Worship Preparation - August 31, 2025
Read the sermon text: Judges 1:1-2:5
Read the sermon summary: In the book of Joshua, we saw God’s faithfulness on full display — not one word of his promises failed. Yet the nation as a whole proved unfaithful. There was still much land left unconquered. Judges picks up as the sequel, showing that what was already hinted at in Joshua — continued unfaithfulness and judgment — now plays out on a national scale. In the opening chapters, we see the need for a godly, faithful leader. Moses is gone. Joshua is gone. And a new generation has forgotten the Lord. Judah’s early victories hold out some hope, but ultimately Israel fails to drive out their enemies. We see that the real problem isn't military might or poor strategy, but covenant unfaithfulness. Judges 2:2–3 makes this explicit: “You have not obeyed my voice.” The covenant curses for disobedience and idolatry are still in effect. Israel is no better off than their fathers, for they continue to go after idols and forsake the Lord. We’re left to wonder, who will lead God’s people? How will they ever be delivered from their enemies?
Read the following song lyrics in relation to the sermon:
Living Hope
Verse 1
How great the chasm that lay between us
How high the mountain I could not climb
In desperation I turned to heaven
And spoke Your name into the night
Then through the darkness Your loving-kindness
Tore through the shadows of my soul
The work is finished the end is written
Jesus Christ my living hope
Verse 2
Who could imagine so great a mercy
What heart could fathom such boundless grace
The God of ages stepped down from glory
To wear my sin and bear my shame
The cross has spoken I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ my living hope
Chorus
Hallelujah praise the One who set me free
Hallelujah death has lost its grip on me
You have broken every chain
There’s salvation in Your name
Jesus Christ my living hope
Verse 3
Then came the morning that sealed the promise
Your buried body began to breathe
Out of the silence the Roaring Lion
Declared the grave has no claim on me
(REPEAT)
Jesus Yours is the victory whoa
Ending
Jesus Christ my living hope
Oh God You are my living hope
CCLI Song #7106807
Brian Johnson | Phil Wickham
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