Opener: This week we will be in the Books of Judges and Ruth. You may feel like you need a shower by the time you finish reading Judges—it’s a brutally honest account of life where everyone does what seems right in their own eyes. You’ll conclude the week’s reading in Ruth, a book that covers the same period as Judges, yet shows us that there were still those who faithfully walked with God.
As we read Judges, the key theme that guides our understanding of the book is this: “In those days, there was no king in Israel; everyone did whatever seemed right to him. Also, pay attention to the cycles of sin and restoration and how, with each cycle, it only worsens.
The sermon focused on Judges chapters 17-18, which illustrate how the previously mentioned theme affected God’s people. The concept of “everyone doing whatever seemed right in their own eyes” is clearly evident in these chapters. This idea is prevalent today; it is known as relativism and personal autonomy. As you work through the chapters today and reflect on the sermon, don’t just consider Micah, his mother, the priest, and the Danites and their obvious flaws. Instead, think about how many people today make similar choices
Discussion: Have someone in your group read aloud Judges 17:1-13. You can skim over chapter 18, but read aloud verses 22-26; and 30-31. After reading, respond to the discussion questions below.
Questions From the Reading:
Q1: What do you see going on in this passage, and why do you think it is happening?
Q2: What does Judges 17:6 say about the days in which we live? How does the truth of these verses become evident in your daily life? What do you believe God wants you to do about it?
Q3: What is the only remedy to the kind of sin described in these chapters?
Now read John 14:6; Matt. 16:24; 7:24-27
Q3: What do these passages tell us about truth—ultimate reality?
Q4: In what areas of my life am I tempted to seek truth, direction, or fulfillment outside of Jesus? How can I better align my daily choices with Jesus as “the way” in my life?
Q5: Am I merely hearing God’s word or am I actively living it out?
Q6: What foundation are you building your life on, and is it really a firm foundation? Be honest.
Q7: What practical steps can I take to strengthen my foundation in Christ?
Main Takeaway: What we need most is what the world has always needed—a Righteous King, and it’s Jesus, our prophet, priest, and King! Will you submit to him?
Application: After reflecting on the passages and the sermon, is there anything that needs to change in your life? How can we help?