No King The Timid Hero Judges 6 Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Salvation, Silence Rebellion, Retribution, Repentance, and Restoration Disobedience, Discipline, Despair, Deliverance “One step forward in obedience is worth years of study about it.” Oswald Chambers 1. Sin Always Carries Awful Consequences Judges 6:1-10 Ingratitude Idolatry impenitence 2. God Often Meets Us In Our Weakness Judges 6:11–24 Gideon - “Chopper or Hacker” Two Excuses His family is to Midian what Midian is to Israel - Very Low He is the Youngest “God sees beyond your present condition.” “You are a Mighty Man of Valor” Courageous Christians are not people who never struggle with fear. They are people who obey God despite fear. 3. Before God Uses You Publicly, He Deals With You Privately Judges 6:25–27 Real battle was not first external, but internal. Israel’s biggest problem was not Midianite oppression. It was spiritual compromise. Tear Down the Altar of Baal If God is to be their Savior, Baal must go. 4. Fearful Obedience Is Still Obedience Judges 6:27-35 Obedience is better than courage. Trembling Obedience is still obedience. Two Arenas Enemies Community New Name - Jerubbaal “Let Baal fight with Him” 5. God’s Presence Makes The Difference Judges 6:14–16 “I will be with you” The Power is always in God's Presence. 6. God Is Patient With Growing Faith Judges 6:36–40 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.