Destroyer Or Deliverer Series

Series: Living In Times Of Spiritual Decay[#5]

Destroyer Or Deliverer?

Judges 9:1-12:7

Introduction:

As we continue in our series “Living In Times Of Spiritual Decay”, let’s compare 2 attitudes that are found and ask yourself which one fits your life best.

Destroyer

In Judges 9, Abimelech (1 of Gideon’s sons) was politicking for the position of king over Israel. When Gideon had been asked for him, his sons, and his grandsons to rule over Israel, Gideon told them that was God’s job; but now Abimelech saw a chance to take what he wanted.

Abimelech went to his mother’s family and town and convinced them that he was the best choice for the job and then he went out and killed all of his brothers (competition).

Judges 9:5

God allowed Abimelech to lead his band of evildoers for a while; but then things began to turn on him. As he was destroying different towns, he went to burn down a tower and woman dropped a millstone on his head and cracked his skull.

What I want you to see here is 3 attributes of a destroyer.

1. A destroyer is power hungry.

2. A destroyer’s motives are all self-centered.

3. A destroyer does not include God in any of their decisions or their life.

Deliverer

Turn with me now to chapter 10. We now find a judge by the name of Jephtha. Jephtha was the son of a prostitute and although he was a great warrior was kicked out of his town. He had been abandoned by those who should have supported him.

When things got bad with the Ammonites, the Israelites came to Jephtha for help. Now Jephtha could have told them to get lost, but he did not. He agreed to lead those very people who had betrayed him to victory. We must also notice that he went and repeated all of this before God.

Each one of us need to notice a few things about this one whom God used to deliver His people.

1. A deliverer serves others.

2. A deliverer’s motives are being obedient to God.

3. A deliverer includes God in all of their decisions.

Conclusion:

In a time of spiritual decay it is easy to become selfish and self-centered and just watch out for #1; but obedient followers of Christ will sacrifice whatever necessary for the Kingdom of God.