Seeds of Faith Podcast

The text for this lesson is Judges 16:1–16:31.

Key Points

• Jesus, the greater and perfect Samson, repeats and completes Samson’s deeds of deliverance for us and for our salvation. When we are weak, then He is strong!
• Sin weakens me, making me a target for the devil’s temptations and bringing me guilt and destruction. God loves me, a sin-weakened wretch, and puts on me Christ’s strength and victory over sin, death, and the devil.
• Law: No man has only one chink in his armor, a single Achilles’ heel. Bull’s-eyes for the devil are painted all over us. Satan knows every one of those weaknesses, as he did Samson’s. Whether it be vanity, pride, bigotry, laziness, or all these plus more, the tempter is well-aware. Gleefully he uses them to his advantage and our guilt and destruction.
• Gospel: Enslaved, eyeless, and mocked though he be, Samson is nevertheless loved by God. This man is more than a tool that Christ uses and disposes. Warts and all, he is a beloved child of heaven. The Father hears his prayers, as He hears ours, for we too are the apple of His eye, chosen in Jesus to be forever His.

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Discussion Points and Questions

1. Read about the birth of Samson in Judges 13:1–7. How does God set Samson apart for His service? How does Samson’s birth foreshadow Jesus’ birth?
2. Read Judges 14:1–4.
3. Why is Samson’s father opposed to this marriage? See Deuteronomy 7:3–4. What does this episode tell us about Samson’s character? What purpose does the Lord have for Samson’s desire?
4. Read Judges 16:1–3. How do the Philistines attempt to trap him? What does this episode teach us about Samson?
5. Read Judges 16:4–22. What mistakes does Samson make in his relationship with Delilah that lead to his downfall? What mistakes does Samson make in his relationship with God?
6. Read Judges 16:23–31. How has Samson’s attitude toward the Lord changed?
7. In the story of Samson, how does God use both his strengths and weaknesses? Read Romans 8:28. What does this teach us about God?

Comparison: Samson and Jesus

Thank you for joining us for this week’s Sunday School podcast. We hope you will continue to listen as we work our way through the Growing in Christ lessons for this quarter, and please join us next week as we discuss the book and story of Ruth.

Additional CPH Resources

	Arch Books: Samson This book retells the story of Samson (Judges 13—16). The Arch® Book series tells popular Bible stories through fun-to-read rhymes and bright illustrations. This well-loved series captures the attention of children, telling scripturally sound stories that are enjoyable and easy to remember. This product is part of the Accelerated Reader™ program and carries a point value of .5.
	Heroes of the Faith: Intrepid Heroes of the Faith Intrepid Heroes of the Faith will introduce you to the cultural setting and life story of biblical characters, examine the joys and challenges they faced, and show how God forgave, sustained, and empowered them to serve Him.Heroes included in this study:
	LifeLight: Judges Leader’s Guide (20-3632) and Enrichment Magazine (20-3631) This study is part of the LifeLight Bible study series of in-depth studies of Bible books. The goal of LifeLight is that through a regular program of in-depth personal and group study of Scripture, more and more Christian adults may grow in their personal faith in Jesus Christ.
	People’s Bible Commentary: Judges/Ruth (12-8208) Christ-centered Bible truths unfold as you read this complete series of commentaries designed for spiritual growth and reading enjoyment. These trustworthy commentaries help you comprehend what you’ve read in Scripture as well as apply it to your life.