Opening Discussion

• What is a subject you know a lot about?
  • What did you do to learn about that thing?

Shortened Version

Read and Discuss

Judges 1:1-7, 27-29

1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord, “Who will be the first to fight for us against the Canaanites?”

2 The Lord answered, “Judah is to go. I have handed the land over to him.”

3 Judah said to his brother Simeon, “Come with me to my allotted territory, and let’s fight against the Canaanites. I will also go with you to your allotted territory.” So Simeon went with him.

4 When Judah attacked, the Lord handed the Canaanites and Perizzites over to them. They struck down ten thousand men in Bezek. 5 They found Adoni-bezek in Bezek, fought against him, and struck down the Canaanites and Perizzites.

6 When Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. 7 Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. God has repaid me for what I have done.” They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.

27-29

27 At that time Manasseh failed to take possession of Beth-shean and Taanachand their surrounding villages, or the residents of Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddoand their surrounding villages; the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. 28 When Israel became stronger, they made the Canaanites serve as forced labor but never drove them out completely.

29 At that time Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites who were living in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived among them in Gezer.

• What did the Israelites do right after Joshua’s death?
• How does the story of Adoni-bezek foreshadow what’s about to happen in the rest of Judges?
• Why didn’t the Israelites drive the Canaanites out of the land like the Lord had commanded?
• Why is it difficult for us to get rid of the things in our lives that we know are bad for us?

2 Corinthians 7:8-10

8 For even if I grieved you with my letter, I don’t regret it. And if I regretted it—since I saw that the letter grieved you, yet only for a while— 9 I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.

• Why does Paul care so much about repentance?
• In the book of Judges we will see a pattern of the Israelites disobeying, then turning back to God, He rescues them, and then they go back to doing what they did before, or worse! Why is this not repentance?
• What is godly grief?

Discipleship Questions

• What is a way you can turn toward God this week?
• What is something in your life that you need to repent of? (If you don’t feel comfortable sharing with the group, who is someone you can share this with?)
• Is there someone you need to talk to this week who is heading in the wrong direction?

Extended Edition

Read and Discuss

Judges 1:1-7, 27-29

1 After the death of Joshua, the Israelites inquired of the Lord, “Who will be the first to fight for us against the Canaanites?”

2 The Lord answered, “Judah is to go. I have handed the land over to him.”

3 Judah said to his brother Simeon, “Come with me to my allotted territory, and let’s fight against the Canaanites. I will also go with you to your allotted territory.” So Simeon went with him.

4 When Judah attacked, the Lord handed the Canaanites and Perizzites over to them. They struck down ten thousand men in Bezek. 5 They found Adoni-bezek in Bezek, fought against him, and struck down the Canaanites and Perizzites.

6 When Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, caught him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. 7 Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off used to pick up scraps under my table. God has repaid me for what I have done.” They brought him to Jerusalem, and he died there.

27-29

27 At that time Manasseh failed to take possession of Beth-shean and Taanachand their surrounding villages, or the residents of Dor, Ibleam, and Megiddoand their surrounding villages; the Canaanites were determined to stay in this land. 28 When Israel became stronger, they made the Canaanites serve as forced labor but never drove them out completely.

29 At that time Ephraim failed to drive out the Canaanites who were living in Gezer, so the Canaanites have lived among them in Gezer.

• What did the Israelites do right after Joshua’s death?
• How does the story of Adoni-bezek foreshadow what’s about to happen in the rest of Judges?
• Why didn’t the Israelites drive the Canaanites out of the land like the Lord had commanded?
• Why did the Lord want the Canaanites removed?
• Why is it difficult for us to get rid of the things in our lives that we know are bad for us?
• Are there any relationships in your life now that hinder your relationship with God?
  • What would it look like to submit to the Lord in that relationship?

Read Judges 21:25

25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

• Why did not having a king hurt the Israelites?
• What are some ways people today do what is right in their own eyes?
• How does having good leadership help people make better decisions?
• Who is under your leadership?
  • What do you do to help them make wise, godly decisions?
• What are some ways you do what is right in your own eyes?
• Who is someone who helps you when you are making unwise decisions?

Read 2 Corinthians 7:8-10

8 For even if I grieved you with my letter, I don’t regret it. And if I regretted it—since I saw that the letter grieved you, yet only for a while— 9 I now rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because your grief led to repentance. For you were grieved as God willed, so that you didn’t experience any loss from us. 10 For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly grief produces death.

• Why does Paul care so much about repentance?
• In the book of Judges we will see a pattern of the Israelites disobeying, then turning back to God, He rescues them, and then they go back to doing what they did before, or worse! Why is this not repentance?
• How would you define repentance?
• What is godly grief?
• What is the difference between godly grief and worldly grief?
• How can you grieve how God wants you to grieve?

Discipleship Questions

• What is a way you can turn toward God this week?
• What is something in your life that you need to repent of? (If you don’t feel comfortable sharing with the group, who is someone you can share this with?)
• Is there someone you need to talk to this week who is heading in the wrong direction?

Memorize it!

Judges 21:25

25 In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- Give thanks to the Lord for allowing us to repent and be in right relationship with Him

Adoration- Worship the Lord for His forgiveness

Confess to those times you’ve done what is right in your own eyes

Others- Pray for someone who is living life for themselves. Ask the Lord to help you talk to them about following Jesus.

Self- Pray that you would follow Jesus in all areas of your life.