Bible Study on the book of Judges: Are you in need? - Fr Joseph Edattu VC

Summary

This script is a profound biblical study focusing on the Book of Judges, emphasizing the theme of divine intervention and human dependency on God. It discusses how God provided leaders, known as judges, to the Israelites during times of crisis, rather than establishing a permanent monarchy. The study highlights the importance of unity and interdependence among the tribes, drawing parallels to the functioning of the Church today. It also touches on the consequences of sin, as seen in the story of Adoni-Bezek, and encourages reflection on the cyclical pattern of disobedience and redemption present throughout the Bible and in contemporary life.

Takeaways

• 🙏 **Total Dependence on God**: The narrative emphasizes the importance of relying entirely on God, suggesting that when people depend on divine support, they may not need human leaders like prime ministers or presidents.
• 🔍 **God's Provision in Times of Need**: It is highlighted that God provides help in the form of 'helpers' or leaders when His people are in need, illustrating a direct divine intervention.
• 📜 **The Book of Judges**: The discussion centers around the Book of Judges, focusing on the role of judges who were not traditional leaders but were chosen by God to lead when necessary.
• 🏰 **Leadership by Divine Selection**: The judges were not hereditary, elected, or selected by humans; they were appointed by God to serve during times of crisis.
• 🔗 **Interdependence Among Tribes**: The script describes how the tribes of Israel supported each other, reflecting the importance of unity and mutual assistance within the community of believers.
• 💔 **Consequences of Sin**: It is stressed that the downfall of enemies and the success of the Israelites were not due to the Israelites' righteousness but because of the enemies' sins and God's justice.
• 👊 **The Cycle of Disobedience and Redemption**: The Book of Judges illustrates a recurring pattern of disobedience, enemy conquest, cries for help, divine intervention, and restoration, which is a lesson for all generations.
• 🌟 **The Role of the Church**: The script draws parallels between the early Israelites and the modern church, emphasizing the need for the church to seek God, obey His commands, and work together.
• 🤝 **The Body of Christ**: The analogy of the body is used to describe the church, where each part has a role, and all parts are necessary for the proper functioning of the whole, highlighting the importance of every individual's contribution.
• ⚖️ **God's Impartiality and Justice**: The message clarifies that God's actions are not favoritism but are based on righteousness and justice, and that He holds everyone accountable for their actions.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the sermon from the Book of Judges?

The main theme of the sermon is the dependence on God for leadership and help, rather than relying on human rulers like prime ministers, kings, or presidents. It emphasizes that God will raise up helpers when needed, and that the Israelites' victories were not due to their own righteousness but because of the sins of their enemies.

How are the judges in the Book of Judges described in the sermon?

The judges are described as leaders chosen by God, not through official national elections or successions. They arise when there is a crisis, perform their duties, and then disappear without their leadership being passed on to their children or families.

What is the significance of the tribe of Judah asking for help from the tribe of Simeon?

The request for help between the tribes of Judah and Simeon signifies interdependence and mutual support, which is likened to how the church should operate, with different parts supporting each other as one body.

What does the sermon say about the relationship between the Israelites' obedience to God and their victories?

The sermon suggests that the Israelites' victories were a result of their obedience to God, not because of their inherent righteousness. It contrasts this with the defeats they faced when they were disobedient.

Why did the Israelites cut off the thumbs and big toes of Adoni-Bezek?

The Israelites cut off Adoni-Bezek's thumbs and big toes to prevent him from fighting again, as a person without these body parts would be unable to effectively wield weapons or engage in battle.

What lesson does the story of Adoni-Bezek teach according to the sermon?

The story of Adoni-Bezek teaches that one's actions have consequences, and that the cruel treatment he received was a result of his own previous actions, highlighting the principle of reaping what one sows.

How does the sermon relate the experiences of the Israelites in the Book of Judges to the modern church?

The sermon relates the experiences by emphasizing the cyclical pattern of disobedience, facing consequences, crying out for help, receiving salvation, and restoration. It suggests that the modern church may also go through similar cycles if it does not remain obedient to God.

What does the sermon imply about the role of God in the rise and fall of nations?

The sermon implies that God is not biased towards any nation or tribe but allows the rise and fall based on their obedience or disobedience to Him. It is not about favoritism but about the consequences of one's actions.

What is the message of the sermon regarding the equality of all people in God's eyes?

The message is that God sees everyone as equal, and that the successes or failures of individuals or nations are not due to God's favoritism but are a result of their adherence to or deviation from God's commandments.

How does the sermon encourage reflection on the actions and consequences in one's own life?

The sermon encourages reflection by drawing parallels between the actions and consequences faced by historical figures in the Book of Judges and the potential outcomes in the lives of the listeners, prompting them to consider their own obedience to God.