Weak Victor

Judges 16

Judges Series

Pastor Val @ Renewal

The Danger of God’s Blessing Romans 1

The most successful people in the world tend to be the people that are the farthest from God.

What motivates Delilah to betray her lover?

________

________________& _______________!

Addiction Syndromes He may have so needed Delilah’s sexual favors and adoration that he was in ____________ about her motives.

Helper Syndrome One person in a relationship is often needy and constantly in trouble, and the other person is the _____________-____________.

Only God’s love can fulfill your deepest __________.

God’s power depends on internal conditions, on a ________-_______________.

Samson’s strength had come not from the vows he made, but from the ________ he made them to.   2 Timothy 2:13

God is not bound or ____________ by the terms of the Nazirite vow. Or a vow we make.

God rescues his people most of all from their ____________, rather than merely from their local enemies.

Samson was a man of __________! Hebrews 11:32-34

Important Elements in Samson Death

The most ________-________ event of his life is the manner of his death

most triumphant episode of his life is his _________

In his death he finally performed his role of beginning to __________ God’s people from the enemy

Samson’s death is, in two crucial ways, very different from that of the Lord Jesus.

First, He was in this predicament his inability to live under God’s rule and for his glory. His downfall is brought about by his disobedience.

The Lord Jesus always lived for his Father’s glory, and died because of others’—our—disobedience.

Second, Samson’s death achieved the limited role God had raised him up for to begin the deliverance of God’s people

Jesus death achieved deliverance once for all 1 Peter 3:18; Hebrews 10:10

Similarity Between Samson & Jesus Death

• Both Samson and Jesus were _____________ by someone who had acted as a friend
• Both were handed over to the ___________ oppressors.
• Both were tortured and chained and put on ___________display to be mocked.
• Both were asked to _______________ (though Jesus, unlike Samson, refused).
• Both died with arms____________________.
• Both _____________ completely struck down by their enemies
• Both _______________ completely struck down by their enemies, yet both ended up crushing their enemies Colossians 2:15
• Both were saviors __________.

Jesus the One who became weak to save will rule in strength and power ______________

Steps to Renewal (Weak Warrior)

1. What was Samson’s fatal weakness?
2. What were the consequences of Samson’s sin?
3. What did Samson take for granted?
4. What were the consequences of Samson’s character weaknesses?
5. What caused Samson’s downfall?
6. What are the dangers in taking our relationship with the Lord for granted?
7. In what area of your life do you often succumb to temptation?
8. *What can you learn from this story about dealing with your own weaknesses and failures?
9. How did the Lord demonstrate His forgiveness and faithfulness to Samson?
10. How has the Lord shown His compassion to you?
11. What does this passage reveal about the kind of people God uses to achieve His will on earth?
12. What has this story taught you about both humility and self-esteem?
13. *What are some of your strengths that you think God could use?

Next Steps to Renewal

1. What could you do this week to protect yourself against taking your relationship with the Lord for granted?
2. *How could you use an ability or talent for God’s glory?
3. What could you do to encourage a friend who is struggling with self-doubt or discouragement?
4. How could the outward gains in your life at present become inward losses? Are there any outward losses that the Lord is using to cause inward gains?

Next Steps to Renewal (Continued)

5. What could you do this week to protect yourself against taking your relationship with the Lord for granted?
6. *How could you use an ability or talent for God’s glory?
7. What could you do to encourage a friend who is struggling with self-doubt or discouragement?
8. How could the outward gains in your life at present become inward losses? Are there any outward losses that the Lord is using to cause inward gains?
9. Why do you think God will bless you? How does that display itself in your attitude to obeying him in ways you naturally like; and in ways you naturally find hard?
10. Where in your life do you need to rely on God’s grace instead of your own strength? How would doing this change your actions and increase your joy?
11. How does the manner and achievement of Samson’s death move you to appreciate and praise the Lord Jesus for his?
12. How are you feeling weak today? It is God’s strength that matters—how will knowing that enable you to have peace and purity in your weakness?