DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 12 NOVEMBER, 2017

LESSON 668: CONFLICT BETWEEN ISRAEL AND BENJAMIN MEMORY VERSE: “And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah’’ (Judges 20:20) TEXT: Judges 20:18-48

SUMMARY (1) Our previous study focused on Israel’s demand of justice from Gibeah: In matters of differences, believers must listen to all parties involved. We must be prompt and orderly in the administration of justice. We must not defend sin or sinners; rather expose them. Whenever rebuked or challenged over wrong deed, we should humble ourselves and repent to avoid destruction. The study of today touches on three points: Danger of presumption and over confidence in battle. Divine favour through genuine repentance and humility. Defeat of Benjamin and vindication of Israel’s cause.

SUMMARY (2) Danger of presumption and over confidence in battle (Judges 20:18-25): Rather than wait on God, the Israelites were presumptuous and overconfident. It is only when we put God first in all things that we can experience His faithfulness. Running our lives, family, church or ministry on God’s permissive will not profit us. Divine favour through genuine repentance and humility (Judges 20:26-28): Genuine repentance of Israel attracted divine favour. We must not wait until we experience some tragedies in life before turning to God. Defeat of Benjamin and vindication of Israel’s cause (Judges 20:29-48): Past failures must not hinder believers from making fresh attempts. Believers must learn from their mistakes and re-position themselves for progress. Sudden destruction awaits those who appear to prosper while living wicked lives.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 From the account in our text, why is it important for believers to avoid beating the drum of war whenever there is conflict? Judges 20:8-10 Judges 20:20,21 Judges 20:24,25

QUESTION 2 Why were the Israelites confident of victory over the children of Benjamin? Judges 20:15-17 Psalm 19:13 Psalm 33:16

QUESTION 3 What can we learn from the defeat of Israel despite the fact that they had a just cause? Proverbs 3:5,6 Psalm 68:27 Psalm 33:16

QUESTION 4 How did Israel prove that they were truly repentant and ready to depend on God in their campaign against Benjamin? Judges 20:26-28 James 4:8-10 Isaiah 55:6,7

QUESTION 5 What can we learn from the eventual defeat of Benjamin by Israel? Proverbs 11:21 Ecclesiastes 8:11-13 Proverbs 16:5

QUESTION 6 Point out some sundry lessons you learn from this study Job 20:5 Psalm 37:35-37

CONCLUSION Sin attracts God’s judgement. War is no alternative to resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner. We must avoid presumption and overconfidence in our walk with God. We should avoid running our lives, family, church or ministry on God’s permissive will. God is ever merciful and faithful to forgive the repentant people. We must learn to develop and use appropriate strategies in carrying out God’s assignment.