Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this series I volunteered to write the small group questions that go along with each sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.
Small Group Questions ::: A Lesson in Obedience ::: Judges 2
The book of Judges is the seventh book in the Old Testament. It is thought to have been written by Samuel as a transition from Joshua to the Monarch of Israel. Judges 2 has many similarities to Judges 1. Most scholars consider both chapters to be a paralleled introduction to the book (notice the reference to Joshua in Judges 1:1 and 2:6). Both chapters teach us of Israel’s half-hearted faith and failure to fully receive the Promised Land from the Lord. The book of Judges teaches us this major theme: God relentlessly offers His grace to a group of people who don’t deserve it, ask for it, or seek it! Study Judges 2 and learn about a lesson in obedience from the text.
1) Neal shared a story about how a pearl is formed. Through great pressure a small grain of sand enters the oyster shell. What has caused great pressure in your life that later formed a beautiful pearl?
2) Read Judges 2:1-3. The angel of the Lord makes a couple promises to God’s people about enjoying the Promised Land. But the Israelites will be trapped by foreign gods who will distract them from the Lord. What distracts you from following Jesus?
3) Read Judges 2:1-5. The Israelites wept over the depth of their painful decisions. Read Romans 3:23, Psalm 51:1-4, and 2 Corinthians 7:10. Use these verses as an opportunity to share about a time you messed up and repentance lead you to Jesus.
4) Think about a person who has discipled you, served as a spiritual role model, or mentored you. What did they encourage you do to? How did they encourage you to live? How did their example help you grow in your faith?
5) The New Testament teaches us about making disciples. Read Judges 2:6-10. What did Israel fail to do? Read Matthew 28:18-20. What does Jesus call us to do? Discuss ideas of who you will invest your life as a way to follow Jesus’ call to make disciples here on earth. (see Deuteronomy 6:4-9 and Timothy 2:2 if time allows).
6) Part of making disciples is having spiritual conversations with others. Read Luke 21:4, Acts 18:11, and 3 John 1:14. What do these three verses teach us about helping others grow in their faith?
7) Read Judges 2:20-23. We read the personal nature of our faith and how our decisions can impact the community. What does it look like for you to walk in the ways of the Lord at this stage in your life?
Close your time in prayer. Talk about who you will invite to Coastline Online?
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