Ehud's Ironic Salvation

Judges 3:12-30

Sermon Notes:

1) The Introduction of an Ironic Savior | 12-15a

2) The Presentation of a Mysterious Gift | 15-18

3) The Preparation of the True Sacrifice | 19-26

4) The Liberation of the Lord’s People | 26-29

5) The Question of the Lord’s Presence | 30, 15-27

Reflection Questions:

1) Is it ok to laugh at this story? Why or why not?

2) Why does the story tell us that Eglon was fat? Is that usually a positive quality in the Bible? What does Psalm 73:1-7 say about fatness and pride? What does Psalm 73 teach us about jealousy?

3) Was Ehud a perfect savior? What kind of savior did Israel deserve? (See vv.12- 15) Should they (and we) appreciate the salvation that does provide?

Othniel, the Paradigm of God's Salvation

Judges 3:7-11

Sermon Notes:

Judges outline from Ralph Davis:

• 1:1-3:6 – The Failure of the Second Generation

• 3:7-16:31 – The Salvation of a Long-suffering God

• 3:7-11 – The Paradigm of Yahweh’s salvation (Othniel) (Today’s passage)

• 3:12-5:31 – The Excitement of Yahweh’s salvation (Ehud and Deborah)

• 6:1-8:32 – The Weakness of Yahweh’s salvation (Gideon)

• 8:33-9:57 – The Antithesis of Yahweh’s salvation (Abimelech)

• 10:1 – 16:31 – The Strangeness of Yahweh’s salvation (Jephthah and Samson)

• 17:1-21:25 – The Confusion of a Depraved People

Today’s outline:

1) Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord, 7-8a

2) The Lord sold Israel into the oppressor’s hands, 8b

3) Israel served the oppressor for eight years, 8c

4) Israel cried out to the Lord, 9a

5) The Lord raised up a deliverer, 9b

6) The Spirit of the Lord was with the deliverer, 10a

7) The oppressor was subdued, 10b

8) The land had rest for 40 years, 11

Reflection questions:

1. Why is “crying out” by itself not true repentance? See Judges 2:18-19 and 3:9; 2 Cor 7:8-11.

2. What does it mean to enter God’s rest? See Hebrews 3:7-4:11.

3. Consider the following two quotes: “Yahweh’s [The Lord’s] wrath is the heat of his jealousy by which he refuses to let go of his people. He refuses to allow his people to remain comfortable in sin.” (Ralph Davis) “God never lets Christians sin successfully.” (Ed Hart)

Sin Cycle or Sin Spiral?

Judges 2:6-3:6

Sermon Notes:

1) A Generation Who Didn’t Know God | 2:6-10

2) A Generation Who Did Evil | 2:11-15

3) A Generation of Testing | 2:20-3:6

4) A Generation of Judges | 2:16-23

Reflection questions:

1) Judges 2:3 says that idols can become a “snare” and a “thorn.” How does idolatry (or any sin) become like snare or a trap? See Romans 7:14-8:1.

2) Why did God send Judges for Israel? Was it because of their repentance or in spite of their repentance? What does that tell you about God? What does it motivate you to do? See Judges 2:18 and Romans 2:4.

3) God tested Israel. Did they pass the test? What should you do if you’re worried about passing God’s test? (See both 1 John 1:9 and 2 Peter 1:5-11.)

Questionable Repentance

Judges 1:1-2:5

Outline of Judges (From Ralph Davis):

• 1:1-3:6 - The Failure of a Second Generation

• 3:7-16:31 - The Salvation of a Long-Suffering God

• Chapters 17-21 - The Confusion of a Depraved People

Sermon Notes:

1) A Just War | 1:1-2

2) A Sufficient Grace | 1:1-20 (See 2 Cor. 12:9)

3) A Theological Map | 1:18-36

4) A Godly Grief? | 2:1-5 (See 2 Cor 7:9-10)

Reflection questions:

1) What did Israel say was the problem with their lack of success (see 1:19, 27-28)? What did God say was the problem (see 2:2)?

2) In Judges 2:1, God said he would never break His covenant with His people? Even in this passage, do you see any sign that God has changed His mind about His covenant, or is God still being faithful to His people?

3) Was Israel’s grief “Godly grief”? How can you tell the difference between Godly grief and worldly grief in your life? (See 2 Cor 7:9-10) Can you always tell if someone else’s grief is Godly or worldly?

The Armor of God and Our Daily Battles

Ephesians 6:10-24

Sermon Notes:

Ephesians 6:10-24 “The Armor of God and Our Daily Battles”

1. The Armor that God Supplies | 10-20

a. The enemy | 10-13

b. The armor | 13-17

c. The army | 17-20

2. The Daily Battles God’s People Face | 21-24

a. Itineraries and encouragement | 21-22

b. Incorruptible blessings | 23-24

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think verses 10-20 are meant to be an encouragement to the weak and struggling, or a warning to those who are self-confident and self-assured?

2) While Paul uses many metaphors in this passage, what types of activities (or spiritual disciplines) are clearly encouraged or commanded? In which areas are you most consistent? In which areas could you improve? What’s one step you could take to improve in one of those areas?

3) Paul uses the word “stand” several times in this passage. (See verses 11, 13, 14, as well as “withstand” in verse 13.) Based on how often he uses that word, do you think spiritual perfection or everyday faithfulness is what he expects?

Family Matters

Ephesians 6:1-9

Sermon Notes:

Four lessons about authority:

1) Children, obeying authority brings long life | 1-3

2) Fathers, teach your kids to fear God more than you | 4

3) Men under authority, God will repay your labor | 5-8 (cf Mt 8:9-11)

4) Masters, God will call you to account, too | 9

Reflection questions:

1. Children, when is the last time you disobeyed your parents? Does God’s promise to you (in 3) make the idea of obedience seem easier?

2. Parents, when is the last time you were harsh with one of your children? Did you apologize to them for your harshness? Do they know that God has expectations for both of you?

3. What are the various authorities in your life? Which ones are the hardest for you to obey?

4. What power and authority do you have in your life? Do you use it to threaten others, or do you use it in a way that honors your Master?

Imitators of God in Sacrificial Love

Ephesians 5:18-33

Sermon Notes:

1) The Universal Submission that Christ Requires | 18-21

2) The Unique Submission that Shows Respect | 22-24, 33

3) The Loving Sacrifice that Sanctifies Another | 25-30

4) The Great Mystery that Displays the Gospel | 31-33

Reflection questions:

1) If we as Christians are being filled with the Spirit, what type of behavior should we expect to see? VV. 18-21.

2) Why does Paul include the words, “as to the Lord,” in v.22? Consider this explanation from John Calvin: “Not that the authority is equal, but wives cannot obey Christ without yielding obedience to their husbands.”

3) How does Paul instruct husbands to love their wives? (Consider, from Calvin: “No man can love himself without loving his wife. Therefore, the man who does not love his wife is a monster.”)

4) How is marriage a picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ? If you’re married, how you can love your spouse in a way that displays a picture of the love of Christ?

Be imitators of God in love, in light, in wisdom, and in thanksgiving

Ephesians 5:1-22

Sermon Notes:

We’re called to imitate God in the world because…

1) God’s people are children of love, not lust | 1-4

2) Unholy people will not enter His Kingdom | 5-7

3) God’s people are children of light, not shameful secrets | 8-14

4) God’s people live in evil days | 15-17

5) God’s people exude godliness when they’re filled with the Spirit | 18-22

Reflection questions:

1. Read vv. 3-7, is your speech “fitting” for a Christian? Are there any types of jokes that you need to eliminate from your vocabulary?

2. Read vv. 7-14 – Are there ways that you need to discern what is pleasing to the Lord in your life? Are there patterns of living that conform too closely to the world around you and do not exhibit a clear expression of goodness, righteousness, and truth?

3. Are you consciously trying to make the best use of your time, v16, in all areas of life? What’s one way you can better “redeem” the time? 4. What is the ultimate reason to walk in love? The ultimate reason to forgive others? See Eph 4:32-5:1.

Basic Criteria for Biblical Community

Ephesians 4:29-32

Sermon Notes:

How can you build better unity in your Biblical Community?

1) Speak to build up, not tear down | 29

2) Eagerly maintain unity of Spirit; don’t grieve the Spirit | 30 (cf 4:3)

3) Get rid of malice and its friends | 31

4) Freely give the grace of forgiveness | 32a

5) Remember who forgave you | 32b

Reflection questions:

1) How often do you un-ironically, un-sarcastically compliment someone? How often do you ask what word might best fit the occasion and give to your hearer(s)? Who is someone to whom you can speak grace (and make grace come alive) today?

2) Is malice (and her evil friends, v.31) something that grieves (v30) the Holy Spirit? Read v.30-31; which one of these evil friends do you need to put away today?

3) Is God asking us to do the impossible in Ephesians 4:29-32? Is God asking us to do anything more than He has already done for us?

Who is Jesus? The Savior of Sinners

Matthew 1:18-25

Sermon Notes:

1) No good deed unpunished | 18-19

2) No good thing withheld | 20-23 (Ps 84:11)

3) No temptation not common | 24-25 (1 Cor 10:13)

Reflection questions:

1) “Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus. Atheists believe in the virgin birth of the universe.” - Glen Scrivener. Which miracle has more evidence? What does the miraculous birth of Jesus tell you about God’s purpose in sending His Son to earth?

2) Matthew 1:21 says that Jesus “will save his people from their sins?” Does God promise to save us from our sins? Does God promise to save us from the sins of others on this side of heaven? Are we promised inner renewal, enabling us to be salt and light in a dark world? Or are we promised more than that until Jesus returns?

3) When difficulties happen to you, are you quick to accuse God of “withholding” His goodness? Read the following passages (Ps 84:11; Phil 4:19; 1 Cor 10:13; 2 Peter 1:3; Ps 73) and ask how we should view of God’s provision to us?