Samson’s Potential and God’s Ultimate Plan

Samson’s Potential and God’s Ultimate Plan

(Judges 14-16)
Rev. Brian Lee

I. Profile
Child from God
Set apart as a Nazarite
Had a special mission (13:5) – Deliverance from the Philistines
A superhero with so much potential

II. Character
Ignorant of his vows (14:1-3)
Disobedient to his parents (14:3)
Revengeful (15:3, 7, 11)
Weakness 

III. The Spirit of the LORD
BEGAN to stir Samson (13:25)
Tore apart the Lion (14:6)
Struck down 30 men to give clothes to those who answered the riddled (14:19)
Struck down 1000 Philistine men (15:14)
Samson’s strength left and he did not know that the Lord had left him (16:19-20)

IV. Samson’s shortcoming & God’s plan   
The Philistine woman (14:1-6)
The Revenge on Philistines (15:3-8)
Fell in love with Delilah (16:4-20)
Change of heart (conversion) in prison (16:28; Heb 11:32)
Samson’s last stand: Killed many more than when he died than while he lived (16:30)

V. Application
Samson had so much potential to be a great judge for the nation of Israel but he failed to live his life to the full potential because he was focused on serving himself and his wants rather than the “mission” God gave him. What about you? Are you living a life fulfilling God’s mission in your life?
Samson could not resist his worldly desires which led him to a tragic death. How can we deal with the sin that so easily entangle us and cause us to grow apart from God? 
This is amazing grace that no matter what kind of mistakes you have made, no matter how bad your past is, if you are willing to wholly submit your life to God there is HOPE for you. Turn to God today and let him be the LORD of your life.