2. Chaos in the Culture Study in Judges

3. THE BOOK OF JUDGES: [9 Judges to Lead the Nation back to God] ENEMIES FROM WITHIN THE LAND: FOREIGN CONTESTS: BROKEN TRIBES or CONGREGATIONS: CIVIL STRIFE: 6 INVSASIONS: CENTRAL GOVERNMENT: SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF THE NATION:

4. The story of the inconsistency The permissive lifestyle Attracted to the pleasures, the possessions and wealth of their neighbors. Compromise with their neighbors permissive lifestyle as the unbelievers to the point of intermarrying

5. The story of the inconsistency Ephod of Gideon: Judges 8:24-27 Gideon demonstrated Greed: Gideon demonstrated Greed: Gideon led the people into false worship: Gideon led the people into false worship: Gideon’s ephod, represented prayer and Godly leadership with self centered motives and mixed in with pagan practices. Gideon’s ephod, represented prayer and Godly leadership with self centered motives and mixed in with pagan practices. Gideon considered himself above the law and invincible; (Judges 8:29-31) Gideon considered himself above the law and invincible; (Judges 8:29-31)

6. The story of the inconsistency Images of Micah: Judges 17-18 Micah coveted his mother’s silver; stole it, lied about it. Micah coveted his mother’s silver; stole it, lied about it. Micah did not confess his sin of stealing, bore false witness. Micah did not confess his sin of stealing, bore false witness. Micah dishonored and disrespected his mother; Micah dishonored and disrespected his mother; Mother dedicated the silver to the Lord, gave only 200 pieces; kept 900 pieces; Mother dedicated the silver to the Lord, gave only 200 pieces; kept 900 pieces; The silver was to make an image dedicated to the Lord, but an idol. (deep greed; idol worshipper) The silver was to make an image dedicated to the Lord, but an idol. (deep greed; idol worshipper)

7. The story of the inconsistency Sacrifice of Jephthah’s daughter: Judges 11: 29-40 A Bargain with the Lord for the satisfaction of victory; victory at any cost. A Bargain with the Lord for the satisfaction of victory; victory at any cost. This is an example of someone so desperate; he fails to consider the weight of his vow. This is an example of someone so desperate; he fails to consider the weight of his vow. Human sacrifices were forbidden by God. Human sacrifices were forbidden by God. His daughter was the object of the dedication His daughter was the object of the dedication

8. Life Step: 1.WE have a problem too with inconsistency. 2.WE cannot mix this world’s approach to God with the Holy call-ing of a Righteous life. 3.WE should not attempt to blend spiritual practices with the “cover” of ‘in the name of the Lord.’ 4.Offer the Lord Jesus Christ nothing less than your best.