Focused & Devoted: Ending the Cycle
The last 10 weeks have taken us through so many situations of God choosing the weak, the overlooked, or the unexpected to show His power. As our theme verse says-
1st Corinthians 1:27 | Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful.
We began with our flawed heroes— men and women who wrestled with a desire to sin just like we do. They brought us to the final judge and only perfect hero— Jesus.
Through their stories, we learned —
God empowers us to be rescuers (Othniel)
God can use any tool miraculously if we surrender it to Him (Shamgar)
Humble Heroes use their strengths to lead others to Jesus (Ehud)
A fearless faith trusts God no matter what (Deborah)
God shows His power in our weakness (Gideon)
We should love our enemies with the same unmerited mercy shown to us by Jesus (Jephthah)
Saying ‘no’ to temptation is always worth it (Samson)
God’s followers hear and follow His voice (Samuel)
Jesus, our rescuer, will return as the final judge
But do you remember why these heroes were needed?
We saw throughout the book of Judges that God’s people had a hard time staying focused in their devotion to Him. Despite God’s grace, mercy, and power, they continually got distracted by their sinful desires.
Just like God’s followers in Judges, God’s followers today are constantly tempted to sin. The desires of our eyes, flesh, and heart (1st John 2:16) try to distract us from living the way we see outlined in Scripture. We’re bombarded at school, work, home, online, and even in our own minds.
So how do we stay focused in our devotion to the Lord? How do we break the cycle?
Hebrews 12 explains—
Hebrews 12:1-3 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up.
We must —
Keep our eyes on Jesus - His love and His ways
Abandon the sin that trips us up
Surrender the things that distract us and slow us down
Follow the path (race) God has for us (not someone else!)
Commit to endure and lean on Him when its more than we can handle
Embrace community for encouragement and accountability
This week, we’ll break down these elements of staying focused and devoted to the life of faith. As we do, remember the stories of the judges and why breaking the cycle of sin is worth it.
What are some things you learned throughout the Flawed Heroes (Judges) series?
Did God speak to you about anything (things you should/should not do, attitudes, understanding of Him, etc.) during this series? Were you obedient to His instructions?
Where are you at on the cycle of devotion to God/devotion to sin?
How long have you been there?
If you’re not at fully devoted to God, what needs to change?
How will you devote the next hour to God? The rest of today? Tomorrow? This week?