Please read the women in Christ commentary on Deborah to prepare for the study.  Deborah:  Judge
 

Introduction
The subject of judgment is so large that all that pertains to it cannot be covered in one small lesson. By looking up words such as: judge, judges, judged, judgment, and justice in a concordance and reading the scriptures and passages, it is possible to gain a more complete understanding of the subject. Questions to keep in mind are: "When should we avoid judging others?" and "When and how do we exercise 'righteous judgment' ?"
 

Part I Deborah’s Example

Judges 4:1-3; 2:10-15 What was the spiritual condition of Israel? Who brought about their occupation by a foreign power? How long were they oppressed?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 2:16-19 What purpose did the judges serve?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 4:4-5 What did Deborah do in addition to judging Israel?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 4:6-7 What message did she give Barak?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 4:8-16 What was Barak’s reaction? Who is determining the outcome of this battle for freedom?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 4:17-22 How was Deborah’s prophecy of verse 9 accomplished?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 4:23-24; 5:31b Who determined who won? How long did this peace last?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Judges 5:1-31 How did Deborah and Barak honor their deliverer?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Optional Discussion Topic: Deuteronomy 28. List the blessings for obedience. List the curses for disobedience. What do you think the nature of Jabin’s oppression might have been? Look at the state of the world and compare to this list.
 

Part II An Application For Today

Exodus 18:15-26; Deuteronomy 1:13-17; Leviticus 19:15; Proverbs 18:17; 17:15, 26 What do you learn from these scriptures about the qualifications and responsibilities of a judge?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I Corinthians 5:12-6:8 What role does judgment have within an assembly of Christians?
[NIV study note on I Cor. 6:1 “a dispute with another. Paul seems to be talking about various kinds of property court cases here (cf. The phrase ‘rather be cheated,’ v.7), not criminal cases that should be handled by the state (Ro 13:3-4). Before the saints. The Corinthians should take their property cases before qualified Christians for settlement. In Paul’s day the Romans allowed the Jews to apply their own law in property matters, and since the Romans did not yet consider Christians as a separate class from the Jews, Christians no doubt had the same rights.”]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Romans 14:1-15:7 (Note especially 14:4) What do you learn about inappropriate judging from this passage?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I Samuel 16:6-7; John 7:16-24 What is the basis for right judgment?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Matthew 7:1-5 What preparation must a judge make before judging others? What standard should a judge use?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

James 2:1-13 What attitude precedes a wrong judgment? What quality is essential for right judgment?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Hebrews 5:12-14 Name three qualities from this passage that leads to maturity?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Part III Future Judgment

Revelation 20:4-6 Who are seated on these thrones?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I Peter 4:5; Acts 10:42-43; Psalm 50:6; Romans 14:12 Who is the Supreme Judge?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How can you apply these principles of Godly judgment to your everyday life?