Work Failure

October 4, 2020

Main idea: Success is Jesus-centered.

Judges 16

  • Woman (vv. 1-3)
  • Another Woman (vv. 4-22)
  • Death (vv. 23-31)

Mr. Failed Potential

  • Prebirth
  • Life
  • Death

A Sobering Reality: God often uses those who don't have (worldly) potential.

  • Abraham
  • Ruth
  • Saul vs. David
  • Religious Leaders vs. Jesus

Samson vs. Jesus

Jesus and Us


Icebreakers

  • How do you spend the bulk of your free time?
  • What is one thing you spend time doing that you wished you spent less time doing?
  • What are some of the things those pursuits might reveal about the state of your heart?

Digging Deeper

  1. Read Judges 16:18-30.

    • Why was Samson so unconcerned about his situation that he gave Delilah and the Philistines the opportunity to cut his hair?
    • Why do you think Samson was not aware that the Lord had left him?
    • What thoughts, attitudes, and actions can lead to spiritual insensitivity?
    • How do we guard against losing our spiritual sensitivity? What can we do to be more receptive to God’s presence and direction in our lives?
    • Did Samson need the Lord to remember him (v. 28), or did he need to remember the Lord? What does it mean to remember the Lord today?
  2. Read Hebrews 11:32-34.

    • What is Hebrews 11 often called? [Hint: The F - - - H Hall of Fame.]
    • Why do you think Samson is listed here?
    • What does his inclusion suggest about the quantity of faith needed to be used by God?

"By far the most developed in Hebrews 11 are Abraham and Moses, and the author hardly intends to equate Samson with these two in spirituality issues. The latter barely has enough faith to call on him who empowered him; Abraham and Moses manifest faith on another level altogether. The point is not that all these individuals have attained a “hall of fame” level of faith, but that all, even to the smallest degree, manifested faith." - K. Lawson Younger Jr.

Although we lose our spiritual sensitivity when we repeatedly disobey God’s commands, God can use flawed people who are willing to put their faith in Him. It is never too late to turn our attention back to the Lord, believing that He hears and answers our prayers.

Next Steps

  1. Samon's prayer is self-centered. What could you change so that your prayers focus more on God’s interests and goals than on your own interests and goals?

  2. How will you remember the Lord as you fulfill your obligations at work, at home, and at church? What will you do to keep Him at the center of your decisions?