Living by Faith: Lessons from Samson's Journey

 

Summary

In today's reflection, we delved into the profound biblical imperative found in 1 John 2:15-17: "Do not love the world." This command challenges us to examine our hearts and lives, urging us to resist the allure of worldly desires and instead align ourselves with the will of God. We explored the life of Samson, a complex figure from the book of Judges, as a cautionary tale of what happens when one succumbs to the temptations of the world. Despite his God-given strength and calling, Samson's life was marred by his tendency to live by sight rather than faith, allowing his desires to lead him astray.

Samson's story is a mirror reflecting the fickle nature of humanity, illustrating how easily we can be swayed by the desires of the flesh and the eyes. His life serves as a warning against the dangers of idolatry, where we give our hearts to things or people other than God. Yet, even in his failures, Samson's story is one of redemption and grace. Despite his shortcomings, he was ultimately used by God to fulfill divine purposes, reminding us that God's grace is sufficient to redeem even the most wayward of hearts.

As we consider Samson's life, we are prompted to reflect on our own spiritual journeys. Are we living by faith or by sight? Are we allowing the world's standards to dictate our actions, or are we rooted in the truth of God's Word? The call to "not love the world" is a call to live a life set apart, dedicated to God, and focused on eternal rather than temporal rewards. In doing so, we find true fulfillment and the promise of abiding forever with God.

Key Takeaways:

- The Danger of Living by Sight: Samson's life illustrates the peril of living by sight rather than faith. His eyes led him astray, causing him to desire what was not in line with God's will. This serves as a reminder to prioritize God's Word over worldly appearances and desires. [19:39]

- The Allure of Idolatry: Samson's love for Delilah represents the idolatry that can occur when we give our hearts to anything other than God. This misplaced love led to his downfall, highlighting the importance of guarding our hearts and ensuring our ultimate devotion is to God alone. [34:36]

- God's Grace in Our Weakness: Despite Samson's failures, God's grace was evident in his life. He was chosen, used, and ultimately redeemed by God. This encourages us that no matter our past, God's grace is sufficient to restore and use us for His purposes. [51:47]

- The Call to Be Set Apart: Samson was called to be a Nazarite, set apart for God's service. Similarly, we are called to live lives that are distinct from the world, dedicated to God's purposes, and reflective of His holiness. [17:22]

- The Promise of Eternal Life: The world and its desires are passing away, but those who do the will of God will abide forever. This eternal perspective should motivate us to live in alignment with God's will, seeking His everlasting blessings rather than temporary worldly gains. [53:39]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:41] - Introduction to "Do Not Love the World"
- [02:32] - Reading from 1 John 2:15-17
- [05:00] - Examination Question: "Have You Considered My Servant?"
- [06:23] - The Story of Samson
- [10:00] - Samson: The Last Judge
- [13:12] - Samson's Desires and Disobedience
- [17:03] - The Nazarite Vow
- [19:39] - Living by Sight vs. Faith
- [22:13] - Samson's Parents and God's Instructions
- [25:36] - The Blinding of Samson
- [30:23] - The Decline of Samson
- [34:36] - Samson's Idolatry with Delilah
- [41:10] - God's Forgiveness and Chastisement
- [44:52] - Samson's Final Prayer and Redemption
- [50:49] - The Hope of Future Resurrection
- [53:39] - The Eternal Perspective

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. 1 John 2:15-17
2. Judges 13-16

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Observation Questions:

1. What specific command does 1 John 2:15-17 give regarding our relationship with the world? How does this relate to the story of Samson? [02:32]

2. How does the sermon describe Samson's life as a reflection of living by sight rather than faith? [19:39]

3. What role does Delilah play in illustrating the concept of idolatry in Samson's life? [34:36]

4. How does the sermon highlight God's grace in Samson's life despite his failures? [51:47]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Samson's story serves as a warning against living by sight rather than faith? How might this apply to modern believers? [19:39]

2. How does the sermon interpret Samson's relationship with Delilah as an example of idolatry? What does this suggest about the nature of idolatry in our own lives? [34:36]

3. The sermon mentions that Samson was ultimately used by God despite his shortcomings. What does this reveal about the nature of God's grace and redemption? [51:47]

4. How does the sermon use the story of Samson to illustrate the call to be set apart for God's purposes? What does this mean for believers today? [17:22]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you were tempted to live by sight rather than faith. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [19:39]

2. Consider the things or people in your life that might be competing for your devotion to God. How can you guard your heart against idolatry? [34:36]

3. In what areas of your life do you need to rely more on God's grace and redemption? How can you remind yourself of His sufficiency in these areas? [51:47]

4. What steps can you take to live a life that is set apart and dedicated to God's purposes? How can you ensure that your actions align with His will? [17:22]

5. How does the promise of eternal life influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to focus more on eternal rewards rather than temporary gains? [53:39]

6. Identify a specific area where you have been conforming to the world's standards. What practical steps can you take to align more closely with God's Word? [20:23]

7. Think of a situation where you have been relying on your own strength rather than God's. How can you shift your focus to depend more on His power and guidance? [44:52]

Devotional

Day 1: The Peril of Sight-Driven Living
Living by sight rather than faith can lead us astray, as illustrated by Samson's life. Despite his divine calling and strength, Samson allowed his desires to dictate his actions, leading him away from God's will. His story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of prioritizing God's Word over worldly appearances and desires. When we live by sight, we risk being swayed by temporary pleasures and losing sight of our eternal purpose. Instead, we are called to walk by faith, trusting in God's promises and aligning our lives with His will. [19:39]

2 Corinthians 5:7-9 (ESV): "For we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him."

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you are tempted to rely on appearances or immediate gratification. How can you choose to trust God's promises instead?


Day 2: Guarding Against Idolatry
Samson's love for Delilah exemplifies the danger of idolatry, where misplaced affections lead to downfall. By giving his heart to someone other than God, Samson's devotion was divided, resulting in his eventual ruin. This serves as a powerful reminder to guard our hearts and ensure our ultimate devotion is to God alone. Idolatry can take many forms, whether it's relationships, possessions, or ambitions that take precedence over our relationship with God. We are called to examine our hearts and remove anything that competes with our love for God. [34:36]

Ezekiel 14:6 (ESV): "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: Repent and turn away from your idols, and turn away your faces from all your abominations."

Reflection: What is one thing in your life that you may be placing above God? How can you realign your priorities to ensure God remains at the center?


Day 3: Embracing God's Grace in Weakness
Despite Samson's failures, God's grace was evident in his life. He was chosen, used, and ultimately redeemed by God, demonstrating that no matter our past, God's grace is sufficient to restore and use us for His purposes. This truth encourages us to embrace our weaknesses and trust in God's redemptive power. We are reminded that our shortcomings do not disqualify us from being used by God; rather, they highlight the depth of His grace and mercy. [51:47]

2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

Reflection: Reflect on a past failure or weakness. How can you invite God's grace into that area and allow Him to use it for His glory?


Day 4: Living a Life Set Apart
Samson was called to be a Nazarite, set apart for God's service. Similarly, we are called to live lives that are distinct from the world, dedicated to God's purposes, and reflective of His holiness. This call to be set apart challenges us to examine our lives and ensure that our actions, thoughts, and desires align with God's will. By living a life set apart, we become a testament to God's transformative power and a beacon of hope to those around us. [17:22]

1 Peter 1:14-16 (ESV): "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally set yourself apart for God's service this week? What changes might you need to make to reflect His holiness in your daily life?


Day 5: Pursuing Eternal Rewards
The world and its desires are passing away, but those who do the will of God will abide forever. This eternal perspective should motivate us to live in alignment with God's will, seeking His everlasting blessings rather than temporary worldly gains. By focusing on eternal rewards, we find true fulfillment and the promise of abiding forever with God. This perspective shifts our priorities and encourages us to invest in what truly matters, leading to a life of purpose and joy. [53:39]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: Consider your current goals and ambitions. How can you align them with God's eternal purposes and seek His everlasting rewards?

Quotes

"Samson is an example of faith in terms of a sinner saved by grace, of one chosen by God before his birth and set apart to a mission, of one whom God preserved in that mission in spite of his sin, of one whom God rescued from the depths of degradation and made useful in His purpose, and whom God glorified at last." [00:07:48]

"Samson was to be set apart by a vow of separation to serve the Lord. That's what was said of him before his birth. That was the promise given to his parents before his birth by the angel of the Lord. And that's who Samson most fundamentally was. He was washed. He was sanctified. He was justified." [00:17:31]

"Too much of his life he lived by sight and not by faith. And here is one of the great spiritual struggles that every Christian wrestles with probably every day. Will I live by the Word of God or will I live by the sights of the world? Will I live by the unseen or by the seen?" [00:20:06]

"Samson encourages all of us as Christians to think, 'How am I letting my eyes and what I desire in this world that I see run my life and run me away from God?' And Samson encourages me to ask, 'Am I giving my heart away where it should be given to God?'" [00:52:38]

"God is serious with His people and gracious with His people. And He calls us, 'Do not love the world.' Why should we not love the world? I John 2:17, 'The world is passing away, along with its desires.' Those Philistine women don't look so good today." [00:53:08]

"Samson abides forever. And in the future resurrection, he'll rise up from that tomb and all who are in Christ, however weak and sinful they've been, will rise with him, by the grace of God. But don't conclude, 'I'll love the world and be weak, and still get raised.'" [00:54:49]

"Samson's heart is far from God, for he's loved this world. He's let the desires of his eyes and the desires of the flesh and his arrogance in possession control him, and lead him away from serving the Lord His God. And isn't it interesting that it is the love and the heart and the strength of Samson that are given to Delilah, instead of loving the Lord His God with all his heart, with all his mind, with all his strength, and tragedy comes quickly upon him?" [00:40:19]

"Samson has his eyes put out when the Philistines arrest him. It's interesting, they don't kill him. They just want to humble him. They want all of Israel to see that their great, strong judge has met his match, and that the lords of the Philistines are stronger. That's what the world always wants to say." [00:42:22]

"Samson prays. He doesn't pray for sight. He doesn't pray for release. He's humbled before the Lord His God. He acknowledges the justice of God's chastisement. He prays for just one thing, that there might be a moment of justice in which his work as a judge is demonstrated to have been true to the Philistines, a moment of justice in which the strength of the Lord God over Dagon is displayed." [00:44:44]

"Samson, for all his sin, points us forward to Jesus Christ without whom Samson would not have been perfected, would not have been acceptable, but in Jesus Christ, for all of his weakness, for all of his living by sight when he should have lived by faith, for all of his giving his heart to Delilah when his heart should have remained given alone to the Lord His God, he was a man chosen by God." [00:51:06]

"Samson was buried in the land of promise because of the hope of a future resurrection. Samson, for all his sin, points us forward to Jesus Christ without whom Samson would not have been perfected, would not have been acceptable, but in Jesus Christ, for all of his weakness, for all of his living by sight when he should have lived by faith, for all of his giving his heart to Delilah when his heart should have remained given alone to the Lord His God, he was a man chosen by God." [00:51:06]

"Samson encourages all of us as Christians to think, 'How am I letting my eyes and what I desire in this world that I see run my life and run me away from God?' And Samson encourages me to ask, 'Am I giving my heart away where it should be given to God?'" [00:52:38]

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Transcript
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