Book of Judges: Introduction

Awakening the Lethargic Church: The War with Evil

The Bible Teaching Commentary

Paul J. Bucknell

Judges Background | Judges Outline | Judges Theme | Judges Introduction
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Purpose: Provide both a short and long summary to the Book of Judges.

Long Summary of The Book of Judges

We often think problems stem from other people, and this sometimes is true. But if we casually dismiss ourselves from self-criticism and think we are beyond the reach of sin, we will have no chance even to face up to the battle we are in: the battle with evil.

The Book of Judges causes us to take a close look at ourselves and our own weaknesses. We see again and again what God expects of His people. The failures of His people are also brought before our eyes until we almost can feel the weeping and despair. God, of course, worked through these difficult situations and repeatedly restored His people.

God's relentless patience and awesome power should give each generation hope. But even still, in the course of these several hundred years and many judges, they had miserably failed. They had missed their opportunity.

The Israelites had their good times, of course. They saw tremendous miracles occur. Great names like Gideon and Samson come before our minds. Generally, though, God's Promised Land was not much different than the ungodly societies about them. Our battles are not very different, though perhaps we would like to think so.

Because of our forefather's weaknesses and the influence of our own pagan societies, we must in a deeper way prepare for battle with evil. The war has been launched against each of our souls, against each of our families, against each of our churches, and against each of our nations. If we do nothing, we shall surely fail.

We have before us in the Book of Judges a clear picture of what happens when we choose not to mount up and fight. Lethargy, avoidance, busyness, comfort and whatever other excuses that have been conjured up all have the same fatal consequences. The call of God and our love for Him must not tolerate such excuses. Let us mount up and fight. The enemy is upon us! May God's mercy, power and future be our hope and arms!

Other related BFF articles

Introduction to Joshua

Introduction to Nehemiah

Book of Judges Index
General Judges Articles Judges Background Judges Outlines: Conent & Preaching outines Judges Theme: Cycle of Decline and Renewal Introductory Historical/Geographical Map of Joshua & Judges	Other Related topic on Overcoming Failure Discouragement & Depression: Its Causes and Solutions Overcoming Sexual Sins Failing to Wait From Revival to Despair (Psalm 106) Living around Postmodern Despair (Micah 4)
Making the Right Life Decisions (Judges 2:1-5) Judges 2:1: Intro/A. The Gracious Promises of God Judges 2:2: B. Exacting Requirements of the Covenant Judges 2:3: C. The Severe Response of God Judges 2:4-5: D. The Superficial Response of the People Judges 2:1-5: Bible Study Questions Judges 11:29-40 The Joy of Sacrifice
	Playing around with God (Judges 13-16) Judges 13-14_A. Listening to God Responding to Authority Judges 14-16_B. Consequences of Life Disciplining His Children Judges 14-16 C. Desires not Restrained Dealing with Lust Judges 13-16 Bible Study Questions

Biblical Foundations for Freedom ( BFF )

Rev. Paul J. Bucknell