Characters in the Bible: Samson

Characters in the Bible                             Samson

And the people of Israel again did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, so the Lord gave them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. (Judges 13:1)

Lessons we can learn from Samson:

1. We are set apart by God to live holy lives

“4 Therefore be careful and drink no wine or strong drink, and eat nothing unclean, 5 for behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. No razor shall come upon his head, for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb, and he shall begin to save Israel from the hand of the Philistines.” (Judges 13:4-5).

While most people are in pursuit of happiness, we are to be in pursuit of holiness.

Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord,
and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you, 18 and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

Three commitments of a Nazarite, similar for priests…

1. Abstaining from intoxicating drink –
   1. It is about saying no to undue influence
   2. Discipleship as a true follower of Christ requires discipline
   3. Discipline is a posture and decision to always obey God
   4. Ability to say no to those things that puts you at odd with God
   5. It is the ability to do what you know you should do, even when you don’t feel like it

1. Refrain from Eating Unclean Food –
   1. It is not about the Jewish dietary laws. It is about curbing your appetite (watch those things that appeals to your senses). Say no desires of the flesh

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy,[d] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do[e] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.(GALATIANS 5:16-24)

• Commitment to Grow your Hair

1. Commitment to continual growth as a natural part of discipleship
2. People can tell when you stop growing

2. God can use weak and imperfect people to fulfill His purpose

His father and mother did not know that it was from the Lord, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines. At that time the Philistines ruled over Israel. (Judges 14:4)

4 In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4)

3. You have free will, but your choices have consequences

Note: Every action you make will either bring you farther or closer to God.

4. Choose a spouse within your faith

Choosing a mate is one of the most consequential decision you can make. Base it on God’s will.

14 Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; as God said, “I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

5. Use your God-given abilities for God’s work

As Christians, we have a duty to use our strength for the glory of God.

6. Spiritual growth is crucial for life’s victory

 But the hair of his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. (Judges 16:22)

7. God answers us when we call on Him for second chance

28 Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God, that I may be avenged on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)