NASHVILLE (BP) — This weekly Bible study appears in Baptist Press in a partnership with Lifeway Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Through its Leadership and Adult Publishing team, Lifeway publishes Sunday School curricula and additional resources for all age groups.
This week’s Bible study is adapted from The Gospel Project curriculum.
Bible Passage: Judges 13–16
Discussion Questions:
— What are some ways God has used you in spite of your flaws?
— What are some consequences we may face by pursuing our passions?
— How does Samson’s death compare and contrast with Jesus’ death?
Food for Thought:
During the time of judges, the Israelites repeatedly sinned and faced God’s judgment. In the midst of their suffering, they cried out for help, and God raised up judges to deliver them: Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Jephthah and Samson, to name a few. God empowered these people to deliver Israel from their enemies. Yet these judges were flawed, just like the people they were sent to rescue. Gideon was afraid. Jephthah made a foolish vow. And Samson was much like the Philistines he was raised up to defeat. The judges were flawed “heroes,” but God, the true Hero, used them despite their weaknesses.
We are not much different than Israel, are we? We haven’t completely obeyed, always remembered or perfectly worshiped. We too have patterns of obedience to the Lord and disobedience to pursue our passions at the expense of our pursuit of God. Thankfully, in the New Testament, we are introduced to the true and faithful Judge, Jesus Christ, the One who can end the deadly cycle of rebellion and captivity. But Jesus is not only our Judge, He is also our Savior. Jesus took on the judgment that we deserve for our sin. Christ did this not so we would receive partial relief like Israel under the judges but so we would receive, by grace through faith, a permanent and eternal solution.
God gives us a Judge and Savior who does what we cannot do for ourselves. God gives us a Judge and Savior who achieved what Israel’s judges could not. Like Israel we are great sinners, but Christ is the true and faithful Judge and Savior Who is greater than our sin.
The Gospel Project
The Gospel Project is a chronological, Christ-centered study for kids, students and adults. The Bible is not a collection of stories. It is one story of God’s plan to rescue His people from sin and death. It is the story of redemption, the gospel message of Jesus Christ. More information can be found at Lifeway.com/gospelproject.
Other ongoing Bible study options for all ages offered by Lifeway can be found at Lifeway.com/SundaySchool or ordered at Lifeway Christian Stores.
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