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JUDGES: SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE

UNITY OR ENVY AND SELFISH AMBITION?

Jack Rendel

James 3:13‑18 and Judges 3:27-30; 7:22-8:3; 12:1-6

I. Dictionary definitions: Envy is a feeling of discontent and ill will because of someone else's advantages or possessions. Selfish ambition is a strong self‑centred desire for advancement.

II. Judges:

A.     The well known individuals: Gideon, Deborah, Barak, Samson ... even Delilah?

B.     The part played by tribes such as Ephraim.

1.    Judges 3:27-30. Ephraim willingly follows Ehud into battle.

2.    Judges 7:22‑8:3. Ephraim envies the victory of Gideon, a man of peace, and criticises him.

3.     Judges 12:1‑6. Ephraim envies the victory of Jephthah, and threatens him. Jephthah, a mighty warrior, retaliates and kills 42,000 of Ephraim.

III. Why did Ephraim do this? What tempted them to act along these lines? Let's look at their history.

A.    Joshua, of Ephraim, was a great military leader who conquered much of Canaan.

B.    Ephraim was put before Manasseh, his elder brother, by Jacob, their grandfather.

C.    Joseph, the father of Ephraim, was exalted above his own brothers and even      became the ruler of Egypt.

D.    Rachel, of Jacob's 4 wives, was the favourite. She was the grandmother of Ephraim.

IV. What are some of the things that tempt us to envy others?

· Outstanding success of others.	· Facilities - the latest, hottest computer.
· Talents and gifts acknowledged publicly.	· A flash car.
· Wealth that shows.	· A thankful boss.
· Plush accommodation.	· The respect or position given to another.

V. Victory over envy in John the Baptist. John 3:27ff. Jesus baptised more people than John but John responded, "He must increase and I must decrease." John 3:30. Are we willing to allow for the gifting of another church member, worker or colleague?

VI. The case of the Airbus. Nations working together to produce a winner.

VII. My 1966 OM summer team. They cooperated so well as a team they hardly needed a team leader let alone me as the team leader!

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