Part 5: Downward Spiral of Unfaithfulness

Scripture Covering this Period:

• Judges
• Ruth

Dates:

• 1375 - 1050BC

Main Points:

1. Failure to train up the next generation initiates a downward spiral of sin and unfaithfulness.

2. Like Adam and Eve in the garden, Israel rebels against God’s kingship in the Promised Land.

• Rather than be holy like God (Leviticus 19:2) and serve Him only (Joshua 24:14-28), Israel chose to trust the world’s wisdom and become like the surrounding nations.

Summary:

When faithful people don’t train their children in the ways of the Lord or teach them what He has done, sin quickly supplants holiness. In essence, sin is mutiny against God’s rule and authority. This leads to bondage and oppression. However, God always responds when people turn to Him in repentance. When Israel cries for help, He raises up deliverers called judges. However, humanity keeps returning to its ways rather than submitting to God’s. Without divine intervention, this cycle cannot be broken.