Outline of Judges 2:
A. National apostasy. 2:1–15
B. Divine mercy. 2:16–23
Transition:
The book of Judges is NOT only a past history, this book also is about God’s people today.
Spiritual Lessons:
1. All sorrow does not equate with genuine repentance. Vv. 1-5
Read: verse 1-5
A. Explanation:
“Bochim” means “weeping”, as in their realization of what the consequences of their sin was bringing upon them.
The reason why they wept it is not because they were repentant, but because they were “CAUGHT” in sin.
The basic meaning of the word repentance" is a change in mind which results in a change in outward actions.
B. Illustration:
The Bible is clear that there is both genuine and false repentance.
Example:
i. Pharaoh. He was not repentant.
Exodus 9:27 Then Pharaoh quickly summoned Moses and Aaron. “This time I have sinned,” he confessed. “The Lord is the righteous one, and my people and I are wrong.
ii. Esau felt bad and wept over giving away his birthright, but he did not truly repent (Heb. 12:17).
Hebrews 12:17 You know that afterward, when he wanted his father’s blessing, he was rejected. It was too late for repentance, even though he begged with bitter tears.
C. Application: You must humble yourself to repent.
There is a kind of sorrow over sin that does not produce repentance, and therefore does not lead to salvation.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There’s no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.
2. People needs to know and be reminded. Vv. 6-10
A. Explanation:
Judges 2:10 And also all that generation were gathered to their fathers, and there arose another generation after them who did not know (recognize, understand) the Lord, or even the work which He had done for Israel.
It is very clear in verse 10 that parents failed to instruct their children and the larger spiritual community failed to honor God.
It is the responsibility of parents to teach their children about the Lord. Each generation must be taught who God is, and what He has done for mankind.
On the other hand, each generation must have an independent relationship with God. Every generation must find God for itself.
B. Illustration: Daniel
He was far removed from his leaders and parents, yet he continued to serve God faithfully.
C. Application:
i. Maintain your walk with the Lord.
ii. Never focus on people.
iii. Teach the next generation to know and trust God.
- Tell your children what the Lord has done.
iv. Don’t forget God when all is well. V. 6
- Don’t let the abundance of God’s gifts cause you to forget Him.
Deuteronomy 8:11 “But that is the time to be careful! Beware that in your plenty you do not forget the Lord your God and disobey his commands, regulations, and decrees that I am giving you today.”
V. For pre-believers: Have a personal relationship with God.
3. Serving false gods always leads into bondage. Vv. 11-15
Read: verse 10-15
Judges 2:11 The Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight and served the images of Baal.
Judges 2:12 They abandoned the Lord, the God of their ancestors, who had brought them out of Egypt. They went after other gods, worshiping the gods of the people around them. And they angered the Lord.
Judges 2:13 They abandoned the Lord to serve Baal and the images of Ashtoreth.
Judges 2:14 This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them.
Judges 2:15 Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.
A. Explanation:
i. Question: Why did they turn to idol worship?
a. They failed to obey God’s command.
b. They didn’t have a strong relationship with God.
- The Israelites evidently "worshipped" both the idols and the true God at the same time, or at least outwardly did so. This practice constituted forsaking Yahweh, because He demanded exclusive allegiance. (Dr. Constable)
c. They are more interested on material wealth.
d. They are more interested in success.
ii. Consequences of their disobedience.
Judges 2:14 This made the Lord burn with anger against Israel, so he handed them over to raiders who stole their possessions. He turned them over to their enemies all around, and they were no longer able to resist them.
Judges 2:15 Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated, just as he had warned. And the people were in great distress.
B. Application: Be serious about learning God’s Word. Vv. 11-13
The moment you forget to read the Bible, you are in danger of forsaking the God of the Word.
4. Sometimes we suffer because of our own mistakes. Vv. 16-23
Read: Judges 2:16-23
A. Explanation:
i. Suffering is a tool God uses to get our attention and to accomplish His purposes in our lives.
Why the Israelites suffer? Because of their disobedience.
ii. Sometimes we suffer because of the consequences of our bad decisions and actions. The good news is, God still loves us anyway and He is always willing to forgive.
iii. The nature of sin is this, it kept getting worse and worse.
B. Example: David and Bathsheba
C. Application: How will we respond to God’s Discipline?
a. Do not reject the Lord’s discipline.
b. Cooperate with God’s shaping hands.
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