The text for this lesson is Judges 16
Key Point
- Samson delivered God’s people from those who oppressed them. Jesus, God’s Son, delivers us from sin and death and wins salvation for us. We are weak, but He is strong!
- Law: Sin weakens me, making me a target for the devil’s temptations, bringing me guilt and destruction.
- Gospel: God loves me, in spite of my sin and weakness, and puts on me Christ’s strength and victory over sin, death, and the devil.
Discussion Points
- Think back to the last time someone asked you to name your strengths and weaknesses. What were they hoping to learn about you?
- 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?
- Read Judges 14:1–4. Why is Samson’s father opposed to this marriage? What does this episode tell us about Samson’s character? What purpose does the Lord have for Samson’s desire?
- 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?
- Read Judges 16:23–31. How has Samson’s attitude toward the Lord changed?
- In the story of Samson, how does God use both Samson’s strengths and his weaknesses? Read Romans 8:28. What does this teach us about God?
- How was Samson’s life similar to the life of Jesus Christ? How did Jesus surpass Samson?