No King The Odd Couple to the Awed Couple Judges 4-5 Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Salvation, Silence Rebellion, Retribution, Repentance, and Restoration Disobedience, Discipline, Despair, Deliverance Cast of Characters Jabin: King of Hazor in Canaan; a tyrant Deborah: a Jewish judge; a woman of faith and courage “Honey Bee” Barak: a reluctant Jewish general “Lightning” Sisera: captain of Jabin’s army Heber: a Kenite neighbor, at peace with Jabin Jael: wife of Heber; handy with a hammer “Mountain Goat” Jehovah/Yahweh God: in charge of wars and weather Prose and Poetry 1. Act One - Sin Always Leads Back To Bondage Judges 4:1–3 The devil never advertises the chains. 2. Act Two - God Raises Leaders In Dark Times Judges 4:4–5 Throughout Scripture, God often uses unlikely people in desperate moments. Judge & Prophetess - Like Miriam, led in worship 3. Act Three - Don't Hesitate When God Calls Judges 4:6–9 The Word of God should have been enough. Delayed obedience is still disobedience. Faith obeys before it sees the outcome. 4. Act Four: God Gives the Victory Judges 4:11–23 Sisera is warned (vv. 11–12) Sisera is defeated (vv. 13–16) Sisera is slain (vv. 17–23) 5. Act Five - Give Glory to God Judges 5:1-31 Praise the Lord, all you people! (vv. 1–12) Praise the Lord for the volunteers (vv. 13–18) Praise the Lord for His victory (vv. 19–23) Praise the Lord for a courageous woman (vv. 24–31) 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.