1st John 2:15-17 | Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever.

• Why can’t God’s people love God and love sin, or the worldly things they crave?

• Do you love God or sin more? Why?

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James 1:14-15 | Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

• What is temptation?

• Is temptation a sin? Why or why not? If not, when does it become sin?

• When we act on our temptation and choose to sin, what is its result? (If you’re not sure, think back to Samson’s story).

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We’re skipping ahead to Israel’s final formal judge; his story is one that you might be familiar with. In fact, his story is one of the best examples of a “flawed hero” because even though he messes up over and over again, God still empowers and uses him.

Of course, Israel is in trouble again—

Judges 13:1 | Again the Israelites did evil in the Lord’s sight, so the Lord handed them over to the Philistines, who oppressed them for forty years.

God needs to raise a judge and to do this, the Angel of the Lord (Jesus) is back. He visits the wife of Manoah and tells her—

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Matthew 5:7 | “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

James 2:13 | For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

• What is mercy?

• Do you need mercy? Why or why not?

• To receive mercy, today’s scriptures tell us that we must do what?

• Are people merciful to you in your relationships? How?

• How might the way you act influence if someone shows you mercy? What can you do about this?

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Matthew 5:43-44 | “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

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Romans 12:17-21 | Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

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Luke 6:27-36 | “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your coat, do not withhold your shirt from him either. Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. Treat others the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

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