1. God Sends the Judges: Ehud & Shamgar

2. Introduction Our journey through the judges brings us next to Ehud. After the death of Othniel the children of Israel returned to doing that which was evil in the sight of the Lord. Because of their wickedness, the Lord delivered Israel into the hands and the Moabites. (Judg 3:12-14)

3. The Story of Ehud The children of Israel returned to doing evil. The Lord delivered Israel into the hands and the Moabites. (Judg 3:12-14) The Israelites cried out to the Lord. The Lord raised up Ehud.

4. The Story of Ehud Israel sent a tribute to Eglon, the king of Moab, by the hands of Ehud. Ehud, with his dagger concealed, went to see king Eglon. Ehud seized the opportunity to kill king Eglon. (Judg 3:16-23)

5. The Story of Ehud By the time Eglon's servants discovered the dead king, Ehud had escaped. (Judg 3:23-26) After returning from killing king Eglon, Ehud led the Israelites in victory over the Moabites. (Judg 3:27-29)

6. The Story of Shamgar Very little is known of Shamgar. What we know is that Shamgar killed 600 Philistines with an oxgoad. He too saved Israel. (Judg 3:31) Deborah, in her song, referenced Shamgar. (Judg 5:6)

7. Lessons Learned Avoid the “sin, repent, and sin again” cycle.  Christians must work to avoid the “sin, repent, and sin again” cycle.  Overcome sin to remain in fellowship. (1 John 1:5-7)  If we sin, then we must confess and repent. (1 John 1:8 – 2:2)  Work hard not to sin. (1 John 2:3- 6, 28-29, 3:4-9)

8. Lessons Learned Be ready to answer the call to deliver someone from their enslavement to sin.  Try to bring a lost soul to Christ. (Mark 16:15-16; ex. Acts 8:26-40)  Watch for opportunities to help restore an erring brother. (Gal 6:1-2; James 5:19-20; ex. Acts 8:13, 18-24; Gal 2:11-21)

9. Lessons Learned Christians should always carry their “weapon.”  We must always carry our “sword of the Spirit” with us. (Eph 6:10,11,17; Heb 4:11-13)

10. Lessons Learned Christians are to be watchful for every opportunity to defeat their enemy.  Opportunities to overcome or avoid the devil. (1 Pet 5:6-9; 1 Cor 10:13; James 4:7-10)  Opportunities to bring sin to light and convert the sinner. (John 16:7-13; 14:26; cf. Heb 4:11-13; Eph 5:8-14)

11. Conclusion. Avoid the “sin, repent, and sin again” cycle. Be ready to answer the call to deliver someone from sin. Always carry your weapon, the word of God. Be watchful for every opportunity to defeat your enemy, the devil.