God’s Graciousness in Response to Our Sinfulness (Judges 2)

I preached this message on the book of Judges.

Introduction. The stories in the Old Testament about the nation of Israel are valuable because they reveal what we are really like. The Old Testament was written for us (2 Timothy 3:16–17), for our instruction (Romans 15:4): (1) to give us examples of what not to do (1 Corinthians 10:6), (2) to warn us against thinking that we are above making the same mistakes (1 Corinthians 10:11–13), but also (3) to give us hope in the grace of God (Romans 15:4; 4:23–24; cf. Hebrews 11). As Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

I’d like us to briefly consider the story of the book of Judges tonight, and to consider these things: God’s promise, our sin, its consequences, and God’s gracious deliverance.

God’s promise. God had promised Israel the land of Canaan. He was fulfilling His promises and giving them victory. But He told them that they must obey Him and not worship any false gods. “You shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall tear down their altars” (2:2a).

Sin and disobedience. But Israel disobeyed and started worshiping other gods. “But you have not obeyed Me; what is this you have done?” (2:2b).

Slavery and defeat. God stopped giving them victory over their enemies. Their enemies started defeating them, and as a result the Israelites suffered defeat and became slaves of their enemies. “Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out before you; but they will become as thorns in your sides, and their gods will be a snare to you’” (2:3).

Supplication. In their affliction the people cried out to the Lord.

Salvation and deliverance. “Then the LORD raised up judges who delivered them from the hands of those who plundered them” (2:16)—Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, Tola, Jair, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon, and Samson.

Application. What should we avoid?

1. Disobedience.
2. Failing to learn our lesson.

What should we recognize about ourselves?

1. We are just as prone to irrationality. We are often deceived by sin.
2. We are just as prone to disobedience. We often justify our sin.
3. We are just as prone to idolatry. We just come up with other names for it.

What should we take hope in?

1. God will not reject us when we repent.
2. God will even bring things into our lives to draw us back when we won’t repent.
3. God will always offer forgiveness.
4. God will always extend His grace and mercy.