The “Cycle” 1) We live “right”

The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 2) We behave badly

The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change

The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change

Judges 1375 – 1025 BC (350 years) – after Israel entered the Promised Land but before they had kings. 13 “judges” – leaders, rescuers Israel “looped” through the cycle seven times over the 350 years.

Judges Stage 1: Israel lived “right” Stage 2: Israel behaved badly Judges 3:12 “Once again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD.” Stage 3: Israel had a heart-change Judges 3:15 “The Israelites cried out to the LORD, and He gave them a deliverer – Ehud, a left-handed man….” Stage 4: Israel took an “action step” Judges 3:30 Israel turns back to God and there is peace in the land.

Competing the cycle can last a minute…or months…or years. 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change

Competing the cycle can last a minute…or months…or years. Best case scenario: loop less often loop faster The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change

Reducing the drift from stage 1 to stage 2: read the Bible listen to the Holy Spirit surround yourself with good people The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change

Reducing the drift from stage 1 to stage 2: read the Bible listen to the Holy Spirit surround yourself with good people The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change The Bible will teach us, rebuke us, correct us and train us to live “right.” 2 Timothy 3:16

Reducing the drift from stage 1 to stage 2: read the Bible listen to the Holy Spirit surround yourself with good people The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change I will listen to what God will say…. Psalm 85:8

Reducing the drift from stage 1 to stage 2: read the Bible listen to the Holy Spirit surround yourself with good people The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change Bad company corrupts good character. 1 Corinthians 15:33

Things that keep us from moving to stage 3 The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly Things that keep us from moving to stage 3 pride stubbornness hurt anger fear “I’ve already messed up….” 3) Heart-change

The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly “bad” hurdles pride stubbornness hurt anger fear apathy 3) Heart-change

Besetting sins: sins that keep assaulting, plaguing, and tormenting us. All of us have a (short?!) list of “besetting sins” that we struggle with more than other sins. The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change

Wrap-up To stay in stage 1 longer (loop less often): read the Bible, listen to God’s voice, and surround yourself with good people. To loop through the cycle faster: pray for humility, courage, and motivation. The “Cycle” 1) We live “right” 4) Action step 2) We behave badly 3) Heart-change