Despite being one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented individuals in Biblical history, Jephthah's vow serves as a perfect example of the kind of people God uses as a model of integrity.

1. Integrity is a work of God, not a work for God.

2. God takes the promises we make to Him seriously even when we don't.

3. God remembers the times we trusted Him, even when those around us don't.

Jephthah is raised up as a Judge of Israel. Though he doesn't trust the people seeking his help, He does trust God. Though he doesn't end up negotiating with honest people, God's Word exposes them. Though he wasn't perfect, God used him.

1. Pastors will let you down. God won't.

2. God doesn't need our permission to do the right thing.

3. God's Word is the first and final authority for anyone worth listening to.

In spite of the tyranny of Abimelech, God was able to raise up pictures of humility and wisdom like Tola and Jair. In spite of the ways God blessed Israel during this time, Israel still became complacent and compromised with Idolatry after their deaths. In spite of their sin, God still was able to restore Israel after they were willing to confess and submit to Him again.

1. Humility is an honest view of yourself and others. Pride is everything Humility isn’t.

2. No work of God lasts unless it is spent investing in the next generation.

3. God is more eager to restore us from our sin than we are in seeking it.