No King The Rise of the Bramble King – Abimelech Ambition, Idolatry, Murder, Destruction Judges 8:29–35, Judges 9 Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Salvation, Silence 1. Selfish Ambition for Power will Destroy Everything Judges 9:1-6 Ambition without godliness becomes tyranny. Israel had become morally anesthetized. Abimelech should have received condemnation; instead, he received coronation. 2. People Often Choose What Is Impressive Over What Is Right Judges 9:6 A culture that abandons truth will eventually celebrate the wrong leaders. 3. God Always Sees Judges 9:7–21 God sees beneath appearances. People may be fooled. God never is. 4. Sin is Always Judged Judges 9:22–57 Sin contains the seeds of its own destruction. 5. God is Always at Work Judges 9:23, 56–57 Abimelech is a false king. He takes life. Jesus gives life. Abimelech seeks power for himself. Jesus Christ lays down His life for others. Abimelech destroys his brothers to gain a crown. Jesus dies for His brothers to provide salvation. The greatest danger is not merely having the wrong leader over a nation. The greatest danger is having the wrong king over your life.