First, I appealed to the opportunity to hear a neglected book of Scripture. To demonstrate how Judges has been neglected by the church, I began by having everyone stand. Then, I asked everyone who could not remember hearing a sermon on Judges to sit down. About half of the congregation sat down! Then, I asked people to sit down if the only sermon they’ve heard from Judges was on Gideon. More sat down. Then, I asked people to sit down if the only sermon they heard from Judges was on Samson. By this time, only 5-7% of the people were standing! It created a powerful visual reminder of how we have neglected Judges.

Second, I appealed to the value of the book. I cited 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and talked about how Judges is useful. I reminded my listeners that Judges is a “former prophet” in the Hebrew Bible. Yes, it has a prophetic message, even though it’s communicated in story form.

Third, I came up with a positive way to frame the message of Judges. As you know, it’s a dark, depressing book full of R-rated stories. The message of the book has to do with “the Canaanization of Israel” (to use Daniel Block’s phrase). Basically, Israel deteriorated when they adopted the values of the pagan nations around them. But then I showed how the last line of Deborah’s song (in Judges 5:31) paints a challenge and an opportunity. The text says this to God: May those who love you be like the sun which rises in its strength. I said, “That’s the challenge of Judges! Love God, and then he will make you strong like the rising sun.” My title for the series is “Love God, Live Strong.” Yes, I know that ‘strong’ isn’t grammatically accurate. But Lance Armstrong’s ‘livestrong’ foundation has made the expression acceptable! So, I’m telling people that the message of Judges is “love God, live strong.” Those four words offer a challenge and a promise.

Fourth, I walked people through the entire book. I normally do not do an overview sermon on the books through which I intend to preach. But last Sunday’s sermon covered the whole book of Judges. I told people I was going to do a “fly-by.” Now, I’m thinking that an overview sermon might be the way to go even when I’m preaching more familiar books like Ephesians or Proverbs.

Based on the post-sermon response, I think people are intrigued and are looking forward to the series. I’m excited to see how God will use it. Judges may be a bizarre, dark book. But as Paul reminds us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, all Scripture – and that includes Judges! – is useful for growth in our effectiveness as followers of Jesus Christ.