Sermon Title: Called to Courageous Action
Joey Leggett was with us Sunday and he was reflecting on the story from Judges 17. Here we see the devastating ripple effect that occurs when people fail to stand up for what is right. Micah’s theft, his mother’s indifference, the Levite’s compromise, and the silence of the leaders and soldiers of Dan all contributed to a legacy of idolatry that ultimately led to the tribe of Dan being omitted from the list of tribes in Revelation. This is a sobering reminder that evil does not triumph because of the overwhelming power of darkness, but because of the silence and inaction of those who know better.
The world is desperate for men and women who are fully consecrated to God, willing to risk comfort, reputation, and even their lives for the sake of righteousness. Whether it’s standing up to the evil of human trafficking, providing a home for children in crisis, or simply refusing to turn a blind eye to the small sins that can grow into generational strongholds, the call is the same: do something. The stories of those who have gone before us—those who started Falcon Children’s Home with a small offering, those who left secure positions to fight for the unborn, those who have driven thousands of miles to serve—remind us that when good people act, God multiplies their efforts for His glory.
The world is desperate for men and women who are fully consecrated to God, willing to risk comfort, reputation, and even their lives for the sake of righteousness. Whether it’s standing up to the evil of human trafficking, providing a home for children in crisis, or simply refusing to turn a blind eye to the small sins that can grow into generational strongholds, the call is the same: do something. The stories of those who have gone before us—those who started Falcon Children’s Home with a small offering, those who left secure positions to fight for the unborn, those who have driven thousands of miles to serve—remind us that when good people act, God multiplies their efforts for His glory.
We are not called to comfort or complacency, but to courageous action. The world is yet to see what God will do with a person fully surrendered to Him. Let us be those people, for the sake of the next generation and for the glory of God.
Key Takeaways:
- 1. The Ripple Effect of Inaction: When we fail to confront sin or injustice, even in small ways, the consequences can extend far beyond our immediate circle.
Micah’s story shows how a single act of indifference or compromise can set off a chain reaction that affects families, communities, and even future generations. Our silence today can become someone else’s bondage tomorrow. [67:21]
- 2. Courage to Stand in the Face of Evil: True faith is not just about believing the right things, but about having the courage to stand up for them, even when it’s costly.
Whether facing cultural opposition, personal risk, or spiritual warfare, God calls us to be people who do not shrink back but confront evil with conviction and love. [50:17]
- 3. The Danger of Comfortable Compromise: The Levite in Judges 17 was content to exchange his calling for comfort and status, accepting “ten shekels and a shirt” instead of standing for truth.
It is easy to justify compromise when it brings personal benefit, but such choices erode our integrity and witness. God desires obedience over comfort. [63:55]
- 4. The Power of Consecrated Action: History is changed not by the majority who remain passive, but by the few who are fully surrendered to God and willing to act.
From the founding of Falcon Children’s Home to the rescue of girls from trafficking, every breakthrough began with someone who refused to do nothing. Our willingness to act can be the catalyst for God’s miracles. [69:57]
- 5. Redemptive Impact of Compassionate Intervention: When we step into broken situations with compassion and resolve, God uses our actions to bring healing and freedom. Whether it’s removing a trafficker’s tattoo or providing a safe home, these acts of love break chains and restore hope. We are called to be agents of redemption, not spectators. [01:14:45]
Bible Reading:
Judges 17:1-13 (NIV) —
1 Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim 2 said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have that silver with me; I took it.”
Then his mother said, “The Lord bless you, my son!”
3 When he returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I solemnly consecrate my silver to the Lord for my son to make an image overlaid with silver. I will give it back to you.”
4 So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house.
5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest.
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
7 A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah, 8 left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.
9 Micah asked him, “Where are you from?”
“I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said, “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”
10 Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food.”
11 So the Levite agreed to live with him, and the young man became like one of his sons to him.
12 Then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.
13 And Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”
1 Now a man named Micah from the hill country of Ephraim 2 said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you and about which I heard you utter a curse—I have that silver with me; I took it.”
Then his mother said, “The Lord bless you, my son!”
3 When he returned the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, she said, “I solemnly consecrate my silver to the Lord for my son to make an image overlaid with silver. I will give it back to you.”
4 So after he returned the silver to his mother, she took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to a silversmith, who used them to make the idol. And it was put in Micah’s house.
5 Now this man Micah had a shrine, and he made an ephod and some household gods and installed one of his sons as his priest.
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.
7 A young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, who had been living within the clan of Judah, 8 left that town in search of some other place to stay. On his way he came to Micah’s house in the hill country of Ephraim.
9 Micah asked him, “Where are you from?”
“I’m a Levite from Bethlehem in Judah,” he said, “and I’m looking for a place to stay.”
10 Then Micah said to him, “Live with me and be my father and priest, and I’ll give you ten shekels of silver a year, your clothes and your food.”
11 So the Levite agreed to live with him, and the young man became like one of his sons to him.
12 Then Micah installed the Levite, and the young man became his priest and lived in his house.
13 And Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will be good to me, since this Levite has become my priest.”
Observation Questions:
- What actions did Micah and his mother take after the theft was confessed, and how did these actions set the stage for what followed? ([59:36])
- What was the Levite’s response to Micah’s offer, and what does this reveal about his priorities? ([57:05])
- According to the passage, what was the spiritual climate in Israel during this time? ([56:01])
- In the sermon, what was the eventual consequence for the tribe of Dan as a result of the events that began in Micah’s house? ([01:06:37])
Interpretation Questions:
- Why might Micah’s mother have chosen to bless him instead of correcting him after he confessed to stealing? What does this say about her values or fears? ([59:36])
- The Levite accepted “ten shekels and a shirt” to serve as a priest in Micah’s house. What does this suggest about the danger of choosing comfort or status over obedience to God? ([01:03:18])
- The phrase “everyone did as they saw fit” is repeated in Judges. How does this attitude contribute to the problems in this story and in society today? ([56:01])
- The sermon describes a “ripple effect” of inaction. How did the silence or compromise of individuals lead to generational consequences for the tribe of Dan? ([01:07:21])
Application Questions:
- The sermon warns that “evil does not triumph because of the overwhelming power of darkness, but because of the silence and inaction of those who know better.” Can you think of a situation in your life, family, or community where you were tempted to stay silent? What held you back from speaking or acting? ([01:07:21])
- The Levite traded his calling for “ten shekels and a shirt.” Are there areas in your life where you have chosen comfort, reputation, or personal benefit over doing what is right? What would it look like to choose obedience instead? ([01:03:18])
- The story of Falcon Children’s Home and other ministries began with small acts of obedience. Is there a “small” step of faith or action you feel God is prompting you to take for someone in need? What is stopping you? ([01:09:57])
- The sermon highlights the power of compassionate intervention, like helping a trafficking survivor remove a tattoo. Is there a practical way you can step into a broken situation with compassion this week? What might that look like? ([01:14:45])
- The world is “yet to see what God will do with a person fully surrendered to Him.” What area of your life do you find hardest to surrender to God? What would it take to trust Him with it? ([01:08:26])
- The sermon challenges us not to be “comfortable or complacent, but to courageous action.” What is one risk you could take this month to stand up for what is right, even if it costs you something? ([01:13:16])
- Our silence today can become someone else’s bondage tomorrow. Is there a “small sin” or injustice you’ve been ignoring that could grow into something bigger? What step can you take to confront it now? ([01:07:21])