No King

Outcast to Outlaw Judge - Jepthah

Reject, Renegade, Rash

Judges 10-12 ; Hebrews 11:32

Cycle in Judges - Sin, Servitude, Supplication, Salvation, Silence

1. Israel's Greatest Problem Was Spiritual Unfaithfulness

Judges 10:6–16 45 years of peace Apostasy / Idolatry - 7 Fold Description

• Geographically
• Categorically
• Canaanization

The essence of idolatry is enjoying God’s gifts but not being grateful to the Giver, and Israel was guilty.

Comfortable living often produces weak character.

Whether in a nation or a local church, the absence of qualified leaders is often a judgment of God and evidence of the low spiritual level of the people.

Judges 10:11 - 18 years of suffering

Many people want freedom from consequences.

They do not want freedom from sin.

2. God Uses Broken People

Judges 11:1–11

Jephthah's story begins with rejection.

• Son of a harlot

• Rejected by brothers

• Driven away from home

Yet God uses him.

Jephthah is now “a mighty warrior”

Your past does not have the final word. Jesus does!

1. Jephthah the Disowned (11:1–3)
2. Jephthah the Desperado (11:4–11)
3. Jephthah the Diplomat (11:12–28)
4. Jephthah the Defender (11:29, 32–33)
5. Jephthah the Doubter (11:30–31)
6. Jephthah the Daddy (11:34–40)

3. Knowing About God Is Not The Same As Knowing God

Judges 11:29–31

Before battle Jephthah makes a vow.

A tragic vow. A foolish vow.

Why?

Because he appears to misunderstand God's character. The victory was already promised. Yet he tries to bargain with God.

Ignorance of God's Word and Person often leads to spiritual disaster.

4. Foolish Words & Vows Can Create Lasting Pain

Judges 11:34–40

• Jephthah Sacrificed His Daughter’s Life (A Dead Sacrifice)
• Jephthah Sacrificed His Daughter’s Future (A Living Sacrifice)

Words spoken foolishly can create wounds that last for years.

5. Great Faith Does Not Eliminate Human Weakness

Judges 12