Facing Failure in Life Judges 16:22-31 03/30/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles

Facing Failure in Life Introduction What a sad and tragic a picture the Word of God paints for us? If you have ever suffered a debilitating illness, you can begin to imagine how Samson might have felt.

Facing Failure in Life 22 But the hair on his head began to grow again after it had been shaved. (Judges 16:22, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life What is this Failure The failure that we are addressing is not: Failing a test or assignment at school… Being passed over for a promotion on the job…

Facing Failure in Life Missing the winning basket or goal in some game… Going off our diet and splurging…

Facing Failure in Life The failure we are addressing is a moral failure! 23 Now the rulers of the Philistines assembled to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to celebrate, saying, “Our god has delivered Samson, our enemy, into our hands.” (Judges 16:23, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 24 When the people saw him, they praised their god, saying, “Our god has delivered our enemy into our hands, the one who laid waste our land and multiplied our slain.” (Judges 16:24, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 25 While they were in high spirits, they shouted, “Bring out Samson to entertain us.” So they called Samson out of the prison, and he performed for them. When they stood him among the pillars, (Judges 16:25, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 26 Samson said to the servant who held his hand, “Put me where I can feel the pillars that support the temple, so that I may lean against them.” (Judges 16:26, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 27 Now the temple was crowded with men and women; all the rulers of the Philistines were there, and on the roof were about three thousand men and women watching Samson perform. (Judges 16:27, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 28 Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “O Sovereign LORD, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 29 Then Samson reached toward the two central pillars on which the temple stood. Bracing himself against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other, (Judges 16:29, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 30 Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!” Then he pushed with all his might, and down came the temple on the rulers and all the people in it. Thus he killed many more when he died than while he lived. (Judges 16:30, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life 31 Then his brothers and his father’s whole family went down to get him. They brought him back and buried him between Zorah and Eshtaol in the tomb of Manoah his father. He had led Israel twenty years. (Judges 16:31, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life Lesson One: When tempted with moral failure do not give in! Samson’s sin exacted a heavy cost. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors (2 Cor 5:20a, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life He had to endure Philistine ridicule. He brought shame and heartache to his family.

Facing Failure in Life Lesson Two: If We Have Experienced A Moral Failure, Do Not Become Bitter Toward God! Our first reaction to God’s discipline is to escape it.

Facing Failure in Life 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Heb 12:11, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life Our second reaction to God’s discipline is to become bitter toward God. Our reaction should be to learn from the experience and let it mature us.

Facing Failure in Life Lesson Three: If We Have Failed, There is Still Hope for the Future. Could God ever use me again in any way? The answer to that question is, “Absolutely yes.”

Facing Failure in Life God is there even in our failure. Jonah Peter

Facing Failure in Life Perhaps Samson thought God was finished with him as well, but “…the hair of his head began to grow again…” God has a way of dealing with sin.

Facing Failure in Life 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteous- ness. (1 John 1:9, NIV)

Facing Failure in Life Conclusion The passage says that Samson killed more Philistines in death, than he had in life. That is simply a fact, not an endorsement of the choices he had made in his life!

Facing Failure in Life This final chapter says so much more to us about the grace of God, than it does about the strength of Samson. Let’s learn the lessons:

Facing Failure in Life When Tempted With Moral Failure Do Not Give In! If We Have Experienced A Moral Failure, Do Not Become Bitter Toward God! If We Have Failed, There is Still Hope for the Future.

Facing Failure in Life Judges 16:22-31 03/30/2008 Dr. Dane Boyles