The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
2) We behave badly
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
Judges
• 1375 – 1025 BC (350 years) – after Israel entered
the Promised Land but before they had kings.
• 13 “judges” – leaders, rescuers
•
Israel “looped” through the cycle seven times
over the 350 years.
Judges
Stage 1: Israel lived “right”
Stage 2: Israel behaved badly
• Judges 3:12 “Once again the Israelites did evil in
the eyes of the LORD.”
Stage 3: Israel had a heart-change
• Judges 3:15 “The Israelites cried out to the
LORD, and He gave them a deliverer – Ehud,
a left-handed man….”
Stage 4: Israel took an “action step”
• Judges 3:30 Israel turns back to God and there is
peace in the land.
1) Competing the cycle can last a
minute…or months…or years.
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
1) Competing the cycle can last a minute…or
months…or years.
2) Best case scenario:
• loop less often
• loop faster
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
Reducing the drift from stage 1
to stage 2:
• read the Bible
1) We live “right”
• listen to the Holy Spirit
• surround yourself with
good people
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
The “Cycle”
3) Heartchange
Reducing the drift from stage 1
to stage 2:
• read the Bible
1) We live “right”
• listen to the Holy Spirit
• surround yourself with
good people
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
The “Cycle”
3) Heartchange
The Bible will teach us, rebuke us, correct us
and train us to live “right.”
2 Timothy 3:16
Reducing the drift from stage 1
to stage 2:
• read the Bible
1) We live “right”
• listen to the Holy Spirit
• surround yourself with
good people
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
The “Cycle”
3) Heartchange
I will listen to what God will say….
Psalm 85:8
Reducing the drift from stage 1
to stage 2:
• read the Bible
1) We live “right”
• listen to the Holy Spirit
• surround yourself with
good people
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
The “Cycle”
3) Heartchange
Bad company corrupts good character.
1 Corinthians 15:33
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
•
•
•
•
•
•
Things that keep us from
moving to stage 3
pride
stubbornness
hurt
anger
fear
“I’ve already messed
up….”
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
•
•
•
•
•
•
“bad” hurdles
pride
stubbornness
hurt
anger
fear
apathy
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
Besetting sins: sins that keep assaulting,
plaguing, and tormenting us.
All of us have a (short?!) list of “besetting
sins” that we struggle with more than other
sins.
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange
Wrap-up
To stay in stage 1 longer (loop less often): read the Bible, listen
to God’s voice, and surround yourself with good
people.
To loop through the cycle faster: pray for humility, courage,
and motivation.
The “Cycle”
1) We live “right”
4) Action step
2) We behave badly
3) Heartchange