Samson’s life is one of contradiction. He was a man of great physical strength yet displayed great moral weakness. He was a judge for 20 years and “a Nazirite, set apart to God from birth,” yet he continually broke the rules of being a Nazirite. The Spirit of God came upon him many times, giving him supernatural ability to fight the Philistines who oppressed the Israelites. However, he was a womanizer and a vengeful man. Samson’s life illustrates the necessity of saying “no” to fleshly temptation, God’s use of even flawed, sinful men to accomplish His will, the consequences of sin, and the mercy of God. Scriptures referenced include Hebrews 11:32-34; Romans 12:2; Hebrews 12:14; 2 Corinthians 6:17; Judges 14:1-6, 8-9, 12-19; Judges 15:1-15; Exodus 14:14; Isaiah 40:29; John 16:33; Acts 17:28; Deuteronomy 8:18; and Judges 16:1-30.
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