Samson's story caps this series of flawed and tragic heroes in Judges. Though the model of a born leader, Samson scorns his calling and seeks nothing more than his own gratification. God remains faithful, despite Samson's failings, as we learn the difference between deliverer we want and the deliverer we need.

Jephthah committed an atrocity, making a blood sacrifice of his own daughter, and retelling this tragic story from Judges reveals how a flawed view of the world may result in terrible consequences.

The story of Gideon is often used to teach children about humility, faith, and courage, but the truth is that Gideon is flawed: a poor role model who seems to bring as much harm as good to the people of Israel. Gideon’s story shows us the relationship between idolatry and power.

Deborah, the only female Judge, encourages the militia leader Barak to lead Israel into battle against the Canaanite commander Sisera, a story that not only teaches us the importance of encouragement, but also the relationship between courage and faith.

Judges is the "Wild West" of the Old Testament, filled with stories of violence, deceit, betrayal, abuse, and vigilante justice. How can we possibly be edified by this book? How can we read it well?

Galatian's final exhortations toward Christian community life, at first glance, might seem merely practical advice, but what Paul has to say about freedom in community is inextricable from his message about the gospel. In life together, we show the world what it means to be truly free.

What does it mean to be truly free? Many would respond you must be free to do what you want without someone interfering. But St. Paul says freedom consists in wanting and pursuing what Jesus wanted and pursued. A truly free life is one which is lived in the pattern of Jesus, in service to others.

You have become united with Christ and now share in his identity and relationship to the Father. But how do we live into this identity? How does it transform the way that we think about ourselves and the way that we live?