Main Idea. Only the blood of Jesus brings sinners out of darkness and into fellowship with God. Question. Why do we need the blood of Jesus to have fellowship with God? 1. Because God is holy (v.5) 2. Because sin breaks fellowship (v.6) 3. Because Christ’s blood restores fellowship (v.7) Takeaways (for walking in the light). Cling to Christ. Confess your sin. Live in fellowship.
Main Idea. Jesus Christ is the eternal Word of God made flesh. Question. Why trust the apostles over the apostates? 1. Because They Knew Christ (v.1) Application. Trust the apostles’ testimony because they truly knew Him. 2. Because They Proclaimed God’s Truth (v.2) Application. Hear clearly what the apostles say because it comes from God. 3. Because They Invite Us Into Fellowship (vv.3–4) Application. This fellowship with God is to be shared with the world, not reserved for a select few. Framing the book. We must know who Jesus Christ is. We can have assurance of salvation. “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life.” (5:13).
Main Point: Good and faithful servants are cultivated by Christ’s perfect character. Driving Question: What aspects of God’s character cultivates in us goodness and faithfulness in our lives? Good and faithful servants know the rule and reign of Christ (v.14) Good and faithful servants know the generosity and goodness of Christ (v.15-21) Good and faithful servants know the grace and mercy of Christ (v.18, 24-28) Good and faithful servants know Christ is their joyful abundance (v.29-30) Takeaways: Let your servitude be cultivated and shaped by the character of Christ Be faithful today Rest in the faithfulness of God
Question. Does Jesus really care about the spiritual health of His church? Main Idea. Jesus cares about His church’s health, especially her heart. Five ways Jesus cares for the spiritual health of His church. 1. Jesus is close (1) 2. Jesus compliments (2–3, 6) Jesus compliments the church in Ephesus for three things: Hard work and endurance (2-3) Rejecting false teaching (2) Rejection of sin (6) 3. Jesus confronts (4) 4. Jesus calls (5) Jesus calls the church to three things to restore love: Remember (5) Repent (5) Return (5) 5. Jesus comforts (7) Practically: How do we grow in our love for Christ? Consider Paul’s Example of Affection for Christ (Phil 3:7–9) 1. Count All Else As Loss. 2. Know Him Deeply. 3. Trust His Righteousness. Takeaways. 1. Christ is with us. 2. Christ wants our love.
Main Idea: The church is the countercultural community that grows together into the fullness of Christ for the glory of God. ___________________ 1. The goal of countercultural community (4:15-16) -To conform us into the image of Jesus _________________ “those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” (Rom. 8:29a) _________________ "may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints... for this is the will of God, your sanctification.” (1 Thes. 3:12-13 & 4:3) ____________________ 2. The context of countercultural community (4:17-32) -The local church __________________ 3. The means of countercultural community (4:15-16, 25-32) 1. Proper membership (vv. 16, 25) 2. Proper mind (vv. 17-24, 32) 3. Proper mouth and ministry (vv. 25-32) _____________________ Response 1. Repent, believe in Jesus, and join the community of His people. 2. Attenders! Become members of our church 3. Put on the proper mind needed for biblical community. 4. Commit to being the hands and feet of Jesus… inside the church. 5. Is there an area of sanctification that you are resisting in your life right now?
Main Idea. When God’s people reject their King’s rule, moral chaos rules and the weak have no refuge. Question. How do people live when they reject God as their king? 1. The Depths of Depravity (19:1–21:24) A. Corruption in Gibeah (19:1–30) B. Civil War in Israel (20:1–25) C. Condemnation of Benjamin (20:26–48) D. Compromise in Benjamin’s Restoration (21:1–24) 2. The Desperation for a King (21:25) Deut 17:14–20. 14 “When you come to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you possess it and dwell in it and then say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,’ 15 you may indeed set a king over you whom the Lord your God will choose. One from among your brothers you shall set as king over you. You may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 Only he must not acquire many horses for himself or cause the people to return to Egypt in order to acquire many horses, since the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall never return that way again.’ 17 And he shall not acquire many wives for himself, lest his heart turn away, nor shall he acquire for himself excessive silver and gold. 18 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel. What does life look like under the good and kingly rule of Jesus Christ? Justice is assured for all Women are honored and protected Men are called to sacrificial protection Forgiveness flows to all
Main Idea. God crushes the mighty through the humiliation of his servant. 1. The donkey-slayer becomes a donkey (1–21) Three specific sins that lead Samson into slavery: 1. Pride (1–3) 2. Pleasure (1, 4–19) 3. Presumption (20) Spurgeon said, see what sin will do. That shaved man made slave is the picture of many who were the once avowed servants of God and were valiant for the truth of God. They have lost the locks of their dedication and are led captive by the devil at his will. They cannot see as they used to see; darkness shuts out all joy. For they do not work for God as they used to, for they are slaving for people. How the mighty have fallen? 2. But the donkey becomes God’s deliverer (22–31) 2 Responses. 1. No matter your past or present, if you cry out to God, He will deliver you. 2. Your life isn’t defined by shame, but moving forward it must be marked by weakness and dependence. 2 Takeaways. 1. God is strong for undeserving people. 2. God is relentless in keeping his people.
Main Idea. God continues to grant His great deliverance by the hand of a flawed servant. Four moving parts to this narrative: 1. The Cycle of Revenge (1–8) 2. The Compromise of God’s People (9–13) 3. The Conquering of God’s Spirit (14–17) 4. The Cry of God’s Servant (18–20) Takeaways. God works through broken people. God wins through weakness. God wants to provide life to the thirsty.
Main Idea. The Lord works through even bitter circumstances to bring about sweet deliverance for His people. Sermon Question. How did God work through Samson to begin the deliverance of His people? 4 ways God begins deliverance… 1. A Bride for His Purpose (1–4) 2. Strength by His Spirit (5–9) “If that roaring lion that goes about seeking whom he may devour finds us alone among the vineyards of the Philistines, where is our hope? Not in our heels… not in our weapons… but in the Spirit of God, by whom we can do all things. There is a stronger lion in us than that against us.” (Spurgeon) 3. Conflict of His Design (10–18) 4. Judgment by His Power (19–20) Takeaways. The Spirit Who Strengthens The Sovereignty of God Is Not a License to Sin There is Sweetness in Suffering The Sharing of Sweetness with Others
Main Idea. God graciously begins our deliverance by providing his own Deliverer. Sermon Question. How does God bring hope to the helpless? 1. God’s Provides a Savior (1–7) Two Observations. God’s redemptive plan unfolds through miraculous births. God works before we even ask. 2. God Receives a Sacrifice (8–25) Two Responses. Manoah trembles before God’s holiness (22). His wife reasons with gospel clarity (23). Takeaways. Trust God’s Word. Treasure Christ’s Presence. Take Refuge in Christ’s Sacrifice.
Main Idea: Unchecked pride among God’s people will produce devastating results. 1. The Dangerous Pride of Ephraim (vv. 1-3) Examination: a. Do you enjoy finding faults in others? b. Do you care more about your public sins than your private sins? c. Do you struggle with saying no? 2. The Devastating Fall of Ephraim (vv. 4-6) Observations: a. Pride makes us look more like the world than God’s people. b. Pride cannot remain hidden. 3. God’s People Left Restless (vv. 7-15)
Main Idea: We suffer misery when we forsake the Lord to do what’s right in our own eyes. ____________________ 1. The misery of idolatry (10:6-16) - Idols chosen and cherished _____________________ Apply: 1. There is no spiritual neutrality when we choose to walk in sin. 2. Understand the difference between godly grief and worldly grief. _____________________ 2. The misery of self-sufficiency (10:17-11:28) - The call of Jephthah _____________________ Apply: 1. Beware of self-sufficiency which always leads to misery. 2. Confess the ways in which you seek the Lord only when you need something from him. _____________________ 3. The misery of biblical infidelity (11:29-40) - The vow of Jephthah ______________________ Apply: 1. Beware of sin that can be carried out with seemingly spiritual motives. 2. Study to know God's word, not merely basic concepts and a few proof texts.
Sermon Question: What happens when we reject God’s rule and crown our own king? Main Idea: When we reject God's rule and crown a false king, we invite God's judgment. 1. The Rise of a False King (1–6) Application. We need to examine our hearts in two ways. What false kings are we tempted to crown? What ways do we seek our own glory? Beware of pragmatism dressed up as wisdom. 2. The Warning of a Faithful Voice (7–21) Three Lessons: Don’t ignore God’s gracious warnings. Beware of charisma over character. Speak the truth, even when it costs you. 3. The Fall Under God’s Judgment (22–57) Takeaways. Every Heart Chooses A King. God’s Justice Is Never Idle. God Works Through History to Bring Us to Christ.
Main Point. Victory turns into pride when we lose sight of the God who gave it. Driving Question: What happens to our hearts when we forget that victory comes from God? 1. Our Pride Resists God’s Glory (1–21) Two Faces of Pride in Gideon: 1. People Pleasing Pride (1–3) “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” – Prov 29:25 2. Controlling Pride (4–21) 2. Our Success Can Lead to Self-Glory (22–27) 3. Our Hearts Are Prone to Forget (28–35) “Take care lest you forget the LORD, who brought you out of Egypt – Deut. 6:12 Sinclair Ferguson: “The key to Christian growth is not trying harder, but remembering better— who Christ is and what He’s done.” REMEMBER THE LORD. Remember His Cross and Resurrection “Do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19) Remember His Faithfulness “He remembers His covenant forever” (Ps. 105:8) Remember His Word “He will bring to your remembrance all I have said” (John 14:26) Remember His Mercy “Forget not all His benefits.” (Ps. 103:2) Remember His Return “Behold, I am making all things new.” (Rev. 21:5) Remember Your Identity in Him “You were ransomed… with the precious blood of Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:18–19) “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead” – 2 Tim 2:8 Takeaways from Judges 6–8. God meets us in our weakness—He doesn’t wait for strength; He supplies it. Obedience starts at home—Tear down the idols closest to your heart, even when it’s risky. Victory belongs to the Lord—God uses weakness to magnify His power and glory. Success often tempts us toward self-reliance—Beware when victory gives birth to vanity. Even good things become idols—when Christ is no longer the object of our faith. Spiritual forgetfulness is real—So remember the Lord daily, not just in crisis. God’s mercy doesn’t depend on perfect faith—but on His perfect faithfulness. Jesus is the King we’ve always needed—He rules not with pride, but with mercy and grace.
Main Point. God saves by His power alone, not our strength, so that all the glory is His. Driving Question: Why does God lead us into weakness before He acts? 1. God Weakens Us to Display His Strength (1–8) 2. God Reassures Us to Strengthen Our Faith (9–15a) Two Observations. A. God’s compassionate reassurance. B. Gideon’s response. How does God reassure us of his promises today? Through Christ – (Heb. 1:1–2). Through His Word and Spirit – (2 Tim. 3:16; John 15:26). Through the Ordinances – (1 Cor. 11:26). Through His Church – (1 Thess 5:11; Heb 10:25). 3. God Delivers Us to Receive All Glory (15b–25) Takeaways. God saves by His power—not ours. God delights to use weakness—not strength. God alone deserves the glory—not man.
Main Point. God sustains trembling faith that tears down idols and trusts His Word. Driving Question. What does real faith look like? 1. Faith tears down idols (25–32) 3 truths : 1. God starts reformation in the heart and home (25–26). 2. Faith obeys even when it trembles (27). 3. Bold faith can stir others to follow (28–32). Application. Faith starts at home by confronting hidden idols. Faith obeys, even when we feel afraid. Faith influences, as God uses trembling obedience to stir others. 2. Faith trusts God’s word (33–40) 3 observations. 1. God clothed Gideon. 2. God’s patience with weak faith. 3. God’s word is sufficient. Takeaways God cares more about your heart than your public ministry. God honors trembling faith. God is patient with weak faith. True faith rests in Christ’s finished work—not our performance.
Main Point: God meets us in our weakness with His Word, presence, and peace—and invites us to trust and obey. Why trust God when we feel weak, afraid, or unworthy? 1. God is able to disrupt our idolatry (1–6) 2. God’s word confronts our disobedience (7–10) 3. God’s presence strengthens our weak hearts (11-18) Three Promises from the Angel of the Lord: 1. He Promises His Presence (vv. 12–13) 2. He Promises His Strength (vv. 14–15) 3. He Promises His Victory (v. 16) 4. God’s peace affirms safety from death (19-24) Takeaways. 1. Revere God’s presence. 2. Rest in God’s peace. 3. Remember God’s promise [that you will not die]. 4. Respond to God in worship.
Though we rebel, God remains faithful—redeeming us by crushing the enemy. Why do we rebel against God? 1. Rebellion is in our hearts (1–3) 2. Redemption is in God’s heart (4–24) a. Deborah [the unique leader] b. Barak [the faithful warrior] c. Jael [the courageous agent of deliverance] Applications from these servants. a. God works through weakness. b. God’s Word is sufficient. c. God delights in faithful women. Takeaways. a. God is victorious—He has crushed the head of the enemy. b. God is trustworthy—His word never fails. c. God is worthy—He deserves our full devotion. d. God is the deliverer—not our strength, but His. e. God is the judge–the unrepentant will perish. f. God is sovereign–working behind the veil. g. God is glorious—He alone deserves the praise.
Main Point. God graciously delivers His people through unexpected means. 1. Undeserved Grace (7–11) 2. Unexpected Savior (12–30) 3. Unlikely Means (31) Responses. Repent, for when we cry out to the Lord, he quickly gives us the Deliver he raised Recognize that God uses the foolish things in the world to shame the strong. Remember the ordinary means of God’s grace.
Main Point. The God we forget is also the God who faithfully delivers us. Driving Question. What happens when God is forgotten? (3 lessons from this text): Drifting from Truth – (vv. 6–10). Devotion to Counterfeits – (vv. 11–15). Delivered by God – (vv. 16–19). 1. Drifting from Truth (6–10) "All it takes is one generation to forget the gospel, and we are always one generation away from losing it". D.A. Carson Apply: Love God and prioritize Christ and the Gospel. Be diligent to teach your children the goodness and glory of God. 2. Devotion to Counterfeits (11–15) What do you trust in and treasure more than God? 3. Delivered by God (16–19) Interpretive key for the book of Judges: Idolatry Judgment and bondage to a foreign enemy Cries out to the Lord Salvation: through a Judge (12 judges in the book) Judge dies, people return to idolatry God’s evaluation (20–3:6) Application. Sometimes God doesn’t remove trials immediately, because they reveal what we really love. Takeaways. Pluralism is a great evil in God’s sight. God disciplines his people who compromise. Build your family on the word of God and the One who saves.