Judges Sermon Series - Part 11
Sermon follow-up 3/17/25
Introduction
In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, the final chapters of Judges provide a stark reminder of humanity's brokenness and our desperate need for true leadership. While these chapters contain some of the Bible's most difficult content, they point us toward an important truth: without God, humanity naturally descends into chaos.
What Happens When Everyone Does What's Right in Their Own Eyes?
The closing chapters of Judges tell a tragic story involving a Levite and his concubine that demonstrates the depths of depravity possible when people reject God's authority. Rather than following God's ways, the characters repeatedly make selfish choices that lead to violence and destruction.
Why Do We Tend to Blame Others Instead of Taking Responsibility?
A key lesson emerges from how the Levite responds to tragedy - by shifting all blame to others while ignoring his own role. This reflects our natural human tendency to avoid taking responsibility for our actions and their consequences. As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, we need to view ourselves with "sober judgment" - acknowledging both our sinfulness and our redemption in Christ.
How Does Finding Loopholes Reveal Our Hearts?
The Israelites' creative attempts to work around their vows while technically keeping them shows how skilled we are at finding ways to serve ourselves while appearing righteous. Their greater concern for keeping the letter of the law rather than its spirit reveals misplaced priorities and corrupted hearts.
Where Can We Find Hope in Such Dark Times?
While Judges ends on an unresolved note of chaos, it points forward to the true King - Jesus Christ. Through the connected story of Ruth, we see God working through unlikely sources to bring about His plan of redemption. Jesus came not as a mighty warrior, but as a humble servant who would defeat death itself and establish His eternal kingdom.
Life Application
Remember: Jesus holds the keys to death and life. In our broken world, we can find hope in His victory and eternal reign as our perfect King.
Introduction
In a world that often feels like it's spinning out of control, the final chapters of Judges provide a stark reminder of humanity's brokenness and our desperate need for true leadership. While these chapters contain some of the Bible's most difficult content, they point us toward an important truth: without God, humanity naturally descends into chaos.
What Happens When Everyone Does What's Right in Their Own Eyes?
The closing chapters of Judges tell a tragic story involving a Levite and his concubine that demonstrates the depths of depravity possible when people reject God's authority. Rather than following God's ways, the characters repeatedly make selfish choices that lead to violence and destruction.
Why Do We Tend to Blame Others Instead of Taking Responsibility?
A key lesson emerges from how the Levite responds to tragedy - by shifting all blame to others while ignoring his own role. This reflects our natural human tendency to avoid taking responsibility for our actions and their consequences. As Paul reminds us in Romans 12:3, we need to view ourselves with "sober judgment" - acknowledging both our sinfulness and our redemption in Christ.
How Does Finding Loopholes Reveal Our Hearts?
The Israelites' creative attempts to work around their vows while technically keeping them shows how skilled we are at finding ways to serve ourselves while appearing righteous. Their greater concern for keeping the letter of the law rather than its spirit reveals misplaced priorities and corrupted hearts.
Where Can We Find Hope in Such Dark Times?
While Judges ends on an unresolved note of chaos, it points forward to the true King - Jesus Christ. Through the connected story of Ruth, we see God working through unlikely sources to bring about His plan of redemption. Jesus came not as a mighty warrior, but as a humble servant who would defeat death itself and establish His eternal kingdom.
Life Application
- As we reflect on these difficult passages, we should ask ourselves:
- In what areas am I trying to be my own king rather than submitting to Christ's authority?
- Where do I need to take responsibility rather than shifting blame to others?
- How am I finding creative ways to justify serving myself while appearing righteous?
- This week, commit to:
- Examining your heart for areas where you're doing what's "right in your own eyes"
- Confessing and taking responsibility for your role in broken relationships
- Submitting yourself anew to Christ's kingship over every area of your life
Remember: Jesus holds the keys to death and life. In our broken world, we can find hope in His victory and eternal reign as our perfect King.
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