Part 5: Destined For Greatness Sermon by Marlou Javier, Judges 4

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Part 5: Destined For Greatness Series

Contributed by Marlou Javier on Jul 14, 2021 (message contributor)

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Scripture: Judges 4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Summary: The Underlying Principles of Judges 4

Outline:

* Israel’s idolatry brings servitude once again (1-3)

* Deborah judging Israel (4-5)

* The command from God for Barak to lead the army against Sisera (6-7)

* Jael kills Sisera with a tent peg (17-22)

* God gives them victory over Jabin (23-24)

What are the underlying principles?

1. God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Vv. 1-5

God can use whoever He pleases, regardless of gender.

God’s calling Deborah as judge was an act of grace, and also an act of humiliation for the Israelites. Why? Because that time they lived in a male-dominated society that wanted only mature male leadership.

When the Lord Calls, He Equips. God never calls without equipping.

2. It is the Lord who gives victory. V. 7

Judges 4:7 And I will call out Sisera, commander of Jabin’s army, along with his chariots and warriors, to the Kishon River. There I will give you victory over him.”

While Deborah, Barak, and Jael all played a role, ultimately it was the power of God that accomplished the victory for Israel.

In Exodus 14:7, Pharaoh took 600 chariots to chased the people of Israel, so 900 was really a large number. 900 chariots were only part of Sisera’s force. He surely had thousands of foot soldiers as well.

In Judges 3:31, God used Shamgar to deliver Israel by an oxgoad, then there’s no need for chariots.

3. God has an appointed time for everything. V. 14

Judges 4:14 Then Deborah said to Barak, “GET READY! THIS IS THE DAY the Lord will give you victory over Sisera, for the Lord is marching ahead of you.” So Barak led his 10,000 warriors down the slopes of Mount Tabor into battle.

When we claim God’s promises we must also claim His perfect timing.

4. Don’t miss what God has for you. V. 9

Brethren we must not rely on another person to help us in our walk with the Lord, only rely on the Lord Himself.

Judges 4:8 Barak told her, “I will go, but only if you go with me.”

Judges 4:9 “Very well,” she replied, “I will go with you. But you will receive no honor in this venture, for the Lord’s victory over Sisera will be at the hands of a woman.” So Deborah went with Barak to Kedesh.

Question: Can you miss the will of God for your life?

Two kinds of God’s Will:

a. Sovereign will of God.

- What God declares, nothing can change. His will, will be done.

- This is the eternal, predestined, foreordained plan and purpose of God. It cannot be changed or thwarted.

- The sovereign will of God always happens. (Eph. 1:11; Prov. 16:33; Acts 2:23)

Example:

Acts 2:23 But God knew what would happen, and his prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him.

Ecclesiastes 3:14 And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him.

Ecclesiastes 6:10 Everything has already been decided. It was known long ago what each person would be. So there’s no use arguing with God about your destiny.

b. Prescribed will of God.

- The prescribed will of God, however, is what God commands people to do, which does not always happen.

Example:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 God’s will is for you to be holy, so stay away from all sexual sin.

- You cannot miss God’s Sovereign Will for your life, but you can miss God’s Prescribed Will (God’s will of command) for your Life.

- Don’t miss what God has for you! Don’t let this season pass you by.

Why do so many Christians miss God’s will for their lives?

1. Lack of faith

2. Undisciplined life

3. Disobedience

4. Selfish ambition

Application: Because you are Destined for Greatness you need to,