Micah’s view of God was to demonstrate religious effort to gain access to God so that God would do what Micah wanted. Can you see that in the religious culture around us? In what ways have you see that in your life?

Chapter 18 opens with the statement that there was no king in Israel. In the story of Micah and the Danites, what is the indication that there is no King? 

C.S. Lewis used the phrase 'men without chests'. A man or person without a chest is a person that operates from their head (reason) and their gut (appetites). They are strategic in their thinking, but what ultimately drives them is their appetite. Their chest would be the place of identifying what they worship, coming under authority and ordering their values. The result is saying no to certain appetites at certain times. So, how is your chest? Is it healthy? What are the areas of your life that are driven more by your gut (appetite) than the chest and the voice of God?

Micah’s view of God was to demonstrate religious effort to gain access to God so that God would do what Micah wanted. Can you see that in the religious culture around us? In what ways have you see that in your life?

Chapter 18 opens with the statement that there was no king in Israel. In the story of Micah and the Danites, what is the indication that there is no King? 

C.S. Lewis used the phrase 'men without chests'. A man or person without a chest is a person that operates from their head (reason) and their gut (appetites). They are strategic in their thinking, but what ultimately drives them is their appetite. Their chest would be the place of identifying what they worship, coming under authority and ordering their values. The result is saying no to certain appetites at certain times. So, how is your chest? Is it healthy? What are the areas of your life that are driven more by your gut (appetite) than the chest and the voice of God?

Examine your heart for God.  Would you say your heart is alive, numb, or mostly dead toward God?  Explain your answer to a trusted friend. 

In Samson’s life we see many sinful issues: pride, lust, anger, vengeance, complacency, rejection of God’s call.   Are any of these causing your heart to drift from God?  If so, make this a matter of repentance and process.  Ask God to realign your heart so you rely on Him and live from a heart aligned with the will of God for your life. 

In Judges 14, we find the people of Israel very comfortable among the Philistines. In what ways does the story indicate that Samson and Israel have assimilated into Philistine culture, that they are no longer distinct as God’s people?

Why is assimilation into culture so attractive to God’s people? In what ways have you felt that pressure in your own life?

In the story of Samson, what does God do for his people who have assimilated into the culture of the Philistines? In what ways has God worked in your life to rescue you from being assimilated into a culture that is against God?

There are many things Samson did that were empowered by the Holy Spirit, yet his life was filled with compromise. What is the warning you receive from Samson’s life?

In Judges 14, we find the people of Israel very comfortable among thePhilistines. In what ways does the story indicate that Samson and Israel have assimilated into Philistine culture, that they are no longer distinct as God’s people?

Why is assimilation into culture so attractive to God’s people? In what ways have you felt that pressure in your own life?

In the story of Samson, what does God do for his people who have assimilated into the culture of the Philistines? In what ways has God worked in your life to rescue you from being assimilated into a culture that is against God?

There are many things Samson did that were empowered by the Holy Spirit, yet his life was filled with compromise. What is the warning you receive from Samson’s life?

What’s one way you would want God to use your life to shape the next generation? Write it down and share it with a trusted friend. Commit to pray over this for 1 year.

What ‘good things’ in your life can you set aside to devote yourself to God? Name them and setup an accountability relationship to help you.