by Tom Hatley: Judges Chapter One:
The book of Judges is the second of twelve historical books. In the previous book of Joshua, we see three main events: the Crossing of the river, the Conquering of the enemy, the Claiming of the inheritance. However in spite of these three victories, Israel is still battling in the book of Judges.
As believers under grace POSITIONALLY: We HAVE VICTORY. “We are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom.8:32). Secondly we are already seated with Christ in the heavenlies. (Eph. 2:6) Yet PRACTICALLY we still battle the world, the flesh, and the devil.
We, like Israel, could have complete victory, yet we settle too easily for compromise.
In Judges, we see this statement: “in those days Israel had no king, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” In other words, they lived as they had no authority.
We see a pattern in Judges: Israel would backslide, Israel would be chastened, and then God would send Israel a deliverer.
Notice five truths in Judges 1:1-15 concerning complete victory:
#1. We Must Realize The Sovereignty Of The Lord.
Compare Joshua 1:1 with Judges 1:1
“..after the death of Moses..” “..after the death of Josuah..”
The Lord’s work will CONTINUE; it will not CEASE; it will CARRY ON.
#2. We Must Remember To Shout To The Lord.
Verses 1-4
Judah = Praise
Could it be the ones who have an attitude of praise lead the way?
The ones with an attitude of DEFEAT or DISCOURAGEMENT will NOT lead the way. Nor will those with a DISGRUTLED attitude lead the way.
#3. We Must Recognize The Immutable Law Of Sowing And Reaping.
Verses 5-7
“Requited” – To make appropriate return for.
1,375 years before Paul penned Gal. 6:7, Adoni-bezek illustrated this principal of reaping what you sow.
#4. We Must Rely On Supplication.
Verses 13-15
Notice: Achsah requested of her father.
-She went boldly before her father.
-She was respectful.
-She asked of him.
-She did not demand.
-She received more abundantly that she asked.
#5. We Must Rely On The Spirit.
Verse 15 “springs of water”
John 4:14 “springing up..”
John 7:37-39 “living water”
In Judges chapter one, Israel failed to CONQUER the land. This chapter began with repeated victories, but ended with repeated defeats. Sadly victory led to compromise.
In Judges chapter two: Israel failed to CONSIDER the Law and they failed to CLEAVE to the Lord.
Today we see some of the same failures. Instead of overcoming the enemy with the Word of God, we compromise and allow the heathen to influence us. Thus a drift toward APOSTASY and APATHY.
The only REMEDY is to: REPENT and RETURN to the Lord.
Not only is Christ our Victory, but also our Faith.
Bro. Tom Hatley
http://three2thrive.org/ [/box]
Article submitted to IndependentBaptist.com