1. Power struggle – sin & God’s salvation Judges 4-5 1. The power of sin – 4:1-3; 5:8 We see in Judges a cycle:- Sin/rebellion God judges Desperate prayer Saviour/Judge Sin/rebellion etc. 2:10-19; 3:10-12; 4:1; 6:1-6 etc.

2. Vigorously dealing with sin a. Receive God’s salvation - Rom.1-8 b. Offer yourself to God every day – Rom.12:1 c. Be eager for God’s transformation – Rom.12:2 1. Read the Bible – Ps.1 2. Pray 3. Meet with Christians – Heb.10:24,25 4. Be thankful to God

3. 2. The power & joy of God’s salvation - 4:4-5:31 a.God is the Saviour 1. He is the commander – 4:6 2. He has the battle plan – 4:7 3. He defeats the enemy – 4:14,15,23 The Israelites were helpless (5:6,7); God came marching to rescue (5:4,5) Cf. Ex.14,15; Col.2:13-15 The victory of God leads to singing

4. b. God works through people 1. Barak called – 4:6 2. Jael is in place – 4:11,17-22 3. Committed Israelites – we see a contrast a. Those engaged – 5:13-15a,18 b. Those on the sidelines - Discussion but no action – 5:15b - Focus on problems – 5:17a - Too busy with other things – 5:17b - Meroz – unknown village refusing to engage

5. c. God is a Warrior When we read 4:18-22 & 5:24-30 remember 1.There is much violence in the world 2.Sisera & his mother are not innocent 3.God’s judgment is real – cf. Ex.15;Rev.15 When we pray, “Your kingdom come” we are praying:- a. For God to crush his enemies – 5:31 b. For God to strengthen his people

6. 3. Urgent, committed action a. Recognize your need & cry out to God b. Offer every part of you to God each day - deal quickly with wrong things - be quick to obey c. Don’t be a spectator. Be an active participant