Playlist: Samson and the Christian (sermon series)

listen:

Introduction: Philistine Oppression

Samson had what it took but made horrible mistakes and lapses in judgment. God can use people despite their flawed character.

Judges 13: Annunciation and Nazirite Vow

Manoah, Samson's father, seem to have been a irresolute, docile parent, who caved to Samson's whims, producing an angry, willful rebel.

Judges 14: Themes and Foreshadowing

As Judges 14 opens, God motivates a spoiled, lustful, impetuous troublemaker to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines. Samson walked by sight.

Judges 15: Consequences and Conversion

After slaughtering Philistines with a donkey's jawbone, Samson prayed perhaps his first truly humble prayer, acknowledging that God had gifted him.

Judges 16: Delilah and Downfall

Samson never really lived up to his potential, rarely using the power God had made available to him; he never raised an army or dispensed justice.

Finale and Lessons

In his final act as judge of Israel, Samson toppled the pillars, killing more Philistines with his death than he had in his entire lifetime.