DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 16 JULY, 2017

LESSON 651: THE MIRACULOUS BIRTH OF SAMSON MEMORY VERSE: ““And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou art barren, and beareth not; but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son” – Judges 13:3 TEXT: Judges 13:1-25

SUMMARY (1) Our previous study dealt with prayer and Fasting: It is necessary for a believer to pray always (2 Thes 5:17) There are no hard & fast rules on the proper posture Praying without repentance, salvation, righteousness, holiness & purity is a waste of time Fasting is a scriptural, beneficial & spiritual exercise that compliments our prayer. The study of today emanates from the Old Testament on a notable event of the birth of Israelites’ liberator, named Samson. The study of today touches two related points: End of Manoah’s wife’s barrenness: expression of hope & validity of God’s promise of mercy & deliverance. The attitude of patiently waiting & practising act of hospitality

SUMMARY (2) Israelites were quick in forgetting how God had delivered them amidst several challenges & oppressions (Judges 11;12) They were yet inclined to sinning & backsliding even in the era of Judges. They were subjected again to servitude (slavery & suffering) in the hands of the Philistines for a challenging period of 40 years. Yet, God greatly treasured them, evident in the birth of Samson. The beginning of Samson’s birth was the appearance of angel to the wife of a man named Manoah in Israel then (Judges 13:3) The birth of the Samson was attached to divine instruction on how the child should be cared for in terms of nutrition & consecration Manoah (the husband) also waited in prayer to confirm God’s instruction The partnership of Manoah & his Wife’s humility, submission & maturity cleared the storm of fear. They were encouraged and assured that God was with them to do them good. Challenges for us today: Waiting, praying, listening, obeying & cooperating

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 What lessons can sinners and backsliders learn from the servitude of the children of Israel ?: 1John 3:8 Rom 3:23; 10:13

QUESTION 2 What lessons can expectant couples learn from the family of Manoah? 1 Peter 2:9 Rom 12:1,2 1Thess 4:3

QUESTION 3 What can you learn from the attitude of Manoah about child training? 1John 4:1, Gen 18:1-8, Heb 13:2, Judge 13:19

QUESTION 4 What challenges does the life of Manoah’s wife pose to believing wives today?: Judges 13:23

CONCLUSION Samson’s birth was miraculous and planned by God (Judges 13:24) So is the experience of a sinner who comes to the saving knowledge of Christ It is also imperative for a believer to imbibe the attitude of waiting in prayer & patience before God A believer also should endeavour to confirm every vision, dream and revelation in the light of the Bible. What matters to us here most, is that God’s promise was fulfilled at God’s appointed time, with absolute TRUST & OBEDIENCE in God.

TIME TO PRAY!