Break the Ice.
-
If you could have any superpower what would it be?
-
What would you be willing to give up to get that superpower?
Bring the Word.
Read Judges 13: 1-5
- There is a pattern throughout Judges where the Israelites fall away rom God, He raises up an enemy to oppress them, Israel repents, God delivers, there is peace for time, and the pattern starts all over again! What part of the cycle do you notice missing here? (Israel does not repent.)
- Why does God raise up a deliverer?
- What does this tell us about God’s character and His faithfulness?
- Last session we looked at the vow Jephthah made. What is different about the vow with Sampson? Who initiated it, and what was the purpose of it?
Read Judges 14:1-9
- The Spirit of the Lord comes on Sampson for the first time when he tears the lion apart. Yet, Samson tells no one! Why?
- The Nazarite vow included eating nothing that came from the vine, not cutting hair, and not going near a dead body (Numbers 6:1-6). What part of his Nazarite vow did Samson break when he “scooped out he honey with his hands and ate as he went along?” (2 things: he touched a carcass, and ate something from the vine. Bees make honey from nectar; nectar comes for the surrounding flowers in the vineyard.)
- In addition to breaking the Nazarite bow, Sampson broke Jewish law by eating something unclean. Then, he gave some to his parents! Why do you think he shared it with his parents?
Bring it Home.
- Read Judges 14:10-20.
- Who was Samson’s wife’s allegiance too?
- Who was Samson’s allegiance to?
- Did God intend for Sampson to actually marry the Philistine woman?
- How did God shut the door to prevent him from marrying her?
- Has God ever shut a door to protect you from yourself? What was the outcome?
- How can we pray for one another?
Self Study: This week, read the entire story of Sampson (Judges 13-16) and look for the parallels between Sampson and Jesus. We’ll discuss next week!