Finding Peace through Humility: Audio Bible Studies: A Bible Study in the Book of Judges

Written by Joel Muddamalle

“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6). The people of Israel in the time of the judges were stuck in a draining cycle of their own making. The cycle went like this. First, the people would turn away from God and do evil. Second, the Lord would see their evil acts and respond in justice by executing his judgment. Third, the people would realize their error and, usually in remorse, cry out to the Lord for deliverance. Fourth, God would hear their cries and raise up various “judges” to deliver them from their plight. But then, with the crisis removed, the people would once again become complacent and turn away from God—and they would be stuck in the cycle all over again.

Why were the people unable to break free? The author of Judges gives us a clue when he states, “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 17:6; see also 18:1; 19:1; 21:25). In truth, the people had a King—the Lord—but were quick to reject him and his authority over their lives. Each time they looked to themselves or other foreign gods as their “king,” they fell back into the cycle.

In this six-session audio Bible study, pastor and teacher Joel Muddamalle reveals that the solution to the Israelites’ problem, which is the same problem we have today, is to return to practicing humility. This often-neglected spiritual discipline is what allows us to recognize God is in control and we are not. It gives us the perspective to trust in him when we go through hardships and heartaches. It is the secret that enables us to face our fears and see the unlikely and unexpected places in which God is working in our lives. Humility is what we need to retrieve in order to live out the good life that God desires for his people—and as Joel reveals in this study, the story of Judges can serve as our guide.

The Audio Bible Studies series provides a unique audio learning experience. Unlike a traditional audiobook's direct narration of a book's text, this audio Bible study includes high-quality, live audio sessions from the author that cover important Bible-based topics. These sessions will reflect the ambiance of the unique recording locations, immersing the listener into the teaching. While not required for the audio experience, these studies are designed to partner with the coordinating study guide, sold separately.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperChristian Resources Audio
• Release date: Mar 5, 2024
• ISBN: 9780310163251

Joel Muddamalle

Holding a PhD in Theology, Joel Muddamalle is the Director of Theology and Research at Proverbs 31 Ministries with Lysa TerKeurst and the theologian in residence for Haven Place Ministries, a ministry of Lysa’s that provides personalized theology and therapy retreats and smaller gathering. He also cohosts the popular podcast Therapy and Theology with Lysa and licensed counselor Jim Cress. Joel serves on the preaching team at Transformation Church with Pastor Derwin Gray and is a frequent speaker for conferences and events (She Speaks, IF Gathering, Q Ideas NXT Gen Summit, Hope Heals Camp). One of his favorite things to do is leading in-depth theology workshops and training seminars for churches (FreshLife, Passion City, Transformation Church). Joel coauthored 30 Days of Seeing Jesus Throughout the Bible and has had the honor of working with Christian authors in developing the theological framework of their books through COMPEL consulting. Based in Charlotte, NC, Joel and his wife enjoy a full house with their four children and two dogs. If he doesn’t have a theology book in his hand, you can be sure he’s either coaching one of his kids in a sport, doing his best to keep up his hoops game on the basketball court, or getting roped into a reel by his wife (@almostindianwife).