Life Group Questions

1. If you could not hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What main ideas did you gain from the message? Do you have any questions?

2. Read Judges 1:21-2:5. What ideas of “cause and effect” do you notice taking place? What were the people commanded to do (cf. Deuteronomy 7:1-6, 20:16-18)? How did they respond? What are some “cause and effect” events in your life where actions caused long-lasting effects, both positively and negatively?

3. Identify the “Angel of the Lord” mentioned in Judges 2:1. Describe His role and what He has done (cf. Genesis 22:10-12, Exodus 3:1-4)? How does the image of some feathered flying creature miserably fail to represent this Being? Take note of the pronouns used and explain their significance.

4. List some ways in which we can apply the concept “to obey is better than sacrifice” (1 Samuel 15:22) to our text? Describe the Lord’s instruction and the peoples’ response in our passage. What are some things Christians do when attempting to substitute obedience (traditions, serving, etc.)?

5. The promise that God always keeps His Word can positively and negatively affect believers. Look at the following texts and list some promises that stand out: Genesis 17:7-8; Joshua 21:45; Isaiah 41:10; Matthew 28:19-20; Romans 8:38-39. Elaborate on how these promises encourage you?

6. Clearly, there are consequences for failing to listen to and obey the Lord (Judges 2:2-3). Sometimes these consequences are quickly administered, and sometimes they are long-lasting. Read the following passages and identify some consequences and their impact (cf. Joshua 23:13; Joshua 7:20-26; Acts 5:1-11). Discuss how we should apply this to our own lives.

7. It appears that the people, at least for now, are broken because of their disobedience (cf. Judges 2:4-5). At times in Judges, we see that God pities the people (cf. Judges 2:18). Do you believe our text describes Israel’s sincere repentance or sorrow for being caught? Read the story of David and Nathan in Psalm 51 and describe elements of true repentance. If there is any sin in your life, take time to confess it to the Lord and ask Him for strength to repent (turn away). Are you willing to turn from your sin?

by Dan Jarmon  /  Music & Young Adults