Lessons from Ehud
INTRODUCTION.
A. Some of the greatest benefits of studying God’s word are seen in the lessons learned from the stories of Bible characters.
B. In the course of our daily study of God’s word, we should make the time to read of the many adventures of Bible characters.
1. Some obeyed, some sinned.
2. Some died a virtual hero and others died a deserving death.
C. With this lesson, we will briefly look at the life of Ehud, the left handed judge. We will see what lessons there may be for followers of God to glean and to use.
I. THE STORY OF EHUD.
A. The story of Ehud begins with the nation of Israel, because of their wickedness, serving the nation of Moab. (Judges 3:12-14)
B. When Israel finally repented, the Lord raised up a deliverer, Ehud. (Judges 3:15) Israel sent a tribute to Eglon, king of Moah, by the hands of Ehud.
C. Ehud hid a dagger on his person, went to see king Eglon, and seized an opportunity to kill Eglon. (Judges 3:16-23)
D. By the time Eglon’s servants discovered their dead king, Ehud had escaped. (Judges 3:23-26)
E. Ehud led the Israelites in victory over the Moabites. (Judges 3:27-29)
II. LESSONS LEARNED.
A. Avoid the “sin, repent, and sin again” cycle.
1. During the time of the judges, Israel followed a cycle of sinning, repenting, and sinning again.
a. In Judges 3:11, Israel had enjoyed rest for forty years.
b. However, in Judges 3:12-14, we see that Israel had turned back to sin again, and was sold into slavery for eighteen years.
c. Then, in Judges 3:15, Israel cried out to the Lord and the Lord heard their cry. The Lord sent Israel a deliverer.
2. Christians must work to avoid the “sin, repent, and sin again” cycle.
a. We must overcome sin in order to be in and remain in fellowship with the Lord. (1 John 1:5-7)
b. If we do sin, then we must confess our sin to the Lord and repent. (1 John 1:8 - 2:2)
c. Then, we must work hard not to sin again. (1 John 2:3-6, 28-29; 3:4-9)
B. Be ready to answer the call to deliver someone from their enslavement to sin.
1. The Lord raised up Ehud to deliver the Israelites from the enslavement to the Moabites. Ehud was successful. (Judges 3:15)
2. Do you know someone who is enslaved to sin?
a. If they are not a Christian, then you should be the person to bring that lost soul to Jesus Christ. (Mark 16:15-16; ex. Acts 8:26-40)
b. If they are a Christian, then try to restore them and protect them. (Galatians 6:1-2; James 5:19-20; ex. Acts 8:13, 18-24; Galatians 2:11-21)
C. Christians should always carry their “weapon.”
1. Ehud hid the dagger on his person, waiting for the right opportunity to use it. (Judges 3:16, 21-22)
2. We must always carry our “sword of the Spirit” with us. (Ephesians 6:10, 11, 17; Hebrews 4:11-13)
D. Christians are to always be watchful for every opportunity to defeat their enemy.
1. Ehud used the opportunity afforded by the presenting of the tribute to king Eglon. (Judges 13:15, 17-23)
2. The “sword of the Spirit” will do us no good if we do not use it. We must watch for every opportunity to defeat our enemy.
a. Opportunities to overcome or avoid the devil. (1 Peter 5:6-9; 1 Corinthians 10:13; James 4:7-10)
b. Opportunities to bring sin to light and convert the sinner. (John 16:7-13; 14:26; cf. Hebrews 4:11-13; Ephesians 5:8-14)
CONCLUSION.
A. Ehud was a brave man. He was a watchful man. He was a man who faithfully served God and was successful in fulfilling his responsibilities.
B. If we will follow the example of Ehud, then we too can defeat our enemy and be delivered from his chains of sin.
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Lessons from Ehud -- June 15, 2003 -- File # 877 - Judges, The
by John M. Duvall – Lawton, OK