No King God Uses Unlikely People Judges 3:12-31 Unlikely Conquerors Unlikely Leaders Unlikely Weapons Unlikely Strategy 1. How did we lose to this guy? 2. How did we get these guys for leaders? Othniel – the Lion of God Cushan Rishathaim - “doubly wicked” Ehud - “hindered in his right hand” Eglon – young cow or bull 1. Sin Always Resets The Cycle Judges 3:12 “Spiritual experiences don’t guarantee spiritual consistency.” 2. God Will Use Anyone Or Anything To Get Our Attention Judges 3:12–14 God strengthens Eglon, king of Moab Lesson on Sin When we sin willfully, the penalty increases Duration and Intensity Our hearts get more calloused It is harder to turn to God 3. God Uses Unlikely People For His Glory Judges 3:15 “God uses his weakness as a weapon.” 4. God’s Lessons and Methods May Look Unusual Judges 3:16–25 5. Faithfulness And Availability Equal Great Impact Judges 3:30–31 Ehud brings 80 years of rest What can I do? • Courage • Self-control • Man of God vss. 15, 28 Shamgar • Born and dedicated to goddess Anath • Shamgar uses an ox goad to kill 600 Philistines This Week * Bring Your Weakness to God * God uses the ordinary to do the extraordinary. * God is not looking for ability, but availability. * Jesus is the ultimate unexpected Savior. No King Cycle of Defeat & Deliverance Judges 3:1–11 1. Cycle Begins with the Sins of the People (3:7) Forgetting God Forgetting who is the enemy of God 2. Cycle Leads to Judgment from God (3:8) Captivity and Oppression Cushan Rishathaim - “doubly wicked” Correction, not Cruelty 3. Cycle Changes as People Cry out to God for Deliverance (3:9) Pain finally outweighs Pride Bondage leads to Brokeness 4. God Sends a Deliverer - Othniel (Judge) (3:9-10) Othniel (Judges 1:11-15) “Lion of God” Caleb's Half Brother Spirit of the Lord upon Him Courage Devotion (Deuteronomy 1:36) Humility (Judges 1:15) Call people to repentance in light of God's law and their sin. Lead people to fight their enemies. 5. Cycle pauses as People enjoy Rest, but they don't change (3:11) Rest is not Change Change brings Transformation Judges provided temporary, external Relief. Othniel delivered Temporarily, Jesus Christ delivers Completely