1. If you were not able to hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What are some main ideas you gathered from the sermon? What, if any, questions did the sermon cause for you or do you desire to have additional clarification?

 

2. What thoughts come to mind when you think of the book of Judges? Read through the book and list some of the major themes. Why do you think God gave us the book of Judges?

 

3. Read the following passages and explain your understanding of what a judge was in Israel: Exodus 2:14; 18:21-22; Deuteronomy 17:8-9; Judges 3:9-10; 6:14-15; 13:3-5. Why were judges necessary?

 

4. Describe the setting of the book of Judges. How is this book related to the previous book of Joshua? What textual connections exist between Judges and Joshua? How does Judges compare to our culture today? What lessons can we apply to our own country?

 

5. What was the result of everybody doing what was right in their own eyes (cf. Judges 18:1; 19:1; 21:25)? What led to and caused this type of action? Do you ever feel as though we are in the midst of the same atmosphere today? Explain.

 

6. What are some ways in which we can avoid the situation of Israel found in Judges? Describe the importance of training our children properly (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4-9). In what ways do you need to work with your family more in this area? In what way do you need to work with our church to help train children and others?

 

7. Do you believe there our consequences to our decisions and actions? Do you believe God still disciplines His children who stray from His commands? What are some ways in which God disciplined Israel? What are some ways in which God has possibly or is possibly disciplining our country?

 

8. Read Judges 8:22-23 and describe the comfort that comes from knowing God as our rightful King. Describe God’s faithfulness to Israel despite their unfaithfulness. Describe some times in which God has been faithful to you regardless of your disobedience toward Him. Take time to thank God for His grace, mercy and steadfast faithfulness.