week of 5/1

Unit 9  Session 2

FOLLOWING HIS OWN PASSIONS

JUDGES 13-16

God is able to bring salvation to His people, even through the weakness of His chosen deliverer.

During the time of the judges, the Israelites repeatedly sinned and faced God's judgment. In the midst of their suffering, they cried out for help, and God raised up judges to deliver them: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah and Barak, Gideon, Jephthah, and Samson, to name a few. God empowered these people to deliver Israel from their enemies. Yet these judges were flawed, just like the people they were sent to rescue. Gideon was afraid. Jephthah made a foolish vow. And Samson was much like the Philistines he was raised up to defeat. The judges were flawed "heroes", but God, the true Hero, used them despite their weaknesses.

Points to consider:

✞   God will save His people through a promised deliverer.

     * How might this scenario in Judges foreshadow God's

        actions related to the gospel?

✞   God will save His people through a flawed deliverer.

     * What are some ways God has used you in spite of 

      your flaws?

✞   God will save His people through a vengeful deliverer.

     * What are some consequences we may face by 

      pursuing our own passions?

     * How does Samson's death compare and contrast

      with Jesus' death?