Judges 17:1-10
February 24, 2008
The story of Micah and his idols occurred shortly after the death of Joshua and the conquest of the Canaan land. The Israelites had already started drifting away from the laws of God. Everyone was a law unto himself, doing that which was convenient and self-serving. Micah and his mother no doubt had been brought up under the spiritual enlightenment of the OT law, but rationalize the acceptance of idols in their worship to God. May we be careful that the worldly culture of our day not be a substitute for the true worship of God.
Missing Money- (vs.2 “silver that was taken from thee”)
• She cursed the person who took it
• Stealing from your own family
• Greed and selfish desires is the root- love of money
Micah confession- (vs.2 “I took it”)
• Fear of the curse brought concern
• Confession was contrived for his benefit.
• The importance of true confession
Mother’s Spiritual Confusion- (dedicated unto the Lord and idols)
• Religious syncretism- mixing of different beliefs
• There is only one way to heaven, only one God
• James- from the mouth- cursing and blessings?
• The folly of the New Age movement, yoga, ect…
Molten Images- (made graven and molten images)
• Thou shall not have any image before me
• The Lord forbad the use of images as object of worship
• Fashion after the “House of God” – mimic- look-alike
• There is more to the book than the cover.
Man’s Own Eyes- (vs.6 “every man did that which was right”)
• Relativism ruled the day- Truth is relative
• Absolute truth is too restrictive to a heart not submitted to God
Matter of Character (vs.10 a sojourner to be a father and priest)
• The priest had no moral scruples
• Micah disregarded any background check of this Levite
• The importance of integrity and moral character in leadership
Moving in as Priest –(vs.12 lived in the house of Micah)
• Micah’s main concern was that he looked good
• Man looks on the outside, but God looks on the inside (motive)
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Judges. Show all posts
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Saturday, February 9, 2008
The Fall of Samson
Judges 16:13-21
February 10th, 2008
God had a divine purpose for the life of Samson. He was brought up in a godly home with parents that desired to serve God. But sin draws out the carnal sinful nature of man to seek pleasure and selfish satisfaction. Man is drawn away from his own lust and is enticed to fulfill lustful desires. When yielding, he falls from God’s grace and is left empty. Dealing with the nature of sin is the first step in overcoming temptation to sin. Trusting God and calling upon the blood of Christ for deliverances will bring the ultimate victory over sin.
Fraternizing with the Enemy (He wanted a Philistine women)
• Disregard of parent’s advise
• Intermarry/relationships with heathen-Yoking with the world
Forbidden Passions (No regard for others, only what he wanted)
• His un-holy desires
• The lust of the world
• Control of passion- Sanctified our desires
Flirting with Sin (He kept going back to Dililah)
• Lingering around temptation
• Living on the edge of sin
• The danger of playing around with sin. FLEE!
Forsook His Vows (He gave his secret away)
• Some things are just between you and God
• Samson caved under the pressure
Foolish Love (Dililah tested Samson’s Love)
• Money was Dililah’s true love
• Satan paints a pretty picture
• Enslaved by our own passion
False Assumptions (“I will go out as other times”)
• The straw that broke the camels back
• Samson’s Hair – Symbolism of God’s strength
• In weakness (hair=shame, humility), we our made strong
• State of deception- Salvation is only of the Lord
• How do we know that we our not deceiving ourselves?
Forsaken of God (God had departed from him)
• Greatest tragedy in life is to wake up and find that God is gone
• He will not forsake His own- We forsake Him first
Fetters of bondage (They bound him with fetters of brass)
• Sin’s Chains cannot be broken without God
• Blindness- Light turned to darkness
• The hopelessness of Samson’s life without God
February 10th, 2008
God had a divine purpose for the life of Samson. He was brought up in a godly home with parents that desired to serve God. But sin draws out the carnal sinful nature of man to seek pleasure and selfish satisfaction. Man is drawn away from his own lust and is enticed to fulfill lustful desires. When yielding, he falls from God’s grace and is left empty. Dealing with the nature of sin is the first step in overcoming temptation to sin. Trusting God and calling upon the blood of Christ for deliverances will bring the ultimate victory over sin.
Fraternizing with the Enemy (He wanted a Philistine women)
• Disregard of parent’s advise
• Intermarry/relationships with heathen-Yoking with the world
Forbidden Passions (No regard for others, only what he wanted)
• His un-holy desires
• The lust of the world
• Control of passion- Sanctified our desires
Flirting with Sin (He kept going back to Dililah)
• Lingering around temptation
• Living on the edge of sin
• The danger of playing around with sin. FLEE!
Forsook His Vows (He gave his secret away)
• Some things are just between you and God
• Samson caved under the pressure
Foolish Love (Dililah tested Samson’s Love)
• Money was Dililah’s true love
• Satan paints a pretty picture
• Enslaved by our own passion
False Assumptions (“I will go out as other times”)
• The straw that broke the camels back
• Samson’s Hair – Symbolism of God’s strength
• In weakness (hair=shame, humility), we our made strong
• State of deception- Salvation is only of the Lord
• How do we know that we our not deceiving ourselves?
Forsaken of God (God had departed from him)
• Greatest tragedy in life is to wake up and find that God is gone
• He will not forsake His own- We forsake Him first
Fetters of bondage (They bound him with fetters of brass)
• Sin’s Chains cannot be broken without God
• Blindness- Light turned to darkness
• The hopelessness of Samson’s life without God
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A Nazarite From Birth
Judges 13:2-6, 11-14, 24,25
February 3rd, 2008
Samson was born in a day when the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. The pleading of the remnant that still desired to worship the true God was heard from the portal of heaven’s door. God sent His angel to comfort and reassure these remaining few that God was still in control and a deliverer was forthcoming. From the womb of the barren, God brought forth Samson to Manoah and his wife. It was their charge to train this child in the way he should go. Even though Samson fell, he never was able to get away from the seeds that were planted in his heart as a child.
Barren and Childless (vs. 2. His wife was barren)
• The approach of being childless-Bible times
• God hears the plight of Manoah wife
• God sends comfort and reassurance
Beware of Strong Drink (vs. 4. Beware…drink not)
• Wine or strong drinks were prohibited- Biblical principle
• Eating thinks that are unclean- Law of Moses
Born a Nazarite (vs. 5. Shall be a Nazarite unto God.)
• Sacred vow of separation- vine tree, no razor, no dead body
• The cost of discipleship of the believer
o Sacrifice- not just sinful pleasures, but legit pleasures
o Shame- Willing to bare the reproach- pride gone
o Separation- Being dead to the world-avoid it (sin)
Bring Up A Child (vs. 12. How shall we order the child)
• The importance of training- It will not depart
• Love God, love mercy (man), walk humbly (righteous living)
Blessed of the Lord (vs. 24. The Lord blessed him)
• The Lord had a purpose for Samson
• Stayed true to his vow
Being Moved by His Spirit (vs. 25. The Spirit…began to move him)
• What does it mean to be moved by the Spirit?
• His moves will be consistent with God’s Word
• His moving is not always demonstrative
• When was the last time His Spirit moved in your heart?
• Are you sensitive to His Spirit- His prompting and checks?
February 3rd, 2008
Samson was born in a day when the sons of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. The pleading of the remnant that still desired to worship the true God was heard from the portal of heaven’s door. God sent His angel to comfort and reassure these remaining few that God was still in control and a deliverer was forthcoming. From the womb of the barren, God brought forth Samson to Manoah and his wife. It was their charge to train this child in the way he should go. Even though Samson fell, he never was able to get away from the seeds that were planted in his heart as a child.
Barren and Childless (vs. 2. His wife was barren)
• The approach of being childless-Bible times
• God hears the plight of Manoah wife
• God sends comfort and reassurance
Beware of Strong Drink (vs. 4. Beware…drink not)
• Wine or strong drinks were prohibited- Biblical principle
• Eating thinks that are unclean- Law of Moses
Born a Nazarite (vs. 5. Shall be a Nazarite unto God.)
• Sacred vow of separation- vine tree, no razor, no dead body
• The cost of discipleship of the believer
o Sacrifice- not just sinful pleasures, but legit pleasures
o Shame- Willing to bare the reproach- pride gone
o Separation- Being dead to the world-avoid it (sin)
Bring Up A Child (vs. 12. How shall we order the child)
• The importance of training- It will not depart
• Love God, love mercy (man), walk humbly (righteous living)
Blessed of the Lord (vs. 24. The Lord blessed him)
• The Lord had a purpose for Samson
• Stayed true to his vow
Being Moved by His Spirit (vs. 25. The Spirit…began to move him)
• What does it mean to be moved by the Spirit?
• His moves will be consistent with God’s Word
• His moving is not always demonstrative
• When was the last time His Spirit moved in your heart?
• Are you sensitive to His Spirit- His prompting and checks?
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Faith in God
Judges 7:13-18
January 27, 2008
Gideon, a might man of courage and fortitude realized his inability to overcome the enemy. God stripped Gideon of any plausibility that the battle would be won through his own strength. The Lord takes the weak and empowers them with His Spirit to overcome the difficulties of life. We must have faith in God that He will enable us to see victory.
Willing Soldiers (Gideon prepares his army)
• Releasing the fearful
• Releasing the careless
• Retaining watchful
Weak Made Strong (vs13. Cake of barley)
• God takes the weak elements of our lives and uses them
• His power is made manifest in our weakness
• As a church, we are weak, but God is in control
Worried Enemies (vs14. God had delivered his enemy)
• The Lord was working and preparing the situation
• The enemy trembles when the saints start to believe God
Worship the Lord (vs.15. Gideon…worshiped)
• We draw our strength by worshiping God
• Through worship we begin to realize our weakness
• God is exalted and lifted up in the place of worship
Weapons of the Lord (vs16. Trumpet, lamps, pitcher)
• God’s weapons are not carnal- (man depended)
• God will often use the insignificant to His glory
Watch and Wait (vs17.19. Look on me…set the watch)
• Gideon’ men needed to obey to see the victory
• Don’t get ahead of God when doing battle-Wait for His orders
War Cry of the Saints (vs20. Sword of the Lord)
• Praising God for the victory that will be won
• Shout your faith- dare to go out on a limb
• With God ALL things are possible-Claim God’s promise
Warfare with the Enemy (vs22. The Lord set everyman against…)
• The battle is not ours, but God's
• We must rely of God to give us the victory
Winning to the Glory of God (vs23. Pursued after the Midianites)
• There is no god, compared to Thee O God!
• To God be all the glory
January 27, 2008
Gideon, a might man of courage and fortitude realized his inability to overcome the enemy. God stripped Gideon of any plausibility that the battle would be won through his own strength. The Lord takes the weak and empowers them with His Spirit to overcome the difficulties of life. We must have faith in God that He will enable us to see victory.
Willing Soldiers (Gideon prepares his army)
• Releasing the fearful
• Releasing the careless
• Retaining watchful
Weak Made Strong (vs13. Cake of barley)
• God takes the weak elements of our lives and uses them
• His power is made manifest in our weakness
• As a church, we are weak, but God is in control
Worried Enemies (vs14. God had delivered his enemy)
• The Lord was working and preparing the situation
• The enemy trembles when the saints start to believe God
Worship the Lord (vs.15. Gideon…worshiped)
• We draw our strength by worshiping God
• Through worship we begin to realize our weakness
• God is exalted and lifted up in the place of worship
Weapons of the Lord (vs16. Trumpet, lamps, pitcher)
• God’s weapons are not carnal- (man depended)
• God will often use the insignificant to His glory
Watch and Wait (vs17.19. Look on me…set the watch)
• Gideon’ men needed to obey to see the victory
• Don’t get ahead of God when doing battle-Wait for His orders
War Cry of the Saints (vs20. Sword of the Lord)
• Praising God for the victory that will be won
• Shout your faith- dare to go out on a limb
• With God ALL things are possible-Claim God’s promise
Warfare with the Enemy (vs22. The Lord set everyman against…)
• The battle is not ours, but God's
• We must rely of God to give us the victory
Winning to the Glory of God (vs23. Pursued after the Midianites)
• There is no god, compared to Thee O God!
• To God be all the glory
Saturday, January 19, 2008
The Call of Gideon
Judges 6:11-16, 22-26
January 20th, 2008
Before heeding the call of God, one may often be faced with fears of uncertainty. “What does God really wants me to do?” Feelings of inadequacy and inability to perform the task plague the mind with doubt. “Does God really expect me to do this?” It is not until we see God for who He is that we begin to realize that it is not through our capabilities, but through the mighty power of God’s presence and His promise to go with us, that we can accomplish the task. We can rest in knowing that God will be with us and help us through our battles.
Visitation of The Lord (vs11. There came an angel)
• The ordinary world- Gideon doing his job
• Silent invitation- “Lord deliver us”
• Mercy of God to visit mankind
Valor Man (vs12. Mighty man of valor)
• What does it mean to be a valor person?
• Backbone, fearless, firmness, gallantry, fortitude, true grit
• Character that matters.
Verification of His Presence (vs13. if the Lord be with us)
• It is important to know that God is leading
• Gideon’s doubts seem to be founded-
Vessel of God (vs14. Thou ‘Gideon’ shall save Israel)
• God uses men and women to fulfill His will.
• He promises to “clothe us with his presence”
Void of Pride (vs15. I am the least…)
• Humbleness of spirit- God desires to use the humble
• It is not in our abilities, but our availability
Victory through God (vs16. Thou shall smite…)
• There is no god compared to thee O God!
• It is through Christ that we can do all things
• It is God who receives Glory- It is He who give the victory
Vision of the LORD (vs22. I have seen… the LORD)
• When we see the LORD all else fades away into the background
• Seeing Him for who He is.
Voice of Assurance (vs23. The LORD said… fear not)
• When He speaks all is well
• The assurance of knowing he keeps His promises
Veracity of Gideon (vs24. Gideon built an altar, and threw down Baal)
• Gideon is a true man of God and does what is right
• Returns to worship and opposes false worship
January 20th, 2008
Before heeding the call of God, one may often be faced with fears of uncertainty. “What does God really wants me to do?” Feelings of inadequacy and inability to perform the task plague the mind with doubt. “Does God really expect me to do this?” It is not until we see God for who He is that we begin to realize that it is not through our capabilities, but through the mighty power of God’s presence and His promise to go with us, that we can accomplish the task. We can rest in knowing that God will be with us and help us through our battles.
Visitation of The Lord (vs11. There came an angel)
• The ordinary world- Gideon doing his job
• Silent invitation- “Lord deliver us”
• Mercy of God to visit mankind
Valor Man (vs12. Mighty man of valor)
• What does it mean to be a valor person?
• Backbone, fearless, firmness, gallantry, fortitude, true grit
• Character that matters.
Verification of His Presence (vs13. if the Lord be with us)
• It is important to know that God is leading
• Gideon’s doubts seem to be founded-
Vessel of God (vs14. Thou ‘Gideon’ shall save Israel)
• God uses men and women to fulfill His will.
• He promises to “clothe us with his presence”
Void of Pride (vs15. I am the least…)
• Humbleness of spirit- God desires to use the humble
• It is not in our abilities, but our availability
Victory through God (vs16. Thou shall smite…)
• There is no god compared to thee O God!
• It is through Christ that we can do all things
• It is God who receives Glory- It is He who give the victory
Vision of the LORD (vs22. I have seen… the LORD)
• When we see the LORD all else fades away into the background
• Seeing Him for who He is.
Voice of Assurance (vs23. The LORD said… fear not)
• When He speaks all is well
• The assurance of knowing he keeps His promises
Veracity of Gideon (vs24. Gideon built an altar, and threw down Baal)
• Gideon is a true man of God and does what is right
• Returns to worship and opposes false worship
Saturday, January 12, 2008
The God of Host
Deborah and Barak
Judges 4:4-9, 12-16
January 13th, 2008
The oppression of sin soon becomes hard to bear, for the way of the transgressor is hard. It is not long before there is a cry out for deliverance from bondage. God in His mercy, once again, raises a man or women to fill in the gap and to make up the hedge. Deborah and Barak were willing to heed the call of God, picking up the sword and to go forward in battle. Their confidence and trust were placed in the God of Host who promised them victory.
Prophetess of God (vs1. Deborah, a prophetess)
• A woman close to God
• Women in leadership positions.
Proclaimed God’s Commands (vs2. Hath not the Lord…Commanded)
• Deborah know the mind of God
• It was assumed that Barak should also know what God wants
Procuring God’s Leadership (vs8. Go with me.)
• Barak- a weak man? Or a wise man?
• May all glory be reflected away from self.
Pursuit of the Enemy (vs13. Sisera gathered together all…)
• The harassment of the enemy
• The intimation of Satan- It does not look good.
• The enemy wants us to stay afraid and discouraged
Promise of Deliverance (vs14. Hath not the Lord gone out…)
• The Lord said He will give the victory
• Our we willing to let go and let God be God
• God’s promises are ours for the asking
Power of the God of Host (vs.15. The Lord discomfited)
• The Lord brought confusion to the enemy
• The Lord still used his creation for His purposes
Profound Victory (vs16. There was not a man left)
• It was God who gave the victory
• He destroys those who fight against His purposes
• Celebration of Victory (Deborah’s Song)
Judges 4:4-9, 12-16
January 13th, 2008
The oppression of sin soon becomes hard to bear, for the way of the transgressor is hard. It is not long before there is a cry out for deliverance from bondage. God in His mercy, once again, raises a man or women to fill in the gap and to make up the hedge. Deborah and Barak were willing to heed the call of God, picking up the sword and to go forward in battle. Their confidence and trust were placed in the God of Host who promised them victory.
Prophetess of God (vs1. Deborah, a prophetess)
• A woman close to God
• Women in leadership positions.
Proclaimed God’s Commands (vs2. Hath not the Lord…Commanded)
• Deborah know the mind of God
• It was assumed that Barak should also know what God wants
Procuring God’s Leadership (vs8. Go with me.)
• Barak- a weak man? Or a wise man?
• May all glory be reflected away from self.
Pursuit of the Enemy (vs13. Sisera gathered together all…)
• The harassment of the enemy
• The intimation of Satan- It does not look good.
• The enemy wants us to stay afraid and discouraged
Promise of Deliverance (vs14. Hath not the Lord gone out…)
• The Lord said He will give the victory
• Our we willing to let go and let God be God
• God’s promises are ours for the asking
Power of the God of Host (vs.15. The Lord discomfited)
• The Lord brought confusion to the enemy
• The Lord still used his creation for His purposes
Profound Victory (vs16. There was not a man left)
• It was God who gave the victory
• He destroys those who fight against His purposes
• Celebration of Victory (Deborah’s Song)
Israel's Sin and Salvation
Judges 2:11-23
January 6th, 2008
The people of Israel stayed victorious as long as they stayed faithful to God’s commandments, but they failed to take heed to the voice of God, and allowed self to take control. There failure to trust God and believe, led them to depart from the living God. This serves as an example for us, to remain faithful to God, and to obey His Word, lest we find ourselves shipwrecked and forsaken.
Conquest of the Land (Josh.ch11:23- land rested from war)
• Johsua’s initial conquest- Not all
• Choose this day- We will serve God
• Cooperation among the tribe
Condition of Israel (vs11. Did evil)
• “They did not drive them out”
• Generation fallen to selfish living
• They played the “Harlot” with other nations
• They did evil in the SIGHT OF GOD
Condemnation of God (vs14. Anger of the Lord)
• God’s anger was “hot” against them
• He gave them up to the enemy (reprobate mind)
• They were always under distress- no peace of mind
Conquering the Enemy (vs16. The Lord…delivered them)
• The faithfulness of God to raise a deliverer
• God loves the backslider
Commandment Disobeyed (vs17 the commandments…they did not)
• Unfaithful to stay true to His commandments
• Forsaking His Word for selfish pleasures
Corruption of Morals (vs17 went a whoring)
• Went whoring after other gods
• Turned quickly out of the way
Compassion of the Lord (vs18. It repented the Lord)
• God hears the cry of those who earnestly seek Him
• God will not turn away a earnest heart
Covenant Transgressed (vs20. Transgress my Covenant)
• Keeping our promises- “Lord, If you will…)
• Honor and integrity is lost- no commitment
Consequences of Sin (vs23. The Lord left those nations…)
• Failure to deal with sin will come back to bite
• God’s help is withheld- Life is without hope without God
January 6th, 2008
The people of Israel stayed victorious as long as they stayed faithful to God’s commandments, but they failed to take heed to the voice of God, and allowed self to take control. There failure to trust God and believe, led them to depart from the living God. This serves as an example for us, to remain faithful to God, and to obey His Word, lest we find ourselves shipwrecked and forsaken.
Conquest of the Land (Josh.ch11:23- land rested from war)
• Johsua’s initial conquest- Not all
• Choose this day- We will serve God
• Cooperation among the tribe
Condition of Israel (vs11. Did evil)
• “They did not drive them out”
• Generation fallen to selfish living
• They played the “Harlot” with other nations
• They did evil in the SIGHT OF GOD
Condemnation of God (vs14. Anger of the Lord)
• God’s anger was “hot” against them
• He gave them up to the enemy (reprobate mind)
• They were always under distress- no peace of mind
Conquering the Enemy (vs16. The Lord…delivered them)
• The faithfulness of God to raise a deliverer
• God loves the backslider
Commandment Disobeyed (vs17 the commandments…they did not)
• Unfaithful to stay true to His commandments
• Forsaking His Word for selfish pleasures
Corruption of Morals (vs17 went a whoring)
• Went whoring after other gods
• Turned quickly out of the way
Compassion of the Lord (vs18. It repented the Lord)
• God hears the cry of those who earnestly seek Him
• God will not turn away a earnest heart
Covenant Transgressed (vs20. Transgress my Covenant)
• Keeping our promises- “Lord, If you will…)
• Honor and integrity is lost- no commitment
Consequences of Sin (vs23. The Lord left those nations…)
• Failure to deal with sin will come back to bite
• God’s help is withheld- Life is without hope without God
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