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Judges · Men's Leadership Study

Week 17: A Homemade Religion

Judges 17

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Read Together

Judges 17

Read the whole chapter aloud before discussing the handout.

Hidden in the Text

Weekly Devotional

Micah's mother gave silver to the LORD and then used it to make an idol that God had forbidden. Micah made his son a priest, then replaced him with a Levite. He believed God would now bless him. Every step sounded religious, but every step replaced God's Word with man's ideas. Here is the part many people miss: the less Micah obeyed, the more confident he felt. Hiring the right kind of priest made his false worship seem right. Religious words, sincere feelings, and the right leader cannot make disobedience right. Test everything by Scripture, especially when it seems to be working.

Discuss Honestly

Hard Questions

  1. 01

    Where is your practice inherited from culture or family rather than from Scripture? Name something specific you have never actually checked.

  2. 02

    Micah believed having the right man on staff would secure God's favor. What is your version of that — a program, a mentor, a schedule, a role?

  3. 03

    What is one area where you are acting as your own authority instead of obeying God?

  4. 04

    The Levite sold his calling for room, board, and wages. What would it take to make your ministry a job to you, and how close are you?

  5. 05

    How do you personally test whether something you believe is biblical or just familiar? Walk through your actual process.

  6. 06

    Micah's mother blessed the LORD and built an idol in the same breath. Where does your worship contain an idol you have sincerely dedicated to God?

  7. 07

    If a new believer copied your daily time with God exactly, would they be shaped by Scripture or by your preferences?

Look Them Up

Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 12:8

    'Ye shall not do... every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes.' Judges 17 is the direct violation of this command.

  • Exodus 20:4-5

    The second commandment — the idol was of the LORD, and that was the problem.

  • Colossians 2:20-23

    Will worship — self-made religion that has a show of wisdom and no power against the flesh.

  • 1 Peter 5:2

    Feed the flock, not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind. The anti-Levite-for-hire text.

  • Isaiah 8:20

    To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, there is no light in them.