Honey in the Lion There are lessons we can learn from Samson and the lion.

Background Israel was conquered by the Philistines Israel was under them for 40 years Samson was born to be the deliverer Samson was not to cut his hair or beard Samson was interested in a Philistine girl He was on his way to see her when a lion attacked him Samson killed the lion with his hands

Judges 14:8-9 8 After some time, when he returned to get her, he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion. And behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the carcass of the lion. 9 He took some of it in his hands and went along, eating. When he came to his father and mother, he gave some to them, and they also ate. But he did not tell them that he had taken the honey out of the carcass of the lion.

1 We face difficulties in life Samson faced several tests, challenges 2 Timothy 3:12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Paul persecuted the church, then became the persecuted I hope that day does not come to Christians in America. It already exists in other parts of the world.

1 We face difficulties in life Acts 26: Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

1 We face difficulties in life Christians are part of the Lord's kingdom. We must be prepared to fight, and die for it. We must put on our armor Our fight is not physical (carnal) but spiritual. Ephesians 6:12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

2 There are also blessings Samson enjoyed the honey in the lion Our blessings are in Christ Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, Even in the middle of an animal carcass there can be wonderful blessings. Look for the blessings – focus on them

3 Share with others Samson took some home to his parents He did not tell them where it came from Keep some things to yourself Not their business Often elders, preachers are told things that are not public information – do not broadcast it.

3 Share with others Acts 2: Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. Acts 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

Lessons to Remember 1.We will face difficulties in life 2.There will also be blessings 3.We must learn to share with others