The People Kept Sinning

The judges saved the people from the consequences of their sin, but not the cause of it. God’s plan was to one day send a true Deliverer—Jesus, His own Son—to be the King of His people. Jesus saves people from sin forever.

AT HOME FAMILY GUIDE

HOW TO GUIDE

• Why do you think the next generation of Israelites forgot about God?

• Why did God keep rescuing the Israelites again and again?

Mornings
Ask God for His wisdom and strength to confess sin quickly. How can confessing our sin and seeking God’s help break the cycle of sin? What do you believe is God’s reaction when His people repent?

Evenings
Thank God for always hearing our prayers and responding according to His will. How did God respond to the cries of the Israelites? What does this teach us about His patience and love for His people—even when they disobey?

For Fun...

1. Work with your family to plan and build a large, chain reaction machine that accomplishes a simple task. Discuss the nature of cause and effect, and talk about the causes of Israel’s rebellion, its effects on their lives, and the way Jesus helps us break cycles of sin in our lives.

2. Play a game of follow-the-leader. Direct the leader to walk in a funny way, sing a song, or dance while others follow his motions. Assign one family member to shout “Repent!” at any point during the game, at which point the entire family must turn and begin marching in the opposite direction. The person at the opposite end of the line is now the leader. After playing, discuss what repentance means (Repentance is turning away from sin and turning to Jesus). Talk with kids about God’s desire for people—including your family—to turn away from sin and follow Jesus.

To Serve...

1. Work as a family to pick up trash and litter in a nearby park or along a neighborhood road. Talk with kids about how this area will likely be littered again and will need another cleanup in time. Remind kids that the judges could only bring temporary relief from the consequences of sin, but Jesus has completely defeated sin. Through Him, we can have forgiveness and total deliverance.