Judges Sermon Series - Part 1

Sermon follow-up 1/6/25

Introduction
The Book of Judges tells a powerful story of God's unwavering commitment to His people despite their repeated failures. As we begin exploring this important book, we discover crucial lessons about faith, obedience, and God's saving grace.

What is the Book of Judges About?
The Book of Judges chronicles a difficult period in Israel's history after they entered the Promised Land. During this time, the Israelites fell into a destructive cycle of disobedience, suffering, crying out to God, and restoration through judges whom God raised up as deliverers.

Why Did the Israelites Keep Failing?
The Israelites' main failure stemmed from not fully driving out the Canaanites as God commanded. Instead, they allowed themselves to be influenced by Canaanite culture and religious practices, particularly the worship of false gods like Baal and Ashtaroth. This compromise led to a downward spiritual spiral.

Four Key Questions from Judges

1. Who is influencing you? - The Israelites' story warns us to be careful about our influences, whether from people, media, or culture.
2. What areas of your life are you trying to control rather than trusting God? - Like the Canaanites who tried to manipulate their circumstances through idol worship, we often struggle to fully trust God.
3. What areas in your life need to be conquered? Just as the Israelites failed to fully conquer the land, we often compromise in areas God wants us to surrender.
4. Are you in need of a savior? The central message of Judges points to our universal need for salvation through Jesus Christ.

Life Application 

Questions to reflect on:
What influences in your life might be pulling you away from God?
Where do you need to trust God more fully?
What areas of compromise do you need to address?
How can you better embrace Jesus as your savior this year?

Conclusion
The Book of Judges reminds us that despite our failures, God never gives up on His people. He continues to provide salvation and restoration through Jesus Christ, our ultimate deliverer.