JUDGES SERMONS

SERMONS FROM THE BOOK OF JUDGES BY REV. MIKE JONES [Revised February 21, 2019]

Judges 01:11-15 ACHSAH ANSWERS

Judges 01:12 15 UPPER AND LOWER SPRINGS

Judges 02:10 ANOTHER GENERATION

Judges 02:10-15 SAVING A GENERATION

Judges 02:10-15 SAVING A GENERATION2

Judges 02:10-15 SAVING A GENERATION3

Judges 02:11-19 THE CYCLE OF SIN

Judges 02:3 CONTINUING CONFLICTS

Judges 06:,7: GIDEON’S ARMY

Judges 07:20-22 CONFIDENT TO CONQUER-

Judges 18:5 5 QUESTIONS ASKED OF GOD

Judges 20:27 INQUIRED

Judges 21:25 When Man Is King

Judges 01:11-15 ACHSAH ANSWERS

Judges 1:11-15 and Joshua 15:15-19

Adoni-bezek- “Lord Lightening” who cut off the thumbs and big toes of his enemies and then had his thumbs and big toes removed. Represents Satan who no longer can defeat or outrun a child of God.

Helpful Name Translations: Kirjathsepher- City of the Book / Achsah- Anklet / Othniel- force of God

Achsah was the daughter of Caleb. As a wedding present she had been given a south land. She should have been happy but this south land was part of the Negev desert. It was good for wandering herders but not for a wife who wanted to settle down and raise a family.

What it needed was some water so the desert could be changed into a garden. So Achsah went to her father and asked for a watering hole to go with the land. Like all good fathers, Caleb gave her more than she asked for- He gave her 2 springs of water: an upper spring and a lower spring (One on each side of the land). Several important principles about how God works in our life are evident in the answer to Achsah’s request.

Sometimes your lot in life is a desert instead of a garden.

Sometimes others exert great control over your life- Husband and Wife had no choice in this marriage.

Some Wives are more ambitious than Husbands- Achash had to ask Othniel to ask for the land and then she was the one who approached her father for more. Great Principles from Her Request:

1) Always ASK- You have not because you ask not. You can grumble about your lot in life or you can Ask God to change things. Achsah could have spent her life wandering in the desert but she asked. Will Heaven reveal marvelous things God wanted to give us if we would have just asked for them?

2) Always desire something better- Achsah could have been satisfied with a desert but she knew things cannot change if they remain the same. She got more because she wanted more. Lukewarm gives God indigestion; He wants you to be the best you can be.

3) Believe God can give you more than you know how to ask for- God is able to give us exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think; even if it means putting a spring on either end of our desert! God has a big hand and a big heart for His children

Do not “Dry up in the Desert” when God has living water available for you.

Judges 01:12 15 UPPER AND LOWER SPRINGS

(Judges 1:12 15) And Caleb said, He that smiteth Kirjathsepher, and taketh it, to him will I give Achsah my daughter to wife. And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it: and he gave him Achsah his daughter to wife. And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask of her father a field: and she lighted from off her ass; and Caleb said unto her, What wilt thou? And she said unto him, Give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south land; give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the nether springs.

Kirjathspeher- City of scribes and books. Possibly the site of a school or university.

Achsah had been given a south land. She could have been happy but the south land was close to the Negev desert. It was good for wandering herders but not for a wife who wanted to settle down and raise a family. What it needed was some water so the desert could be changed into a garden. So Achsah received permission from her husband to ask for a spring of water. Like all good fathers, Caleb gave her more than she asked for- He gave her 2 springs of water: an upper spring and a lower spring (One on each side of the land).

Several important principles about how God works in our life are evident here:

1) The desire to be better- You cannot change if you remain like you are. You will never be great as long as you are satisfied being good. (Philippians 3:14) I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

2) You have not because you ask not.

3) God is able to give us exceeding abundantly above all we can ask or think

I. THE UPPER SPRING (Blessings from God)-

A) Guidance- Isa 58:11 And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. (The Rock that followed them in the desert).

B) Provision- (1 Corinthians 10:4) And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ. Where is the “gold mine” on your land? Where is the “oil well” on your land?

II. THE LOWER SPRING (Blessings from men)-

A) Service: Christian School, Family Life Center, Bible Institute,

B) Salvation: (John 4:10) Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water.

Re 21:6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

You came for a celebration- Will you leave with Salvation?

1) Has the Lord been dealing with you recently?

2) Down in your heart do you want to be right with God?

3) If you knew how to be saved would you trust Christ today?

Judges 02:10 ANOTHER GENERATION

The people served the LORD throughout the lifetime of Joshua and of the elders who outlived him and who had seen all the great things the LORD had done for Israel. And the people served the LORD all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the LORD, that he did for Israel (Judges 2:7).

After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. (And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel (Judges 2:10).

The one thing that stands out in Judges is the fact that the “Cycle of Sin” was a real problem and a continuous problem. We will deal with the reasons for this “Cycle of Sin” in individual lives during the 11am service. Right now, I want us to see how horrible it will be on our children if we do not teach them to love and serve the Lord. I don’t want our children to become “another generation” that knows not God nor what He has done.

I. THE OLDER GENERATION’S FAILURE -lack of Dedication and Education.

A) Failure to Conquer the enemies- Failure to stand for the right in this Generation will come back to haunt you AND THE NEXT GENERATION.

B) Failure to Instruct- About Past Miracles and Present power. Where are our Dedicated Teachers? Do our Child hear testimonies of answered prayer as often as they hear request for prayer??

II. THE YOUNGER GENERATION’S PROBLEMS

A) Divided Love- Wanting to be like the World, they forgot God

B) Divine Displeasure- Israel had to deal with the Heathen Nations. Our Young People have to deal with Drugs, divorce, and Deadly diseases. God left these problems for specific reasons:

1. To Punish Israel- Now therefore I tell you that I will not drive them out before you; they will be thorns in your sides and their gods will be a snare to you.(Judg 2:3).

2. To Prove Israel- I will use them to test Israel and see whether they will keep the way of the LORD and walk in it as their forefathers did (Judg 2:22)

3. To Provide those who had not had previous battle experience with understanding of warfare – Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof (Judges 3:1-2).

4. To Prevent land from becoming a wilderness- The LORD your God will drive out those nations before you, little by little. You will not be allowed to eliminate them all at once, or the wild animals will multiply around you (Deu 7:22).

HOW CAN WE AVOID THE ERRORS? Is it Possible to save our Kids?

A) The Bible says the Church will become lukewarm

B) The Bible says the World will wax worst and worst

C) The Bible says because Iniquity shall abound the Love of many shall wax cold.

HERE IS WHAT WE MUST DO: DEAL WITH OUR YOUNG PEOPLE-

1. As Individuals- God saves people one at a time.

2. By the Gospel- Classes, Activities, etc must point to Christ

3. With Effort- Instruct, Memorials, Lead (Judges kept the people in Check)

We can’t let “Another Generation” grow up without the Knowledge of God’s Pardon and Power. We aren’t out to just entertain them; we want to evangelism them! And it’s going to take EVERYONE WORKING TOGETHER.

Judges 02:10-15 SAVING A GENERATION

I think most of us will admit that Christmas has gotten out of control. It has gone from a time when we worship a new born king to a time when we feed our greeds, get overwhelmed with stressful needs, and overdo our feeds. But I am not here today to lay a guilt trip on you about Christmas. I am trying to offer help and hope for the future by looking at what we can do to ensure that our children and grandchildren have the best opportunity possible to live happy and prosperous.

There arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel…and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers… and whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil (Judges 2:10-15).

A generation lost fellowship with God and the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity because of several factors:

1) They lost Personal Knowledge of God- “Which knew not the Lord”

2) They did not witness the Power of God- “Nor yet the works He had done for Israel”

3) They Parted from the Lord and began to worship Baal (Power and War god) and Ashtaroth (goddess of fleshly pleasure).

4) They lost the blessing of God’s Protection and Provision- “Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil”

How can we change this horrible outcome? Here are 5 ways to save a Generation:

1) Make sure everyone you know gets to “Know the Lord”

2) Tell people about the power of God at work in your life (Judy’s prayer for God to give her someone to help- Witness to waitress (Abused by husband, had 6 kids with no Christmas, In church today because of Power of God and witness of people)

3) Enjoy Christianity so others will want the Abundant Life you experience.

4) Claim the promises of God and look for the provision of God.

5) Make Christ the center of all you do.

Without Radio, TV, or Internet the first century Christians turned the world upside down for Christ. Let me share about one person in that generation, John the beloved Disciple.

The apostle John was a privileged person.

1) He witnessed the Power of Jesus in the miracles Jesus performed and in the resurrections Jesus either performed or participated in.

2) He saw the inner Person of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration as well as in a close personal relationship with Jesus that allowed him to lean on the breast of Jesus and ask personal questions of Jesus (John 13:25).

3) He saw the Prayers of Jesus in Jesus’ morning devotions and in the agony in the garden.

4) And John saw the Plan of Jesus on the isle of Patmos where he composed the great book of the Revelation.

John summarized his gospel with this statement- these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31). John realized that the greatest need of mankind was knowledge about Christ:

1) It is Christ who “Quickens” (Gives lives) to us- For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. (John 5:21)

2) It is Christ who washes away our sins- And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)

3) It is Christ who brings us Peace- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

4) It is Christ who shows us the Father- If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him. (John 14:7)

5) It is Christ who enables us to become God’s children- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)

6) It is Christ who gives us eternal life- And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28)

7) It is Christ who makes us overcomers- Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:5)

The story of the descendants of Jonathan Edwards.

All that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel (Judges 2:10).

Does raising your family for God make a Difference? I quote from Al Sanders in Crisis in Morality!

“Max Jukes, the atheist, lived a godless life. He married an ungodly girl, and from the union there were 310 who died as paupers, 150 were criminals, 7 were murderers, 100 were drunkards, and more than half of the women were prostitutes. His 540 descendants cost the State one and a quarter million dollars.

“But, praise the Lord, it works both ways! There is a record of a great American man of God, Jonathan Edwards. He lived at the same time as Max Jukes, but he married a godly girl. An investigation was made of 1,394 known descendants of Jonathan Edwards of which 13 became college presidents, 65 college professors, 3 United States senators, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 army and navy officers, 100 preachers and missionaries, 60 authors of prominence, one a vice-president of the United States, 80 became public officials in other capacities, 295 college graduates, among whom were governors of states and ministers to foreign countries. His descendants did not cost the state a single penny. ‘The memory of the just is blessed’ (Prov. 10:7).”

Do YOU know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

Are you doing what you can to reach this generation with the Gospel?

Judges 02:10-15 SAVING A GENERATION2

There arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel…and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers… and whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil (Judges 2:10-15).

A generation the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity because of several factors:

1) They lost Personal Knowledge of God- “Which knew not the Lord”

2) They did not witness the Power of God- “Nor yet the works He had done for Israel”

3) They Parted from the Lord and began to worship Baal (Power and War god) and Ashtaroth (goddess of fleshly pleasure).

4) They lost the blessing of God’s Protection and Provision- “Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil”

The story of the descendants of Jonathan Edwards from Al Sanders in Crisis in Morality!

“Max Jukes, the atheist, lived a godless life. He married an ungodly girl, and from the union there were 310 who died as paupers, 150 were criminals, 7 were murderers, 100 were drunkards, and more than half of the women were prostitutes. His 540 descendants cost the State one and a quarter million dollars.

“But, praise the Lord, it works both ways! There is a record of a great American man of God, Jonathan Edwards. He lived at the same time as Max Jukes, but he married a godly girl. An investigation was made of 1,394 known descendants of Jonathan Edwards of which 13 became college presidents, 65 college professors, 3 United States senators, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 army and navy officers, 100 preachers and missionaries, 60 authors of prominence, one a vice-president of the United States, 80 became public officials in other capacities, 295 college graduates, among whom were governors of states and ministers to foreign countries. His descendants did not cost the state a single penny.”

My Own Story- Saved at 14, Mom and Dad saved during first Sermon, Oldest Brother Saved after lived with a few months, Next Brother saved after begged him to go to Revival. Baby Brother Saved after reading “Snicker Breath” article.

John summarized his gospel with this statement- these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name. (John 20:31). John realized that the greatest need of mankind was knowledge about Christ:

1) It is Christ who washes away our sins- And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5)

2) It is Christ who enables us to become God’s children- But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)

3) It is Christ who makes us overcomers- Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? (1 John 5:5)

Christ can change your life and the life of your family -And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house (Acts 16:30-31).

Judges 02:10-15 SAVING A GENERATION3

Without Radio, TV, or Internet the first century Christians turned the world upside down for Christ. Our goal today should be to have that same kind of impact in a world where “Every man does that which is right in his own sight” and PC has replace the Bible as society’s guideline. In a world where politicians act like spoiled kids and where the media is at war with the President or with each other there is a tremendous need for Churches to get back on track so they can change the world for Christ.

Today I want us to look at a similar situation in the Bible and see if we can learn some lessons that will help us Save this Generation from the coming storm of Judgment. God had given Israel the Promised Land and now all they had to do was live right and do right and be blessed. Instead There arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel…and they forsook the LORD God of their fathers… and whithersoever they went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil (Judges 2:10-15).

A generation lost fellowship with God and the opportunity to live in peace and prosperity because of four factors:

1) They lost Personal Knowledge of God- “Which knew not the Lord”

2) They did not witness demonstrations of the Power of God- “Nor yet the works God had done for Israel”. (When is the last time you have seen a “God thing” that only God could do?) (Chapel in prison in Texas because of a book left in Ohio. Minister in Virginia because of book left in Florida. Recently God provided a stress test and an echo cart for my wife’s surgery).

3) They replaced Love for the Presence of God with worship of Baal (Power and War god) and Ashtaroth (goddess of fleshly pleasure). God or Satan will always be in charge of your life. You think you are “free” but would a free person destroy their life with adultery, drugs, alcohol?

4) They lost the blessing of God’s Protection and Provision- “Whithersoever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them for evil”

How can we change this horrible outcome? Here are 4 ways to save a Generation:

1) Make sure everyone you know gets to “Know the Lord”. Jesus said, “If you have seen me you have seen the Father”. Can we make the same statement? Missionary Carlisle Hanna does not just witness in India- we dig wells, plant corn, raise chickens (hogs, cows), and educate orphans. If we are going to get them to turn from their Hindi or Moslem god to the Lord God they must who God is!!

2) Tell people about the power of God at work in your life. Facebook (God is amazing), cards, letters Claim the promises of God and look for the provision of God. Prayer Book- 25th anniversary. Presently reach 175,000 each week with God’s message via newspapers, web, etc.

3) Enjoy Christianity so others will want the Abundant Life you experience. God gives us richly all things to enjoy. Even God took a day off to rest! And God looked forward to His daily walking time with Adam and Eve.

4) Change this church and this community by making sure everyone is saved. Give God no rest until all your family is saved. Determine not to live beside an unsaved neighbor. Make sure your boss knows the King. (Raised in an atheist home as a “Jones boy”. Saved began preaching in a tobacco pack house. Mom and Dad were first converts. Live with oldest brother for a month and he was saved. Invited next brother to revival and he was saved. Wrote snicker breath article and youngest brother saved.

We can only make America Great again when we bring America to God again! Listen to the example of the descendants of Jonathan Edwards (From Al Sanders in Crisis in Morality)

“Max Jukes, the atheist, lived a godless life. He married an ungodly girl, and from the union there were 310 who died as paupers, 150 were criminals, 7 were murderers, 100 were drunkards, and more than half of the women were prostitutes. His 540 descendants cost the State one and a quarter million dollars.

“But, praise the Lord, it works both ways! There is a record of a great American man of God, Jonathan Edwards. He lived at the same time as Max Jukes, but he married a godly girl. An investigation was made of 1,394 known descendants of Jonathan Edwards of which 13 became college presidents, 65 college professors, 3 United States senators, 30 judges, 100 lawyers, 60 physicians, 75 army and navy officers, 100 preachers and missionaries, 60 authors of prominence, one a vice-president of the United States, 80 became public officials in other capacities, 295 college graduates, among whom were governors of states and ministers to foreign countries. His descendants did not cost the state a single penny.”

You save a generation a person at a time- Are you a person who whithersoever you went out, the hand of the LORD was against them for evil? Do YOU know Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior?

Judges 02:11-19 THE CYCLE OF SIN

One of the biggest hindrances for Christians (and one of the major reasons people Backslide) is a condition I call the “Cycle of Sin”. It goes like this-

A Christian FALLS INTO SIN, thus FALLING OUT OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. This cause him to FAIL IN HIS CHRISTIAN LIFE. Hopefully, they will then CALL ON GOD, who FORGIVES AND DELIVERS THEM. But in a short time, the CYCLE BEGINS AGAIN. This cause FRUSTRATION, FAILURE, and sometimes FALLING AWAY.

Why does it happen and what can be done about it?

1. The Repeated Pattern: Israel repeated this pattern because they had:

A. Unoccupied Areas- Empty corners collect trash

B. Undefeated Foes- Must constantly be watched (Snake on Bush)

2. The Reasons for Failure:

A. They failed to obey God. They first TOLERATED the enemy, then they TAXED the enemy, then they MIXED WITH THE ENEMY, and finally they SURRENDERED to the Enemy.

The two main enemy idols were:

a) BAAL (Later called Baal-zebub “Lord of Flies” and Baal-zebul “Lord of divine Abode”. This is the one the Pharisees used to describe the work of Christ). Baal is Canaanite for “Lord”. The Israelites were told to worship the LORD. The Canaanites said the “Lord” was Baal; and he was a lot more fun to worship than the Lord God. He was the fertility God who was worshipped along with his Sister/Lover

b) ASHTAROTH. Their worship included snake worship, male and female prostitution, child murder and sacrifice, worship of the stars, Occult Practices, and Demon Possession.

Today, people find it easier to worship almost anything other than God. They have time for PLEASURE, FAMILY, WORK, EDUCATION, and SELF; but no time for God.

B. They failed to study and teach God’s Word- After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel (Judg 2:10). No Testimony and no Teaching.

C. They failed to deal with the ROOT OF THE PROBLEM- SELF. Instead, Every man became King and did that that was right in his own eyes.

Judges 02:3 CONTINUING CONFLICTS

The Heathen Nations were left to:

1. Punish Israel- Judges 2:3 Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

See Judges 20 21 and Josh 23:11 13

Are there problems in your life you refuse to deal with. A Habit may become a Heartache

2. Prove Israel- Judges 2:22 That through them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord to walk therein, as their fathers did keep it, or not.

3:4 And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses.

When you are put to the test- do you pass or fail?? James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

3. Provide Israel with experience in warfare”: Now these are the nations which the LORD left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; Only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing thereof (Judges 3:1-2).

Are you more interested in Comfort or Character

4. Prevent the land from becoming a wilderness Deut 7:22-23 And the Lord thy God will put out those nations before thee by little and little: thou mayest not consume them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase upon thee. But the Lord thy God shall deliver them unto thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction, until they be destroyed. Are you patience as God develops you?

Judges 06:,7: GIDEON’S ARMY

On days like today- Time change, rain, lots of sickness; it’s encouraging to know that the Lord is not limited in what He can do by the size of the congregation! One of the best examples of this is the story of Gideon’s Army. I want us today to see how God can take a few people and win the victory; and then determine to be part of God’s army.

Gideon lived in a dark period in the history of his nation. The people kept drifting into sin and God kept allowing them to be defeated in order to show them the error of their ways. At this time the Midianites were invading the land and taking all the gains and goods of the Nation until the children of Israel were “greatly impoverished” (Judge 6:1-6). Today, we in America, are fighting this same kind of battle. We have never had so many opportunities to have the “good life” and yet we must constantly fight divorce, drugs, lukewarm living, and unconcern. We must learn to fight God’s way if we are to accomplish God’s results.

I. THEIR LEADER- Gideon

A Promise to Believe- Judges 6:16 And the Lord said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man. (A PRIVATE Promise. If the Leader does not have a Vision then the people will walk in darkness!).

An Alter to Build- (A PUBLIC Proclamation). He had to take down the altar of Baal and then erect an alter to God. A leader must Remove sin and commit himself to the task God’s called him to.

An Army to Lead- (Performance) A General without an army is not much good!! Have a Dream, Tell a Dream, and then Do a Dream.

II. THEIR CHOOSING- God ordered the Tests to see who really was serious. Today, God allows many things to come our way in order to determine our commitment. Reason- so God would get the Glory. Remember it’s not your Ability but your availability; not your Talents but your Trust, that God wants.

Method-

a. Fail the Fearful 22 Thousand out of 32 Thousand were afraid and went home. Fear defeats Faith but perfect love casts out fear.

b. Seek the Serious- Of the 10 Thousand that remained only 300 drank water in such a manner as to be ready for a surprise attack (Used their hands to scope the water up). The remainder bowed on their knees and drank; they weren’t serious about the fight yet. Remember, your Attitude determines your effectiveness.

III. THEIR VICTORY

Promised by God- God used the enemy to encourage Gideon!

Accomplished in an unusual manner- Using Light and Voice instead of Force.

The Vessel had to be Broken- To allow the light to shine

A Trumpet to Blow- To disturb the enemy

Are you ready for God to break you so you can shine for Him? Are you willing to Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins (Isaiah 58:1)? Remember, it’s not how many we are but how Faithful.

Judges 07:20-22 CONFIDENT TO CONQUER-

(Judg 7:20-22) And the three companies blew the trumpets, and brake the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands to blow withal: and they cried, The sword of the LORD, and of Gideon. {21} And they stood every man in his place round about the camp: and all the host ran, and cried, and fled. {22} And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the LORD set every man’s sword against his fellow, even throughout all the host: and the host fled to Bethshittah in Zererath, and to the border of Abelmeholah, unto Tabbath.

1. CONFIDENT IN LEADER- Gideon knew how weak he was but his trust was in the Lord and the Lord had His hand upon him.

2. CONFIDENT IN PLAN- 300 to defeat 120,000 (plus). No weapons- only LIGHT and TRUMPETS- (Testimony “Light of the world” and Gospel (1 Cor 1:18) “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

3. CONFIDENT IN LORD- “The Lord set every man’s sword against his fellow…” This is God’s work and He will Build His church.

A) In quietness and in confident shall be your strength

B) Are you willing to do it God’s way??

C) Are you lifting up a torch for Gideon or will God turn the sword against you?

Judges 18:5 5 QUESTIONS ASKED OF GOD

Remember that God’s answers will not always make “sense”- For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isa 55:8-9)

DIRECTION: And they said unto him, Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous. (Judg 18:5). Moses’ grandson was the “pet Priest” of a man and these children of Isreal came to him asking him what God wanted them to do about seeking a new home.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PATH FOR EVERYONE.

PRAYERS: In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee (1 Ki 3:5). We all know that Solomon asked Wisdom instead of Riches so God gave him both. ANSWERED PRAYERS SHOULD BE A WAY OF LIFE FOR A CHRISTIAN.

SIGNS: Ask thee a sign of the LORD thy God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above (Isa 7:11). Here God says he will finally send the sign of His Son. In our lives we look at “Gideon’s Fleece”.

“FLEECE” CAN’T BYPASS FAITH BUT GOD USES IT SOMETIMES

LAWS: Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God (Isa 58:2). The mouth of the people proclaim that they want to know God’s Ways but their actions said otherwise. TRUE CHRISTIANS WANT TO OBEY GOD’S LAWS AND WIN GOD’S APPROVAL

WISDOM: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him (James 1:5). The only requirement is Faith.

A SETTLED MIND IS A WONDERFUL THING. A mind that’s troubled like the waves of the sea brings confusion and trouble.

Judges 20:27 INQUIRED

SOMETIME WE INQUIRE ABOUT SECRETS GOD WANTS TO KEEP SECRET UNTIL IT IS TIME TO REVEAL IT: (1 Pet 1:10) Of which salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

GOD WILL NOT HEAR SOME INQUIRIES-(1 Sam 28:6) And when Saul inquired of the LORD, the LORD answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

ISRAEL USED THE ARK AS THE “HOME” OF INQUIRY-(Judg 20:27) And the children of Israel inquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

INQUIRED FOR REVELATION-(1 Sam 10:22) Therefore they inquired of the LORD further, if the man should yet come thither. And the LORD answered, Behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff.

INQUIRED ABOUT ACTIONS-(1 Sam 22:10) And he inquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

(1 Sam 23:2) Therefore David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the LORD said unto David, Go, and smite the Philistines, and save Keilah.

INQUIRED WHEN PUBLIC OPINION WAS AGAINST-(1 Sam 23:4) Then David inquired of the LORD yet again. And the LORD answered him and said, Arise, go down to Keilah: for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

INQUIRED ABOUT CONTINUED COURSE OF ACTION: (1 Sam 30:8) And David inquired at the LORD, saying, Shall I pursue after this troop? shall I overtake them? And he answered him, Pursue: for thou shalt surely overtake them, and without fail recover all. (2 Sam 5:19) And David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the LORD said unto David, Go up: for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand.

INQUIRED ABOUT DIRECTIONS-(2 Sam 2:1) And it came to pass after this, that David inquired of the LORD, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? And the LORD said unto him, Go up. And David said, Whither shall I go up? And he said, Unto Hebron.

(2 Sam 5:23) And when David inquired of the LORD, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees.

INQUIRED ABOUT TROUBLE (2 Sam 21:1) Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David inquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites.

WRONG INQUIRIES- (1 Chr 10:13-14) So Saul died for his transgression which he committed against the LORD, even against the word of the LORD, which he kept not, and also for asking counsel of one that had a familiar spirit, to inquire of it; And inquired not of the LORD: therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Jesse.

SIN BLOCKS INQUIRY-(Ezek 14:3) Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their heart, and put the stumblingblock of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?

(Ezek 20:3) Son of man, speak unto the elders of Israel, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Are ye come to inquire of me? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you.

(Ezek 20:31) For when ye offer your gifts, when ye make your sons to pass through the fire, ye pollute yourselves with all your idols, even unto this day: and shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I will not be inquired of by you. (Ezek 36:37) Thus saith the Lord GOD; I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock.

Judges 21:25 When Man Is King

Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

The book of Judges is one of the most heart breaking books in the Bible. It begins with the Children of Israel having finally arrived in the promised land. They have all the promises of God to cling to and tremendous potential for growth and Blessings as they follow God’s plan for their lives—-yet they fall into the “Cycle of Sin” and the book ends with Moses’ Grandson as an Idolatrous Priest, a Levite starting a Civil war over his concubine being assaulted!!, and one of the tribes of Israel having to Steal Wives to survive!!!

THIS SHOW US THAT THE RESULTS OF MAN BEING HIS OWN “GOD” IS THAT:

1) RELIGIOUS VALUES DETERIORATE

2) THE FAMILY FALLS APART

3) THE NATION FALLS INTO CHAOS

How could this happen to them?? Could it happen to US??? Let’s find the reasons and avoid the practice.

Judges begins with God granting continuing Victories to the Children of Israel as they obeyed His voice.

1) Victory by a TRIBE: Judah went up against “Adonibezek” (Lord Lightning) and conquered him. [Adonibezek represented Satan for Christ said He saw Satan as lightening fall from the sky. Adonibezek would control his captives by cutting off their thumbs and big toes. This meant they could not grasp a sword or run away. When he was captured by Judah he had HIS thumbs and big toes cut off. Thus he represents the victory Christians now have over Satan. Satan is not “Dead” but he is Defeated in Christ!].

2) Victory by an INDIVIDUAL: Not only do we see the victory of a Tribe but also an example is given of the victory of an individual. In 1:12 15 we find Caleb claiming his possessions in the Lord by offering his daughter to the person who conquered the main city. Othniel conquered the city, claimed the bride, and even got an extra blessing of a spring of water. [In the same way Christians are able to conquer our enemies, claim converts for the Bride of Christ, and receive the “Living Water” of the Spirit].

BUT THEN we find the problems beginning. In vs 21 and 27 we find that the children of Israel do not drive out the enemy; they settle down with him!! Then in vs 28 they start to tax the enemy instead of defeat him. That’s the way sin gets hold in our lives and defeats us.

1) We start out by TOLERATING the enemy instead of Defeating him.

2) Then we TAX him as we try to get some benefit from him to justify our failure.

3) Then we begin to MAKE TREATIES with him (2:2) And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this?

4) Finally we surrender by TAKING THE ENEMIES SIDE. (Take a Christian that begins to drink. He might take the first drink “to be sociable” with the crowd instead of taking a definite stand that would make him unpopular. Surprise, surprise!! Instead of making him feel awful it seems he can actually think better and accomplish more. Soon he finds himself drinking more and more- and saying less and less about sin. If he continues this way eventually he will become a slave to alcohol and declare his desires as correct and God=s people who preach against this sin as narrow mined and bigots!).

God’s COMMAND to Israel had been very specific- Num 33:52 53 Ye shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their pictures, and destroy all their molten images, and quite pluck down all their high places: and ye shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land, and dwell therein: for I have given you the land to possess it.

HIS WARNING was also very specific vs 55 56 If ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it shall come to pass, that I shall do unto you, as I thought to do unto them.

Why did man ignore God’s Word and law then?? Why does he do so today??

1. Man thinks God is keeping something from him. Gen 3:4 5 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.

2. Man began to think that his ideas are as good as God’s Laws. Gen 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

The Results are :

1. Man “FINDS” himself and centers his universe on HIMSELF- Gen 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Adam and Eve thought only of their nakedness, not of their Sin!

2. Man loses the FOUNDATION of God’s law and has no reference point to establish what is right and wrong. He therefore tries to make do with the “fig leaves” of his own efforts but finds they wither so very quickly!!!

3. Man loses FELLOWSHIP with God- and that means his loses his PURPOSE and PEACE. Instead of walking with God, man now hides from God. Man was created for God and nothing but God will meet the need of his heart.

Who’s the “God” of your life? Are you trusting God’s Plan of Salvation? or one you’ve devised?? Are you doing God’s will for your life or your own??

Jesus told a parable about a situation like this. Let me quote 2 passages from it:

(Luke 19:12 14) He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. {13} And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. {14} But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, We will not have this man to reign over us.

(Luke 19:27) But those mine enemies, which would not that I should reign over them, bring hither, and slay them before me.

Who is KING over your life today? Do you live only for SELF? Have you surrendered to SATAN? Are you yielded to the SAVIOR?