own spiritual journeys. We often find ourselves enjoying God's blessings, becoming complacent, and then falling into sin. Recognizing this pattern helps us understand our need for constant vigilance and dependence on God. [42:09]
2. Small Disobediences Lead to Big Problems: Judah's decision to seek help from Simeon, despite God's clear instruction, seemed minor but had significant consequences. This teaches us that even small acts of disobedience can snowball into larger issues. Our respect and trust in God are demonstrated through our obedience, even in seemingly small matters. [49:02]
3. Letting the Enemy Stay is Dangerous: The Israelites' failure to completely drive out their enemies led to ongoing struggles and sin. Similarly, when we allow sin or bad habits to linger in our lives, they can grow and cause significant harm. We must be diligent in eradicating these "enemies" from our lives to prevent future problems. [55:08]
4. Doing the Hard Thing Leads to Freedom: The Israelites were intimidated by the iron chariots of their enemies and chose not to confront them. This reluctance to face difficult challenges can also be true in our lives. However, trusting God and doing the hard things He asks of us leads to true freedom and joy. [56:50]
5. God's Grace is Always Available: Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God continually provided leaders to guide them back to Him. This demonstrates God's incredible grace and patience. No matter how many times we fail, God is always ready to restore us if we turn back to Him with a repentant heart. [01:01:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[23:10] - Summer Missions Recap
[27:39] - 100-Year Anniversary Celebrations
[29:56] - Wind Shaped Week Introduction
[31:36] - Introduction to the Book of Judges
[34:05] - The Cycle of Judges
[38:32] - Transition from Joshua to Judges
[42:09] - The Cycle of Sin and Restoration
[49:02] - Small Disobediences Lead to Big Problems
[55:08] - Letting the Enemy Stay
[56:50] - Doing the Hard Thing
[01:01:01] - God's Grace and Restoration
[01:07:10] - Communion and Baptism Invitation
[01:16:39] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Judges 1:1-3 (ESV) - "After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, 'Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?' The Lord said, 'Judah shall go up; behold, I have given the land into his hand.' And Judah said to Simeon his brother, 'Come up with me into the territory allotted to me, that we may fight against the Canaanites. And I likewise will go with you into the territory allotted to you.' So Simeon went with him."
2. James 1:22 (ESV) - "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves."
3. Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV) - "Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you."
### Observation Questions
1. What did the Israelites do after the death of Joshua according to Judges 1:1-3? How did they deviate from God's instructions? [44:16]
2. According to James 1:22, what are believers encouraged to be, and what are they warned against?
3. In Jeremiah 32:17, what does the prophet Jeremiah declare about God's power and capabilities?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why did Judah ask Simeon to join him in battle despite God's instruction that Judah should go alone? What does this reveal about Judah's trust in God's command? [46:53]
2. How does James 1:22 relate to the Israelites' actions in Judges 1:1-3? What does this suggest about the importance of obedience in small matters?
3. Reflecting on Jeremiah 32:17, how should the belief that "nothing is too hard for God" influence a believer's willingness to confront difficult challenges? [56:50]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that small acts of disobedience can lead to significant problems. Can you identify a "small" area in your life where you might be compromising on God's instructions? How can you address this? [49:02]
2. The Israelites allowed their enemies to stay, leading to ongoing struggles. Are there any "enemies" (sins, bad habits, etc.) in your life that you have allowed to linger? What steps can you take to eradicate them? [55:08]
3. Doing the hard thing leads to freedom. Is there a difficult challenge or decision you are avoiding because it seems too hard? How can you trust God to help you face it? [56:50]
4. The cycle of sin and restoration in Judges mirrors our own lives. Have you noticed any recurring cycles of sin in your life? What can you do to break these cycles and seek God's restoration more quickly? [42:09]
5. God's grace is always available, even after repeated failures. How can you remind yourself of God's grace and patience when you feel discouraged by your own shortcomings? [01:01:01]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of being doers of God's word. What is one specific action you can take this week to move from being a hearer to a doer of God's word? [50:53]
7. Reflecting on the upcoming 100-year anniversary of the church, how can you contribute to the legacy of faith and obedience in your community? What role can you play in the church's mission and outreach efforts? [27:39]
Devotional
Day 1: Recognizing the Cycle of Sin and Grace
The book of Judges reveals a recurring cycle of sin, disobedience, and God's grace. This cycle is not just historical; it mirrors our own spiritual journeys. We often find ourselves enjoying God's blessings, becoming complacent, and then falling into sin. Recognizing this pattern helps us understand our need for constant vigilance and dependence on God. The Israelites' journey from slavery in Egypt to the Promised Land is a model for our spiritual journey. However, just like the Israelites, we often let enemies (sins, bad habits, etc.) linger in our lives. These small disobediences can snowball into significant issues. The book of Judges shows us that God is always ready to restore us if we turn back to Him. [42:09]
Judges 2:18-19 (ESV): "Whenever the Lord raised up judges for them, the Lord was with the judge, and he saved them from the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge. For the Lord was moved to pity by their groaning because of those who afflicted and oppressed them. But whenever the judge died, they turned back and were more corrupt than their fathers, going after other gods, serving them and bowing down to them. They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways."
Reflection: Can you identify a recurring cycle of sin in your life? What steps can you take today to break that cycle and seek God's grace and restoration?
Day 2: The Consequences of Small Disobediences
Judah's decision to seek help from Simeon, despite God's clear instruction, seemed minor but had significant consequences. This teaches us that even small acts of disobedience can snowball into larger issues. Our respect and trust in God are demonstrated through our obedience, even in seemingly small matters. When we allow small disobediences to take root, they can grow into significant problems that affect our spiritual health and relationship with God. It's crucial to address these small issues before they become larger obstacles in our walk with God. [49:02]
Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV): "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom."
Reflection: What small acts of disobedience have you overlooked in your life? How can you address them today to prevent them from becoming larger issues?
Day 3: The Danger of Letting the Enemy Stay
The Israelites' failure to completely drive out their enemies led to ongoing struggles and sin. Similarly, when we allow sin or bad habits to linger in our lives, they can grow and cause significant harm. We must be diligent in eradicating these "enemies" from our lives to prevent future problems. This requires a proactive approach to identifying and addressing areas of sin and disobedience. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's blessings and avoid the pitfalls that come from allowing the enemy to stay. [55:08]
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV): "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."
Reflection: Are there any lingering sins or bad habits in your life that you need to address? What steps can you take today to eradicate these "enemies" from your life?
Day 4: The Freedom in Doing the Hard Thing
The Israelites were intimidated by the iron chariots of their enemies and chose not to confront them. This reluctance to face difficult challenges can also be true in our lives. However, trusting God and doing the hard things He asks of us leads to true freedom and joy. When we avoid difficult tasks, we miss out on the growth and blessings that come from trusting God and stepping out in faith. By facing these challenges head-on, we can experience the freedom and joy that come from obedience to God. [56:50]
Joshua 1:9 (ESV): "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Reflection: What difficult challenge are you avoiding in your life? How can you trust God and take a step of faith to confront it today?
Day 5: Embracing God's Grace and Restoration
Despite the Israelites' repeated failures, God continually provided leaders to guide them back to Him. This demonstrates God's incredible grace and patience. No matter how many times we fail, God is always ready to restore us if we turn back to Him with a repentant heart. God's grace is a constant reminder of His love and faithfulness, even when we fall short. By embracing His grace and seeking restoration, we can experience the fullness of His love and the joy of a restored relationship with Him. [01:01:01]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to seek God's grace and restoration? How can you turn back to Him with a repentant heart today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Here's what I want to ask you to do, church, is first, obviously, pray. Pray for energy. Pray that our building survives. Pray that kids come to know Jesus. You know, we are, as we said, our 100-year anniversary theme is in community for community. That's what we're doing this for, is to make a difference in our community. Over a third of the kids signed up for Wind Shaped this week have no church home at all. And so that's why we do this. And so pray that kids will come to know Jesus this week, and for our volunteers and everybody else." [30:25] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "If you're a follower of Jesus, does this not define your story? You come to know God. You come out of slavery to sin. Like I'm no longer a slave to sin. I've experienced freedom in Jesus. Hallelujah. Amen. Right? Like the Israelites coming out of Israel. You wander in the wilderness a little bit. You start to kind of, you know, experience a little bit of freedom maybe from some of those sins. There's some challenges along the way. You start to realize there's something out. And then you step into the purpose that God has for you." [39:35] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We've witnessed God's faith. We've witnessed His faithfulness and His ability to do the impossible. Look at Jeremiah 32. Ah, Lord God, it is You who've made the heavens and the earth. By Your great power and by Your outstretched arm, nothing, nothing, nothing is too hard for You. Not a sin struggle, not an enemy, not even death itself. He's defeated them all. Nothing is too hard for Him." [58:36] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "I just want you to know the book of Judges is a book of grace. That if you would repent, if you would confess and repent, He is faithful to cleanse and restore us again and again. The question is, are you ready?" [01:02:41] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Lord, I pray that not only would You save kids and families this week at Winshape, but You'd save people here today. That they would confess and repent and that You would cleanse and restore them for the first time and them, Lord. Father, Thank You for Your grace to time and again pursue us, to draw us back. We want to worship You in Jesus' name. Amen." [01:05:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Judges, this book that we're going to begin walking through today, is a book full of shocking stories that don't seem to have a place in the Bible. In fact, if I took a poll today, I'll just do it. I'll take a risk. How many of you have ever heard a sermon on Gideon? Heard a sermon on Gideon, read a message? How about Samson? You've maybe read stories about Samson. Has anyone ever heard any other sermons on any other part of the book of Judges? A couple of you, maybe? Not many, right? Did you know that there's more than Gideon and Samson in the book of Judges?" [34:05] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You see, disobedience isn't just about being a bad listener. It's a sign of a lack of trust. It's a sign of a lack of respect. And that's, by the way, free sermon here. Not just about your relationship with the Lord. Sometimes when your kids aren't obeying, it's because there's maybe a trust thing. Maybe there's a respect thing. And even in your marriage relationships and things like that. Here's what James 1 says about how we listen to the Lord. It says, But be doers of the word, not hearers only. Why? Because you're deceiving yourselves." [50:14] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to tell you about the first three verses that were written about Jesus. The first three verses were about the creation and the creation of Israel. God has created these nations, and the creation of Israel, and their journey, not as a model for the USA, but as a model for us personally. Because that journey models our journey. If you're a follower of Jesus, does this not define your story?" [38:32] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You may look at this issue with Judah not following God's direction exactly. It's not such a big deal. You might look at the story and say, well, I mean, all's well that ends well, right? Well, you've got to realize that their disobedience wasn't just about getting some specific result. This isn't a transactional thing. It was about their respect for God as the Lord of their lives. This wasn't just about outcomes. It was about relationship." [49:37] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I want to get back to that number six, the restoration part, following the leader, Jesus, that God has given me. When I realize that I've strayed in some area, I want to confess and repent before God has to set me straight. I want to like willfully do that on my own before he does it for me. I want to ask him to cleanse and restore me quickly. There's a whole different cycle you can live under. It's what we call CRCR. Confess, repent, cleanse, and restore. It's a totally different cycle. One I would advise." [01:01:30] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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