Forestgate Forestgate Presbyterian Church (PCA)

Judges 3:12-30



































Sermon Notes:1) The Introduction of an Ironic Savior | 12-15a
2) The Presentation of a Mysterious Gift | 15-18
3) The Preparation of the True Sacrifice | 19-26
4) The Liberation of the Lord’s People | 26-29
5) The Question of the Lord’s Presence | 30, 15-27
Reflection Questions:1) Is it ok to laugh at this story? Why or why not?
2) Why does the story tell us that Eglon was fat? Is that usually a positive quality in the Bible? What does Psalm 73:1-7 say about fatness and pride? What does Psalm 73 teach us about jealousy?
3) Was Ehud a perfect savior? What kind of savior did Israel deserve? (See vv.12- 15) Should they (and we) appreciate the salvation that does provide?

Judges 3:7-11



































Sermon Notes:Judges outline from Ralph Davis:
1:1-3:6 – The Failure of the Second Generation
3:7-16:31 – The Salvation of a Long-suffering God
3:7-11 – The Paradigm of Yahweh’s salvation (Othniel) (Today’s passage)
3:12-5:31 – The Excitement of Yahweh’s salvation (Ehud and Deborah)
6:1-8:32 – The Weakness of Yahweh’s salvation (Gideon)
8:33-9:57 – The Antithesis of Yahweh’s salvation (Abimelech)
10:1 – 16:31 – The Strangeness of Yahweh’s salvation (Jephthah and Samson)
17:1-21:25 – The Confusion of a Depraved People
Today’s outline:1) Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord, 7-8a
2) The Lord sold Israel into the oppressor’s hands, 8b
3) Israel served the oppressor for eight years, 8c
4) Israel cried out to the Lord, 9a
5) The Lord raised up a deliverer, 9b
6) The Spirit of the Lord was with the deliverer, 10a
7) The oppressor was subdued, 10b
8) The land had rest for 40 years, 11
Reflection questions:1. Why is “crying out” by itself not true repentance? See Judges 2:18-19 and 3:9; 2 Cor 7:8-11.
2. What does it mean to enter God’s rest? See Hebrews 3:7-4:11.
3. Consider the following two quotes: “Yahweh’s [The Lord’s] wrath is the heat of his jealousy by which he refuses to let go of his people. He refuses to allow his people to remain comfortable in sin.” (Ralph Davis) “God never lets Christians sin successfully.” (Ed Hart)

Judges 2:6-3:6



































Sermon Notes:1) A Generation Who Didn’t Know God | 2:6-10
2) A Generation Who Did Evil | 2:11-15
3) A Generation of Testing | 2:20-3:6
4) A Generation of Judges | 2:16-23
Reflection questions:1) Judges 2:3 says that idols can become a “snare” and a “thorn.” How does idolatry (or any sin) become like snare or a trap? See Romans 7:14-8:1.
2) Why did God send Judges for Israel? Was it because of their repentance or in spite of their repentance? What does that tell you about God? What does it motivate you to do? See Judges 2:18 and Romans 2:4.
3) God tested Israel. Did they pass the test? What should you do if you’re worried about passing God’s test? (See both 1 John 1:9 and 2 Peter 1:5-11.)

Judges 1:1-2:5



































Outline of Judges (From Ralph Davis): 1:1-3:6 - The Failure of a Second Generation
3:7-16:31 - The Salvation of a Long-Suffering God
Chapters 17-21 - The Confusion of a Depraved People
Sermon Notes:1) A Just War | 1:1-2
2) A Sufficient Grace | 1:1-20 (See 2 Cor. 12:9)
3) A Theological Map | 1:18-36
4) A Godly Grief? | 2:1-5 (See 2 Cor 7:9-10)
Reflection questions:1) What did Israel say was the problem with their lack of success (see 1:19, 27-28)? What did God say was the problem (see 2:2)?
2) In Judges 2:1, God said he would never break His covenant with His people? Even in this passage, do you see any sign that God has changed His mind about His covenant, or is God still being faithful to His people?
3) Was Israel’s grief “Godly grief”? How can you tell the difference between Godly grief and worldly grief in your life? (See 2 Cor 7:9-10) Can you always tell if someone else’s grief is Godly or worldly?

Ephesians 6:10-24



































Sermon Notes:Ephesians 6:10-24 “The Armor of God and Our Daily Battles”
1. The Armor that God Supplies | 10-20
a. The enemy | 10-13
b. The armor | 13-17
c. The army | 17-20
2. The Daily Battles God’s People Face | 21-24
a. Itineraries and encouragement | 21-22
b. Incorruptible blessings | 23-24
Reflection questions:1) Do you think verses 10-20 are meant to be an encouragement to the weak and struggling, or a warning to those who are self-confident and self-assured?
2) While Paul uses many metaphors in this passage, what types of activities (or spiritual disciplines) are clearly encouraged or commanded? In which areas are you most consistent? In which areas could you improve? What’s one step you could take to improve in one of those areas?
3) Paul uses the word “stand” several times in this passage. (See verses 11, 13, 14, as well as “withstand” in verse 13.) Based on how often he uses that word, do you think spiritual perfection or everyday faithfulness is what he expects?

Ephesians 6:1-9



































Sermon Notes:Four lessons about authority:
1) Children, obeying authority brings long life | 1-3
2) Fathers, teach your kids to fear God more than you | 4
3) Men under authority, God will repay your labor | 5-8 (cf Mt 8:9-11)
4) Masters, God will call you to account, too | 9
Reflection questions:1. Children, when is the last time you disobeyed your parents? Does God’s promise to you (in 3) make the idea of obedience seem easier?
2. Parents, when is the last time you were harsh with one of your children? Did you apologize to them for your harshness? Do they know that God has expectations for both of you?
3. What are the various authorities in your life? Which ones are the hardest for you to obey?
4. What power and authority do you have in your life? Do you use it to threaten others, or do you use it in a way that honors your Master?