Commitment Over Impulse: The Power of Vows

 

Summary

In our journey through life, many of us find ourselves in what I call "The Fellowship of the Withered Hand," a place where we recognize our limitations and our need for divine help. This is akin to the story of Samson, a man of great potential and divine calling, yet one who struggled with impulse control and the consequences of living by what seemed right in his own eyes. Samson's life, as recounted in the Book of Judges, is a powerful narrative about the importance of vows and commitments to God. His story begins with a divine promise to his parents that he would be a Nazarite, dedicated to God from birth. This dedication involved specific vows: abstaining from wine, avoiding unclean foods, and not cutting his hair.

Despite his divine calling, Samson's life was marked by a series of poor choices driven by his impulses. He repeatedly broke his vows, starting with eating honey from a lion's carcass, which was unclean, and later engaging in heavy drinking. His final vow was broken when he revealed the secret of his strength to Delilah, leading to his downfall. Samson's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living by our desires rather than our commitments to God.

In our own lives, we often face similar challenges. We are tempted to live by what looks good to us in the moment, rather than by the commitments we have made to God. This is why making and keeping vows is so crucial. A vow is not a restriction but a commitment to a higher purpose, a way to align our lives with God's will. It is a reminder of our dedication to something greater than ourselves.

Today, I invite you to make a simple vow to God. It could be as small as committing to read a Psalm daily, reaching out to someone in need, or setting aside time for prayer. These small commitments can transform our lives and help us live in alignment with God's purpose. Let us be people who keep our vows, who live not by impulse but by the commitments we make to God.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Power of Vows: Vows are not just restrictions but commitments to a higher purpose. They help us align our lives with God's will and remind us of our dedication to something greater than ourselves. [03:01]

2. Samson's Struggle with Impulse: Samson's life illustrates the dangers of living by impulse rather than commitment. Despite his divine calling, his inability to control his desires led to his downfall. [05:44]

3. The Cycle of Impulse Control: Like Samson, we often find ourselves in a cycle of impulse control disorder, where we act on desires that conflict with our true values and God's purpose for our lives. [07:22]

4. Living in the City of Small Sins: Samson lived in what can be described as the city of small sins, where minor transgressions accumulate and lead us away from God's path. We must be vigilant in our commitments to avoid this trap. [11:17]

5. Invitation to Make a Vow: Today, consider making a simple vow to God. It could be a small act of kindness or a commitment to prayer. These vows help us live in alignment with God's will and transform our lives. [12:33]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:34] - The Fellowship of the Withered Hand
- [00:48] - The Power of Vows
- [01:11] - Samson's Divine Calling
- [02:06] - The Importance of Parental Guidance
- [03:01] - Repetition of Vows
- [03:46] - Samson's Impulsive Choices
- [05:17] - The Theme of Eyes in Judges
- [05:44] - Impulse Control Disorder
- [07:22] - The Cycle of Impulse Control
- [08:26] - Samson's Broken Vows
- [09:49] - The Consequences of Broken Vows
- [10:31] - The Invitation to Make a Vow
- [11:17] - Living in the City of Small Sins
- [12:33] - Be a Keeper of the Vow

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Judges 13:2-5 - The birth and calling of Samson as a Nazarite.
2. Judges 16:4-21 - Samson and Delilah, the breaking of his final vow.
3. Judges 21:25 - "In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit."

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific vows were given to Samson's parents regarding his life as a Nazarite? How were these vows meant to set him apart? [01:39]

2. How did Samson's actions reflect a struggle with impulse control, and what were some of the consequences he faced as a result? [05:44]

3. What role did Samson's eyes play in his decision-making, and how is this theme of "what is right in one's own eyes" significant in the Book of Judges? [05:17]

4. How did Samson's relationship with Delilah lead to the breaking of his final vow, and what were the immediate consequences of this action? [09:49]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Samson illustrate the dangers of living by impulse rather than by commitment? What lessons can be drawn about the importance of self-control and discipline? [05:44]

2. In what ways does the cycle of impulse control disorder, as seen in Samson's life, mirror the cycle of sin and repentance in the Book of Judges? How does this cycle affect one's spiritual journey? [08:01]

3. What does the repeated breaking of vows in Samson's life suggest about the nature of human weakness and the need for divine strength? How can this understanding impact one's approach to making commitments to God? [09:06]

4. How does the concept of "The Fellowship of the Withered Hand" relate to the idea of recognizing one's limitations and seeking divine help? How can this recognition lead to spiritual growth? [00:34]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you acted on impulse rather than commitment. What were the consequences, and how might you approach a similar situation differently in the future? [05:44]

2. Consider the vows or commitments you have made to God. Are there any that you have struggled to keep? What steps can you take to renew these commitments and align your life with God's will? [10:31]

3. Identify a small vow you can make to God today, such as committing to daily prayer or reaching out to someone in need. How can this vow help you grow spiritually and live in alignment with God's purpose? [12:33]

4. How can you be vigilant in avoiding the "city of small sins" in your life? What practical steps can you take to ensure that minor transgressions do not lead you away from God's path? [11:17]

5. Think about a person or situation that tests your impulse control. What strategies can you implement to respond with patience and wisdom rather than acting on immediate desires? [07:22]

6. How can you support others in your community who are part of "The Fellowship of the Withered Hand"? What role can you play in helping them recognize their limitations and seek divine help? [00:34]

7. Reflect on the theme of "what is right in one's own eyes" in your life. Are there areas where you have prioritized personal desires over God's will? How can you realign your priorities to reflect a commitment to God's purpose? [05:17]

Devotional

Day 1: Vows as Pathways to Divine Alignment
Vows are not merely restrictions but commitments that align our lives with a higher purpose. They serve as reminders of our dedication to something greater than ourselves, helping us to live in accordance with God's will. In a world filled with distractions and temptations, vows act as anchors, keeping us grounded in our spiritual journey. By making and keeping vows, we consciously choose to prioritize our relationship with God over fleeting desires. This commitment transforms our lives, allowing us to experience the fullness of God's purpose for us. [03:01]

Numbers 30:2 (ESV): "If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."

Reflection: What is one small vow you can make today to align your life more closely with God's will?


Day 2: The Perils of Impulsive Living
Samson's life is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living by impulse rather than commitment. Despite his divine calling, his inability to control his desires led to his downfall. This narrative serves as a reminder that our impulses can often lead us away from God's path, causing us to break the commitments we have made. By examining Samson's story, we can learn the importance of self-control and the need to prioritize our spiritual commitments over immediate gratification. [05:44]

Proverbs 25:28 (ESV): "A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with impulse control. How can you seek God's help to strengthen your self-discipline in this area?


Day 3: Breaking the Cycle of Impulse Control
Like Samson, many of us find ourselves in a cycle of impulse control disorder, where we act on desires that conflict with our true values and God's purpose for our lives. This cycle can be difficult to break, but it is not impossible. By recognizing our weaknesses and seeking divine assistance, we can begin to overcome these challenges. It is essential to be vigilant and intentional in our spiritual journey, constantly reminding ourselves of the commitments we have made to God. [07:22]

1 Corinthians 9:27 (ESV): "But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to break a cycle of impulsive behavior that hinders your spiritual growth?


Day 4: Avoiding the City of Small Sins
Samson lived in what can be described as the city of small sins, where minor transgressions accumulate and lead us away from God's path. These small sins may seem insignificant at first, but they can gradually erode our spiritual foundation. It is crucial to be vigilant in our commitments and to address these small sins before they become significant obstacles in our spiritual journey. By doing so, we can maintain our alignment with God's will and avoid the pitfalls that led to Samson's downfall. [11:17]

Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV): "Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom."

Reflection: Reflect on the "small sins" in your life that you may have overlooked. How can you address them to prevent them from leading you away from God's path?


Day 5: Embracing the Invitation to Make a Vow
Today, consider making a simple vow to God. It could be a small act of kindness or a commitment to prayer. These vows help us live in alignment with God's will and transform our lives. By consciously choosing to make and keep these commitments, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and guidance. Embrace this invitation to deepen your relationship with God and to live a life that reflects His purpose for you. [12:33]

Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 (ESV): "When you vow a vow to God, do not delay paying it, for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you vow. It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay."

Reflection: What is one simple vow you can make today to deepen your relationship with God? How will you ensure that you keep this vow?

Quotes


good those of us who live in The Fellowship of the withered hand we're like that man in Jesus story We Know know we do not have the power to do or become the person that God wants us to we need help and a help that is often disregarded in our day but it's understood by wise people to be very powerful is the making of a vow the making of a binding commitment and then we do that with each other in The Fellowship of the withered hand so we help each other live up to that we're going to look at that today by looking at the life of a man named Samson [00:22:00]

Samson was an enormously gifted person the beginning of his story is very interesting this is in the Book of Judges and I'll come back to that context in just a few moments there is a man named man Noah from the clan of the danites who had a wife that was childless and an angel of the Lord appeared to her and said you are Barren and childless but you're going to become pregnant and give birth to a son now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean you will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazarite dedicated to God from the womb [01:03:00]

we don't know a lot about the whole Nazarite background thing but it is to be a life that is particularly dedicated to God and then he's going to have a purpose he will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines and that child will be Samson and this is in the Book of Judges uh Israel's uh continual oppression at the hands of the Philistines is a huge problem so the woman goes to her husband it's very interesting and she tells him about this message and she tells him again about the vows that are to be taken drink no wine or other fermented drink don't eat anything unclean the boy will be a Nazarite devoted to God [01:07:00]

now in the Bible when something's really important they didn't have aalex they didn't have underlining they had repetition and so it's it is not coincidental it's key here that three times this idea of making a vow promising what are kind of small things uh not to drink not to have haircut not to eat something unclean will be a reminder of a commitment to a great thing your life is to be dedicated to God this life and so uh you know we would understand that the parent would take this very seriously the woman gave birth to a boy and called him Samson he grew and the Lord blessed him and the spirit of the Lord began to stir in him [02:56:00]

Samson went down to timna and saw there a young Philistine woman and mother I have seen a Philistine woman in timna uh he said to his father and mother I've seen a Philistine woman in timna now get her for me as my wife his father and mother replied isn't there an acceptable woman for you among all of our people must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines for a wife they recognize um wisdom is needed in the selection of a spouse and if you go to people who live in idolatry and uh without the law of Moses it's going to pull you in a certain direction but Samson said to his father get her from me she's the right one for me [03:48:00]

there's no politeness in this no seeking for wisdom the phrase that Samson uses and it's going to be a common one is she is right in my eyes now eyes is going to be a big theme in the Book of Judges he says about this woman later on she's the one that's right in my eyes and so they get her for her but the uh weddings of train wreck come back to that so he doesn't end up with her in chapter 16 he goes to Gaza where he sees is a prostitute again it looks good to me and so he is with her that leads to a problem and then later on as you may know he sees Delilah and he is smitten with her [04:29:00]

Samson is in the grip of what in our day we would call impulse control disorder in fact I'm not making this up there was an article in the Journal of the American Medical Association by a psychiatrist that argues that Samson fits six of the seven behavioral criteria for antisocial disorder and goes through them all in the text I was talking to my friend Dr Rick a psychologist about uh this problem and asked you know what are your thoughts about impulse control disorder and say oh that's not good so there you have a professional opinion impulse control disorder is a problem because it reduces us to the level of a collection of appetites [05:42:00]

the way that impulse control works folks who write about it will say you have an impulse and then uh there's a growing tension now why is there tension an Impulse is a strong desire but it's not just that uh if it was just a desire but the desire was good there wouldn't be tension there's tension because I know that it conflicts with what is best what is good what I truly value the life that I was meant to lead and that happens in Samson over and over uh and then finally if I give into the impulse there's pleasure in action and then there's relief from the urge but that's always temporary [06:23:00]

Samson turns aside to look at a lion's carcass and he sees a swarm of bees and some honey and he Scoops to eat it out of the carcass and to give some honey to his parents but he doesn't tell them where he taking it from because he took it from a dead carcass which would mean that it was unclean he was eating something unclean he's already broken his first vow just looks good three vows that order his life to remind him of his dedication to God and he's already broken one there's a lot going on in this story of Samson and then when he's going to get married to this woman he throws a feast to young men and Old Testament scholar Douglas Stewart notes that the language there used it takes place for seven days canot it would be a feast where there is heavy drinking in other words now Samson Has Broken Vow number two [08:40:00]

God is able to use Samson in spite of Samson in remarkable ways but he lives in the city of small sins we can all end up there abounding in backways and Retreats but surely sooner or later the Towering flame will rise from the harbor announcing that the rain of cowards is over and a man is burning his ships so today make a vow to God could be be real simple promise that you will read a Psalm and think about those thoughts or there is somebody to whom you will give a gift or there's somebody who is alone someplace and you're going to go visit them or you're going to get coffee for people in the office could be quite a small thing or you're going to clean up the room or you're going to make your bed or you're going to set things right with another person whether there's something wrong or you're going to set aside 15 minutes to talk to a spouse or to talk to a friend or you're going to set the timer now with your phone to go off maybe three times today and each time that it does you will say the prayer your will be done your will be done today be a keeper of the vow [11:31:00]

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Transcript
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