SERMON NOTES:
Judges 14:1-2, 5-9 - Samson went down to Timnah and saw a young Philistine woman there. 2 He went back and told his father and his mother: “I have seen a young Philistine woman in Timnah. Now get her for me as a wife.” 5 Samson went down to Timnah with his father and mother and came to the vineyards of Timnah. Suddenly a young lion came roaring at him, 6 the Spirit of the Lord took control of him, and he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he did not tell his father or mother what he had done. 7 Then he went and spoke to the woman, because Samson wanted her. 8 After some time, when he returned to get her, he left the road to see the lion’s carcass, and there was a swarm of bees with honey in the carcass. 9 He scooped some honey into his hands and ate it as he went along. When he returned to his father and mother, he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them that he had scooped the honey from the lion’s carcass.
Judges 13:3-5 The Angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “It is true that you are unable to conceive and have no children, but you will conceive and give birth to a son. 4 Now please be careful not to drink wine or beer, or to eat anything unclean; 5 for indeed, you will conceive and give birth to a son. You must never cut his hair, because the boy will be a Nazirite to God from birth, and he will begin to save Israel from the power of the Philistines.”
NAZIRITE
A man or woman who has taken the Nazirite vow, which is distinguished by abstinence from certain actions found in Numbers 6:
NAZIRITE VOW:
• abstaining from anything related to grapes and/or alcohol
• refraining from cutting one’s hair
• avoid touching corpses
The Nazirite, like the high priest of Israel, was to be consecrated to God and serve as an example of a strict, obedient life of the kind demanded by the Sinai covenant. -R. K. Harrison, The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Judges 14:14 - Out of the eater came something to eat, and out of the strong came something sweet.
1 John 2:16-17 (NIRV) - 16 Here is what people who belong to this world do. They try to satisfy what their sinful desires want to do. (Lust of the flesh) They long for what their sinful eyes look at. (Lust of the Eyes) They take pride in what they have and what they do. (Pride of One's Lifestyle) All of this comes from the world. None of it comes from the Father. 17 The world and its lust is passing away, but whoever does what God wants them to do lives forever.
Galatians 5:19-21 - The result of sin’s control in our lives is clear. It includes sexual sins, impure acts and wild living. 20 It includes worshiping statues of gods and worshiping evil powers. It also includes hatred and fighting, jealousy and fits of anger. Sinful desire is interested only in getting ahead. It stirs up trouble. It separates people into their own little groups. 21 It wants what others have. It gets drunk and takes part in wild parties.
THE GALATIAN VOW: (Galatians 5:26)
Let us not become proud.
Let us not make each other angry.
Let us not want what belongs to others.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
This week’s sermon focused on the life of Samson, a figure whose immense strength and power are often celebrated, yet his life was marred by reckless behavior, selfishness, and unchecked desires for power and lust. Despite being set apart as a Nazirite from birth, Samson frequently broke his vows, leading to broken relationships and personal ruin. The sermon highlighted how these unchecked desires led to a series of conflicts and ultimately his downfall. It serves as a warning about the dangers of pride and lust and emphasizes the need to live a life set apart for God.
Let's begin by sharing any personal insights or key takeaways you received from today's sermon. What aspect of Samson's story resonated with you the most?
Understanding Samson's Vow: Read Judges 13:3-5. Discuss the Nazirite vow and its significance. How did Samson’s actions reflect his commitment or lack thereof to this vow?
Skirmish with the Lion: Read Judges 14:5-9. What does Samson’s encounter with the lion reveal about his character and his relationship with God’s commands? How did this event set the stage for future conflicts in his life?
Consequences of Breaking Vows: Reflect on the series of events that followed Samson’s breaking of his Nazirite vow. How did his actions lead to a cycle of conflict and destruction? What can we learn from this about the importance of keeping our commitments to God?
Desires for Power and Lust: Read Judges 14:1-2 and 16:1-4. How did Samson’s desires for power and lustful pursuits impact his life and his relationships? Can you identify similar challenges in your own life or in the lives of people you know?
Samson’s Relationship with Others: Discuss the various relationships Samson had, including with his parents, his wife, and the Philistines. How did his pride and lust affect these relationships? What might have been different if he had adhered to his vows?
Recognizing Modern-Day Skirmishes: How do the issues of power and lust present themselves in today's culture? What parallels can you draw between Samson’s skirmishes and the challenges faced by Christians today?
Combatting Lust and Pride: Read 1 John 2:16-17 and Galatians 5:19-21. What practical steps can we take to combat the desires of the flesh, the eyes, and the pride of life? How can we apply the principles from these scriptures to our daily lives?
Living Set Apart: What does it mean to live a life that is “set apart” for God? How can we ensure that we are not only avoiding sin but also actively pursuing holiness in our lives?
Seeking Accountability: Discuss the importance of community and accountability in overcoming the desires of power and lust. How can we support each other in our group to live lives that are set apart for God?
Closing Reflection: Let’s each share one thing we are grateful for in God’s provision and strength in our lives. How can we rely more on God to help us overcome our personal skirmishes?
