The Promised Land: "When the Deliverer Needs Deliverance

 The Promise Land: “When the Deliverer Needs Deliverance” 

Judges 14:1-9 

I. Samson’s impulses led him to break his promises. 14:1-9 

Nazirite vow: 

1. No wine – Sign of joy from this world. (Phil. 4:4) 

2. Long hair – Sign of God’s faithfulness and his own. (Num. 6:5) 

3. No contact with the dead - Sign of sanctification. (1 Pt. 1:15) 

II. Samson’s strength led him to live foolishly. 16:1-20 

1. Unrestrained desires 

2. Made a habit of lying and living in half-truths 

3. Believed his God-given gifts were his 

4. Unteachable 

5. Isolated & out of real community 

6. Compromising his beliefs for worldly fleeting pleasures 

7. Feeling of entitlement 

8. Constantly in the wrong place at the wrong time 

9. Ignored his weak spots 

10. Sinful pride 

11. Fear and unbelief 

12. Made his kingdom the priority of his life 

III. God used Samson’s downfall to turn him to Himself and to restore Sampson’s purpose. 

1 Peter 3:18 - “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” 

Faith Sheet 

1. Why do you think the Bible’s storyline consistently highlights the flaws and failures of its human heroes? 

2. What are some consequences of “doing what comes naturally” in every situation? 

3. How can we maintain a strong dependence on God, especially in the summer? 

4. What hope does it give us to see Samson mentioned as a man of faith in Hebrews 11? 

5. Discuss these truths about addressing failure, getting back up, and moving forward after failure: Deuteronomy 31:8, Psalm 37:23-24, Psalm 40:2-3, Psalm 119:71, Psalm 145:14, Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 24:16, Isaiah 41:9-10, Isaiah 43:18, Jeremiah 8:4, Lamentations 3:22, Micah 7:8, 2 Corinthians 4:9, Galatians 5:16, Philippians 3:13-14, Philippians 4:13, 2 Timothy 1:7 and James 5:16.