Calvary Chapel Sydney

After Samson was made weak as other men, he was hauled before the Philistines rulers and people for their amusement in the temple of Dagon. Though he lacked eyes to see, by faith he looked to the God of Israel for strength who answered his prayer and brought down the temple of Dagon upon the Philistines and himself. By God's grace, Samson fulfilled God's purpose for his life by faith in Him. Verses in order of appearance: Isaiah 45:22 Judges 16:23-24 Psalm 68:20 2 Samuel 12:14 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 Titus 3:8 Judges 16:25-27 Matthew 26:67-68 Matthew 27:29-31 Proverbs 12:18 Psalm 55:21 Judges 16:28 Matthew 5:43 John 1:16-17 Matthew 5:44 Judges 16:29-30 John 11:20-24 John 11:32 John 11:41-46 Judges 16:31 Isaiah 45:22

Synopsis: Samson loved a woman named Delilah and did not see the harm or potential danger in their relationship. After divulging what would make him weak as anyone else, Samson wrongly assumed he would be able to shake himself free because God's Spirit left him. Observing Samson's life is like looking in a mirror at ourselves and prompts us to examine our own hearts in truth. Verses in order of appearance: Galatians 6:1 Judges 16:1-3 Map to highlight Samson's journey Judges 16:4-6 Ephesians 4:25-29 Judges 16:7-9 Judges 16:10-12 Judges 16:13-15 Romans 2:1-3 Luke 16:13-15 Judges 16:16-19 Judges 16:20-22 Psalm 51:10-12 1 John 1:9 Romans 13:10-14 James 4:8-10 Verses mentioned but not displayed: 2 Corinthians 2:10-11 2 Chronicles 16:9

A family squabble turned into an occasion for God to begin to deliver Israel from the oppressive rule of the Philistines when Samson sought revenge. The perpetual, destructive cycle of avenging ourselves has been broken by Jesus Christ who delivers those who trust Him from all afflictions. God reminds us to feed on His faithfulness, for in Him we rest for our souls. Verses in order of appearance: Matthew 7:12 Judges 15:1-2 Judges 15:3-5 Judges 15:6-8 Proverbs 10:12 Psalm 37:1-3 Deuteronomy 32:41-42 Judges 15:9-11 Judges 15:12-17 Picture of jawbone (quijada) Jeremiah 51:20 Judges 15:18-20 Genesis 45:25-28 John 7:37-39 Psalm 34:17-20 John 19:35-37 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Genesis 38 1 Corinthians 6

Synopsis: By the Spirit of the LORD, God moved Samson to begin to deliver His people from the oppression of the Philistines. An arranged marriage between Samson and woman of Timnah began a conflict that escalated quickly between Samson and the Philistines. Though born sinners, Christians are to be moved by the Holy Spirit to keep from sin and walk in obedience to Him. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 14:1-4 Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Proverbs 21:1 Judges 14:5-7 Proverbs 18:1 1 Peter 5:8-9 Judge 14:8-9 Numbers 6:6-7 Judges 14:10-14 Judges 14:15-17 Psalm 106:13-15 Judges 14:18-20 Luke 4:17-21 John 16:12-13 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 13:25 Deuteronomy 7:1-4 Exodus 24:12-16 James 4:7 Leviticus 11:38 Hebrews 11:32 1 John 1:9

After God gave the children of Israel into the hand of the Philistines for 40 years for their sin, He planned to deliver them with a child yet to be born. Rather than seeking to destroy people, God works to redeem them and draw them to Himself by His grace. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 13:1-5 Map of Dan from Thompson Chain Reference Bible Genesis 49:16 Numbers 6:14-15 Judges 13:6-8 Judges 13:9-14 Psalm 102:17 Luke 1:38 John 21:21-22 Judges 13:15-20 Genesis 32:29 Exodus 15:11 Isaiah 25:1 Isaiah 9:6 Psalm 72:18-19 Judges 13:21-23 Exodus 33:18-20 Deuteronomy 29:29 Judges 13:24-25 Jeremiah 1:4-7 John 17:24 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Joshua 15:33 Joshua 19:40 Numbers 6:1-21 2 Peter 1:21

Synopsis. After Jephthah defeated the Ammonites, men of Ephraim came and threatened to burn his house down on him because they felt slighted. The war of words between the Ephraimites, Jephthah and the men of Gilead resulted in great bloodshed between brethren that is a grave warning to Christians of the destructive power of the tongue. Because Jesus is our peace, we can live and speak peaceably even when others are for war. Verses in order of appearance: Leviticus 6:13 James 3:6 Judges 12:1 Judges 8:1 Proverbs 15:1-2 Judges 12:2-3 Acts 15:36-40 Proverbs 18:19 Judges 12:4-6 2 Samuel 2:14-16 Proverbs 26:18-20 Acts 4:13 Judges 12:7-10 Hebrews 11:39-40 Hebrews 11:13-16 Judges 12:11-15 Deuteronomy 12:17-18 Judges 2:20-22 Proverbs 28:2 Psalm 120:1-7 Hebrews 12:3 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Romans 12:18 Judges 12:4-6 Luke 4:22

Jephthah sought a diplomatic solution to the Ammonite invasion, but the king of the Ammonites refused to listen. After Jephthah made a vow to the LORD, God helped him to rout the Ammonites and return home in peace. To keep his word Jephthah (together with his daughter) paid an unthinkable price that points toward the sacrifice God freely provided by sending His only begotten Son as a promised sacrifice for sinners. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 11:12-13 Judges 11:14-22 Map "Bible Map Jephthah" from Thompson Chain Reference Bible Deuteronomy 2:37 Numbers 21:24-25 Deuteronomy 2:24 Judges 11:23-27 Numbers 23:22-24 Judges 11:28-31 Numbers 21:2-3 Leviticus 27:28-29 Judges 11:32-35 Map "Jephthah Ammon Dispute" Numbers 30:1-2 Ecclesiastes 5:2-5 Judges 11:36-38 Judges 11:39-40 Isaiah 53:10-11 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Numbers 20:14-21 1 Samuel 28:24 Leviticus 18:21 Deuteronomy 12:31 1 Samuel 14 1 Samuel 25:22 Hebrews 11:32-34

Synopsis: God raised up Tola and Jair as judges over Israel, and 18 years of oppression by enemies followed due to the idolatry of God's people. When they cried out to God He refused to deliver them, and the people accepted God's punishment for their sin and turned to God in truth. Though innocent of wrongdoing, Jesus accepted punishment for the sins of the world to abolish death and bring life to light through the Gospel. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 10:1-5 Judges 10:6-9 Judges 10:10-14 Judges 10:15-18 Leviticus 26:40-42 2 Corinthians 7:10 Judges 11:1-3 Judges 11:4-8 Judges 11:9-11 Mark 6:26 John 15:25 Luke 23:40-41 2 Timothy 1:8-10 Psalm 103:10-12 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Genesis 6:5 Genesis 31:44-53

2025-05-25 Ben Grisez Judges 9,22 - 9,57 Playing With Fire by Calvary Chapel Sydney

Synopsis: After the death of Gideon, the children of Israel did not remember the LORD and plunged back into idolatry. This departure from God led to Abimelech's murderous scheme to kill his brothers and rule over Shechem. Jotham, Gideon's youngest son, escaped and pronounced a curse God would bring to pass in due time. Remembering Jesus is what God's people are called to do. Verses in order of appearance: Lamentations 3:19-20 (NIV) Lamentations 3:21-23 (NIV) Judges 8:29-32 Exodus 21:10-11 Judges 8:33-35 2 Chronicles 24:17-18 Judges 9:1-3 Joshua 24:26-27 Judges 9:4-6 Judges 9:7-13 PIC of Mt. Gerizim from HolyLandPhotos.org Proverbs 28:9 Judges 9:14-15 Proverbs 6:27 Judges 9:16-21 Proverbs 26:2 Galatians 3:13-14 Romans 12:14-19 Psalm 103:1-5 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 8:23 Leviticus 18:18 Deuteronomy 17:17 Deuteronomy 21:15-17 Genesis 34 Joshua 8 Deuteronomy 11:29 Deuteronomy 27:12-26

After the LORD God delivered the Midianites into the hand of Gideon and his 300 men promised, Gideon's story was not over as new conflicts arose. Not only did he need to contend with Midianite warriors and kings, but he faced conflict with the tribe of Ephraim, cities and elders. Victory brought new temptations into Gideon's life, and it is wise for us to apply these lessons to our lives today. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 7:24-25 Judges 8:1-3 Proverbs15:1 Judges 8:4-9 Judges 8:10-12 Judges 18:27 Judges 8:13-17 Proverbs 29:15 Judges 8:18-23 Numbers 35:19 Deuteronomy 13:4 John 5:14 Judges 8:24-28 Psalm 83:9-18 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 7:23 Hebrews 5:8 1 Timothy 6:10 Hebrews 11:32

Synopsis: Thousands of men gathered to Gideon, and God revealed they were too many--lest they credit themselves! God reduced the fighting force to 300 men who followed Gideon's lead with unorthodox tactics to prove beyond a doubt God delivered Midian into Gideon's hand. Because of Christ in us, Christians can be bold to trust and obey like Gideon be brokens vessels through whom His glory shines. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 7:1-3 Deuteronomy 20:3-4 Deuteronomy 20:8-9 Judges 7:4-7 Judges 7:8-11 Psalm 23:4 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Psalm 56:3 Psalm 56:11 Judges 7:12-15 Judges 7:16-18 Judges 7:19-23 (Slide of Picture Bible) Proverbs 28:1 2 Corinthians 4:5-7 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 8:10 Ephesians 6 Ephesians 6:17 Hebrews 4:12

After the LORD called Gideon to deliver Israel from their oppressors, he obeyed God to destroy his father's altar to Baal, build an altar to God, and sacrifice his father's bull on the altar using an image as fuel. Gideon obeyed God and the Holy Spirit came upon him to muster God's people to battle. God confirmed His word with signs, and this ought to encourage us to obey Him! Verses in order of appearance: Judges 6:24 Judges 6:25-26 Deuteronomy 12:2-3 Judges 6:27-29 Luke 16:10 Judges 6:30-32 Jude 1:3 Judges 6:33-35 Acts 5:31-32 Judges 6:36-40 Isaiah 7:14 2 Kings 7:2 Luke 1:18-20 Jeremiah 33:1-3 1 Thessalonians 5:14-21 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Judges 3:7 Exodus 20:24 Deuteronomy 13:6-10 1 Samuel 5 Zechariah 4:6 Luke 24:49 Hebrews 11

Synopsis: After Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead, He appeared to His disciples in person. Jesus did many signs before and after His death and resurrection so we might believe He is the Son of God and have life in His name. Praise God for peace with God through Christ Jesus! Verses in order of appearance: Luke 24:1-4 Luke 24:5-8 Matthew 12:39-40 John 20:19-20 John 14:27 John 20:21-23 Luke 24:45-48 John 20:24-25 John 20:26-29 Hebrews 13:5 John 20:30-31 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Matthew 27:63 Mark 8:31 Mark 9:31 Mark 10:34

Synopsis: When the time for Jesus to be received up drew near, He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem for the joy set before Him--knowing He would be betrayed, tortured and crucified. Jesus knew all He would accomplish through His death and resurrection, and every intact bone of Jesus affirms He will forever preserve those who trust in Him. Verses in order of appearance: Luke 9:51-56 Isaiah 50:5-7 Romans 5:6-8 John 19:32-37 Zechariah 12:10 Psalm 34:17-20 Psalm 31:23-24 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Mark 15:39

After God's people did evil in His sight, He delivered them into the hands of the Midianites for 7 years who oppressed and impoverished them. Before saving His people, God prepared them by sending a prophet. The Angel of the LORD then called Gideon to deliver Israel from their oppressors by God's might, for the LORD is Peace. Verses in order of appearance: Psalm 22:30-31 Judges 6:1-2 Numbers 31:7 Judges 6:3-6 Deuteronomy 28:33 Judges 6:7-10 Judges 6:11-13 Judges 6:14-16 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 2 Kings 5:2-3 Judges 6:17-20 Judges 6:21-24 Exodus 33:20 Romans 12:1 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Genesis 25:1-2 2 Chronicles 16:9 James 4 Hebrews 11:32-34 Luke 4:27 2 Kings 5:17 Hebrews 13:5

Synopsis: After God delivered Israel from Sisera and his 900 chariots of iron, Deborah and Sisera joined together in song to praise God. When leaders took the lead in the fear of God, when God's people willingly offered themselves to Him in faith and obedience, He gave them victory over their enemies and enduring rest. By God's grace, those who love God will shine like the sun in full strength. Verses in order of appearance: 2 Corinthians 9:7 Exodus 36:3 Judges 5:1-5 Judges 5:2 (KJV) Judges 5:6-9 Judges 5:10-12 Psalm 66:16-20 Habakkuk 2:19 Judges 5:13-18 Judges 5:19-23 Nehemiah 3:5 Judges 5:24-27 Judges 5:28-30 Romans 8:12-14 Judges 5:31 Isaiah 50:5-10

Deborah was a prophetess who also judged Israel in a season when the Hebrews had been oppressed for decades by King Jabin of Canaan. Through her bold leadership God confirmed His call upon Barak to muster an army, and the LORD was faithful to defeat Sisera and his 900 chariots of iron. God uses unlikely people like Barak, Amos and Jael to do His will and overcome all odds, because God does the impossible. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 4:1-3 Judges 4:4-7 Judges 4:8-10 Hebrews 11:32-34 Judges 4:11-16 Amos 7:14-15 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 Judges 4:17-20 Judges 4:21-24 Judges 5:26 Psalm 83:9-10 Judges 5:24 Psalm 83:16-18 Verses mentioned but not displayed: John 9 Genesis 24:67 Genesis 31:33

Synopsis: A generation of Hebrews grew that did not know war, and God allowed enemies to remain for His redemptive purposes: to test His people, teach them to know war and for them to personally experience His deliverance. The passage introduces us to three judges God raised up when His people cried out to Him, and God was faithful to guide them to rest and peace. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 3:1-4 Psalm 144:1-2 Judges 3:5-8 Judges 3:9-11 Judges 3:12-15 Judges 3:16-19 Joshua 4:23-24 Judges 3:20-26 Deuteronomy 32:15-18 Ecclesiastes 12:11 Judges 3:27-31 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Verses mentioned but not displayed: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Isaiah 48:22 Deuteronomy 32:15-18 James 5:16

Because the children of Israel forsook the LORD and did not heed His word, He told them He would no longer drive out their enemies before them. God would allow enemies to remain and for His people to face calamity for their sin so they might be tested, turn to Him again and walk in His ways. Only God has the power to redeem the calamity of sin for good. Verses in order of appearance: Deuteronomy 32:35 Judges 2:1-3 Matthew 22:12 Numbers 33:55-56 Judges 2:4-7 Jeremiah 50:6 Judges 2:8-10 Matthew 20:27-28 Judges 2:11-15 Jeremiah 19:4-5 Psalm 7:11 Haggai 1:5-6 Judges 2:16-19 Psalm 78:5-8 Judges 2:20-23 Isaiah 30:18-22 Verses mentioned but not displayed: 1 Kings 1:6 Deuteronomy 6 1 Samuel 15:23