THE STRENGTH OF SAMSON? (Judges 13-16) Samson: An Enigma Wrapped In A Puzzle Judges 16:31 Served as judge over area of Dan for 20 years Judges 13:5 A promised child, to godly parents (sought godly direction Judges 13:8, 12) Judges 13:7 Raised under the Nazarite vow Proverbs 17:25

Refused Counsel Of Parents; Began A Downward Spiral SAMSON’S SINS… Refused Counsel Of Parents; Began A Downward Spiral Judges 14:1-3 Rejected guidance; self-willed Judges 14:15-18 Samson chose poorly with respect to the woman he married. She did not have a true love for him, was contentious and troublesome. (Proverbs 11:22, 19:13) Judges 14:20 Samson, lost not only the “bet” but ultimately his wife “A fool rejects his father’s discipline, but he who regards reproof is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)

SAMSONS SINS… Chose Poor Companions His choices cost him greatly… “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Amos 3:3 “Do not be deceived; bad company corrupts good morals” 1Corinthians 15:33 His choices cost him greatly… Judges 14:1 Married outside the people of Israel Judges 16:1 Consorted with a harlot in Gaza Judges 16:4 Delilah of Sorek “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not proceed in the way of evil men. Avoid it, do not pass by it; turn away from it and pass by it.” Proverbs 4:14

In Some Instances He Had Little Strength…Manipulated/Gave In SAMSON’S SINS… In Some Instances He Had Little Strength…Manipulated/Gave In Judges 16:6-16 After much entreating, he revealed the source of his strength James 4:7 Must resist Genesis 39:7-9 Joseph did not surrender Daniel 3:13-30 Daniel’s three companions did not give in Judges 16:19 By surrendering, he became disloyal to his vow James 2:10 Ecclesiastes 5:4 “Pay what you vow!”

Ultimately Samson Had To Take Responsibility For His Decisions… He Was Made To Be A Captive/Trapped The Result Of His Decisions/Sins: Judges 16:21 Cost him his eyesight…SIN BLINDS Cost him his freedom…SIN ENSLAVES/SIN DIVIDES Judges 16:30 Cost him his life…Romans 6:23 “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God…” Judges 16:28

What Decision Have You Made With Respect To The God Of Heaven? “Thus says the Lord, ‘Stand by the ways and see and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is and walk in it; and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, we will not walk in it.” Jeremiah 6:16 The Decision Resides Solely With The Individual, Just As It Did With Samson Consequences For Our Decisions In Life “There is a way which seems right to a man, but it’s end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 A LIFE OF STRENGTH OR WEAKNESS THE CHOICE IS YOURS…