Judges: Lessons in Faith for the Last Days

Trevor Maher

Florida Christadelphian Bible School (1999)

This 1999 series, Judges: Lessons in Faith for the Last Days, explores the turbulent period of Israel’s history recorded in the book of Judges. Through repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, we see both the weakness of human nature and the steadfast mercy of God. These studies draw powerful lessons for our own times, showing how faith, courage, and reliance on God remain essential for those living in the “last days.” Each class highlights the victories and failures of the judges, pointing us to the greater deliverance provided in Christ.

They Cried Unto the Lord

The opening class sets the stage with Israel’s recurring cycle of rebellion and repentance. When the people cried to God in their distress, He raised up deliverers, reminding us of His readiness to forgive and restore those who sincerely turn back to Him.

The Lord Raised Up and Delivered: Othniel and Ehud

This study examines two of Israel’s early judges, Othniel and Ehud. Their courage and faith stand as examples of how God equips even unlikely individuals to bring deliverance and to turn the hearts of His people back to Him.

Captivity Led Captive

Here we see how Israel’s disobedience led them into bondage once again. The lesson emphasizes God’s power to overturn captivity and the need for His people to remain faithful rather than returning to the snares of idolatry.

The Sword of the Lord and of Gideon

The story of Gideon highlights how God delivers not by might or numbers but through faith and obedience. Gideon’s shrinking army becomes the perfect setting to show that victory belongs to God alone.

A Mighty Man of Valor: Jephthah

Jephthah’s story reveals the complexities of leadership and faith. Though rejected by his family, he was chosen by God to save Israel, teaching us that God often works through those the world overlooks.

A Nazarite from the Womb: Samson

Samson, often misunderstood, is presented as a man of faith whose strength came from God. His victories and failures alike offer lessons on the dangers of compromise and the power of God to use even flawed servants for His purpose.

Exhortation

This exhortation calls listeners to apply the lessons of the judges in their own walk of faith. Just as God delivered Israel time and again, so He calls us to trust Him fully and to prepare for the day of Christ’s return.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.


Give ear, and hear my voice; give attention, and hear my speech.

Isaiah 28:23 (ESV)