Judges – Forgetfulness to Faithfulness
Introduction
During the time of the Judges, Israel repeatedly fell into a cycle of rebellion,
retribution, repentance and rescue. They forgot God, worshipped idols, and
sold themselves to “double wickedness”. They then faced the consequences
of their sin and cried out in their brokenness, so God raised up a judge to
rescue them. Othniel, the first judge, brought 40 years of peace and rest,
but the cycle began again. We are challenged not to forget God’s goodness,
drift into sin and become complacent. While Othniel was a temporary
deliverer, Jesus is our ultimate deliverer, rescuing us from sin and restoring
us to lasting peace with God.
Discuss
- Read Judges 2:16–19. Israel repeatedly forgot God and turned to the
idols of surrounding nations. How might we fall into the same cycle of
rebellion today? What idols might compete with God for our attention,
such as achievements, hobbies, sexual pleasure, drugs, gambling or
status? - Forgetfulness leads to complacency and apathy, leaving a void that
we may fill with sinful behaviours. How can we recognise when we are
drifting from God? What consequences might we face when we allow
other things to take His place? - Read Judges 3:7–9. Israel cried out to God in their brokenness, and He
raised up Othniel to rescue them. What do we need to repent of in
our own lives? Are we living a double life, compromising our holiness,
remaining silent when we should stand for God, or forgetting His
goodness? - Othniel was marked by his spiritual heritage, availability, courage and
anointing. He called out the people’s sinfulness and pointed them back
to God, keeping his eyes on God rather than himself. Which of these
qualities challenges you most? How can we become more available and
courageous in serving God? - Othniel brought Israel 40 years of peace, but he could not break the
cycle permanently. Jesus is our ultimate deliverer. How does Jesus
rescue us from sin in a way that no human leader can? How can we
keep our faith centred on Him rather than relying on others? - Read Revelation 2:4–5. Unaddressed sin can cause increasing damage,
like a minor cut that becomes infected. We can forget how we came
to faith, how Jesus transformed us, God’s provision, how to live a life of
purity and holiness, and how to live out God’s calling on our lives. Which
of these do you most need to remember? How can remembering God’s
faithfulness help you resist spiritual drift?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Identify someone who may be drifting from God or growing complacent in
their faith. Pray for them, asking God to show you how to encourage them
and remind them of His goodness, provision and transforming work in their
lives.
Respond
God repeatedly rescued His people, even when they had forgotten Him.
Jesus is our ultimate deliverer, ready to forgive and restore those who repent
and turn to Him. What is one area of your life where you need to turn away
from sin and return to God? What practical step will you take this week to
remember His goodness, pursue holiness and remain faithful to the calling
He has placed on your life?
Judges – The Power of a Promise
Introduction
The book of Judges reveals a recurring cycle in Israel’s relationship with God: rebellion, retribution, repentance and rest. Pastor Heather reminded us of how God used an unexpected and unlikely leader. Ehud was not an obvious warrior, yet he acted courageously and strategically, eventually leading the Israelites to victory and bringing 80 years of peace to the land. Just as the Israelites needed to reclaim their freedom, we are called to stand on God’s promises, shake off the shackles that hold us back, and confront the strongholds that hinder our spiritual growth.
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Discuss
- Read Judges 3:12–15. The Israelites turned away from God, experienced oppression, and eventually cried out to Him for help. God responded by raising up Ehud to deliver them. Have you ever experienced a time when you drifted away from God but later turned back to Him? What helped you reconnect with Him?
- Read Judges 3:26–28 and 1 Corinthians 1:20. When circumstances do not turn out as you hoped, what helps you continue trusting God? How can we learn to hold on to what God has promised in Scripture without assuming He will fulfil every personal expectation in the way we want?
- Read 2 Timothy 1:7. Ehud may not have appeared to be a natural warrior, but he took action despite the risks. Fear and doubt can appear in subtle ways. Sometimes they show up as avoiding a difficult conversation, hesitating to serve, remaining silent about our faith, or finding a reason not to take a step of obedience. Which of these struggles, or something similar, do you find most challenging in your current season of life? What might it look like to bring that fear to God and take one small but faithful step forward, rather than allowing fear to make the decision for you?
- Read Judges 3:15–30. Ehud was an unexpected deliverer, yet God used him to bring freedom to His people. Think about your roles at home, at work, in the church or in your wider community. Where might God be inviting you to take greater initiative, even if you do not feel like the most capable person for the task? What could it look like to trust Him and involve others rather than trying to do everything alone?
- Read 1 Corinthians 1:27. Have you ever felt that you were not experienced enough, gifted enough or spiritually mature enough to make a difference? How might God use something He has already placed in your hands – your experience, time, gifts or willingness to listen – to bless someone around you?
- Read 2 Corinthians 10:3–5. Is there a recurring thought, attitude, or reaction that sometimes gets the better of you, especially under pressure? How could God’s Word, prayer, honest repentance and the support of trusted believers help you respond differently, rather than remaining trapped in the same pattern?
- Read Ephesians 6:10–18. Who or what has God placed on your heart to pray for more consistently in this season? What might change if you began praying for that person not only when problems arise, but also for their growth, well-being and relationship with Jesus?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
Identify one person you can intentionally encourage, pray for, or walk alongside this week. Ask God to help you recognize where He may already be at work in that person’s life. Take one practical step to demonstrate Christ’s love and, where appropriate, share the hope you have in Jesus.
Respond
Stand on His promises. Hold on to the truth of God’s Word when doubts arise.
Shake off the shackles. Identify one fear or unhealthy pattern you need to bring before God.
Strike down the strongholds. Pray, rely on Scripture and take a faithful step towards spiritual growth.
Which of these 3 important truths resonate with you currently? What is one action you take to re-possess the promises God has given you?
Judges – Stepping Out in Faith
Introduction
This week we consider the question, “What is God calling you to do that requires you to step out in faith?” In Judges 6–8 we are introduced to Gideon, an unlikely leader who, despite his doubts and insecurities, is called by God. Through Gideon’s story, Pastor Bill reminds us that God is faithful to the faithless, He tests the trusted, He equips the called and He does the extraordinary through the ordinary. Yet Gideon’s story also challenges us to consider the idols and compromises that can influence our faith and the legacy we leave behind.
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Discuss
- Pastor Bill shared how he and his wife had to wait until almost the end of Bible college before God revealed where He wanted them to serve. Why do you think waiting and uncertainty can be such a challenge to our faith? How can we remain faithful when God hasn’t yet shown us what comes next?
- Pastor Bill said, “God sees in Gideon something that Gideon didn’t see in himself.” God called Gideon a mighty warrior while he was still hiding in a winepress. What does this reveal about the way God sees and calls people? How might this change the way we view ourselves and others?
- Read James 1:2-4. This passage speaks about how the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Why do you think God allows our faith to be tested, and how can these moments shape our character?
- Read Zechariah 4:6. Pastor Bill highlighted that God reduced Gideon’s army so Israel would recognise that the victory came from Him, not their own strength. What is the difference between trusting God to equip us and using faith as a reason not to prepare, grow or develop the gifts He has given us?
- Read Matthew 5:14-16. Pastor Bill highlighted how Gideon’s men smashed their jars to reveal their torches, foreshadowing Jesus’ call for us to be the light of the world. How might we sometimes hide our light or keep our faith under wraps? What does it look like to let our light shine through the way we live, the choices we make and the way we interact with those around us?
- Pastor Bill described affluence as toxic to Christianity because it can cause us to rely on our resources rather than God. How might comfort, success and financial security subtly influence our dependence on God?
Who’s Your Person of Peace?
God’s mission is in the hands of ordinary people, and often it starts with the relationships He’s already placed around us. Think about your family, friends, workplace or neighbourhood. Who could you intentionally invest in, encourage or walk alongside in their journey of faith? How might you help someone take their next step towards Jesus?
Respond
Pastor Bill challenged us to consider what idols we might need to tear down and asked, “What have you got in your hand?” As you reflect on the message, is there something in your life that has taken priority over God and needs to be surrendered? Perhaps God is inviting you to use something He’s already placed in your hands for His purposes. What is one step you can take this week to put God first and respond to what He’s calling you to do?