Calvary Chapel Sydney

In days when people in Israel did what was right in their own eyes, the tribe of Dan made a move to establish an inheritance for themselves in the north. On the way to Laish the men of Dan thought they should plunder the shrine of Micah and entrenched idolatry in Israel. Only when we consider God and His word can we rightly determine what we should do. Verses in order of appearance: Judges 18:8-11...

Synopsis: In the book of Judges everyone did what was right in their own eyes, and a man named Micah and his mother are examples of spiritually ignorant and misguided people who drifted from obedience to God. A drifter Levite and the tribe of Dan were not content with their calling and inheritance, and they provide cause for careful self examination for people today--because we can be just like th...

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. Verse...

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 ap...

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:...

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...

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...

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 ev...

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 sacr...

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...

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 app...

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. Ve...

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. V...

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 a...

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...

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 Isaia...

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...

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. Ve...

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 imp...

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: Ju...

The book of Judges embarks on a inspirational and insightful journey as we follow the footsteps of God's people in Canaan who He established in the Promised Land. While God gave the Hebrews land as their inheritance, they needed to walk by faith and obedience to God to receive it. Seeing their faith and flaws shows us our own need to seek God, believe His word and courageously work to do His will....

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 3...

Synopsis: After God gave the children of Israel an inheritance in the land of Canaan, He enabled them to drive out the inhabitants bit by bit. While God gave great success, no tribe completely drove out the inhabitants of the land but dwelt among them, compromised with them and used strength God gave them to put them under tribute. This illustrates the responsibility God has given every Christian...

God is Good … don’t let anyone tell you differently Isaiah 1:18 Genesis 13:13 Gen 15:16 2 Peter 3:9 Gen 18:20-21 Gen 18:17-19 1 Corinthian 6:9-10 Gen 19:4-10 Gen 19:15-16 Gen 19:24-26 Acts 7:39 Luke 17: 28-33 Gen 13:10-13 2 Peter 2: 7-8