Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Samson Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 22, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Samson’s life was a mixture of great power and great failure. He was a man chosen by God, yet his lack of self-discipline led to his downfall. However, in his final moments, he turned back to God and was used mightily.
CHARACTER STUDY OF SAMSON – STRONG JUDGE, DEFEATED THE PHILISTINES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:. Judges 13:25
"And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol."
Supporting Texts:
Judges 13-16, Numbers 6:1-21, Proverbs 16:32, 1 Corinthians 10:12, Galatians 5:16-17, 2 Corinthians 12:9
INTRODUCTION:
Samson was one of the most famous judges of Israel, known for his supernatural strength and his battles against the Philistines. He was a Nazirite from birth, dedicated to God for a special purpose. However, despite his divine calling, Samson struggled with self-control and moral weaknesses that ultimately led to his downfall.
His story is one of great potential, wasted opportunities, and final redemption. Samson teaches us about the dangers of compromise, the power of the Holy Spirit, and God’s mercy even in our failures.
1. SAMSON’S DIVINE CALLING AND BIRTH
Samson’s birth was foretold by an angel, indicating his special purpose.
a) He was born to a barren woman by divine intervention (Judges 13:2-3)
His mother received a prophecy from an angel.
b) He was to be a Nazirite from birth (Judges 13:5)
He was set apart for God’s service, meaning he had to follow strict vows.
c) His mission was to begin delivering Israel from the Philistines (Judges 13:5)
God raised him as a warrior against their oppressors.
d) The Spirit of God began to move him while he was young (Judges 13:24-25)
He was equipped with supernatural power for his mission.
e) Biblical Example: John the Baptist was also consecrated from birth for a divine assignment (Luke 1:13-17)
2. SAMSON’S SUPERNATURAL STRENGTH
Samson’s strength was not his own but came from the Spirit of God.
a) He killed a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:5-6)
The Spirit of the Lord empowered him.
b) He slew 30 Philistines at Ashkelon (Judges 14:19)
This was after they tricked him in a riddle contest.
c) He defeated 1,000 Philistines with a donkey’s jawbone (Judges 15:14-16)
Again, the Spirit of God gave him the ability.
d) He carried the gates of Gaza on his shoulders (Judges 16:3)
A display of immense physical power.
e) Biblical Example: David also relied on God’s power to defeat Goliath (1 Samuel 17:45-50)
3. SAMSON’S MORAL WEAKNESSES AND COMPROMISES
Despite his strength, Samson had personal weaknesses that led to his downfall.
a) He was attracted to Philistine women (Judges 14:1-2)
His first love interest was from Israel’s enemies.
b) He married a Philistine woman against his parents’ advice (Judges 14:3-4)
This led to betrayal and conflict.
c) He engaged in immorality with a prostitute in Gaza (Judges 16:1)
His lack of self-control put him in danger.
d) He revealed the secret of his strength to Delilah (Judges 16:17)
He was blinded by love and deception.
e) Biblical Example: Solomon also fell because of his weakness for foreign women (1 Kings 11:1-4)
4. SAMSON’S CAPTURE AND HUMILIATION
Samson’s compromise led to his downfall.
a) Delilah betrayed him for money (Judges 16:18-19)
She cut his hair, breaking his Nazirite vow.
b) The Spirit of the Lord departed from him (Judges 16:20)
He did not realise that his strength was gone.
c) The Philistines captured, blinded, and imprisoned him (Judges 16:21)
His great strength could not save him once God’s presence left him.
d) He became a source of entertainment for his enemies (Judges 16:25)
He was mocked in the temple of Dagon.
e) Biblical Example: King Saul also lost God’s presence due to disobedience (1 Samuel 16:14)
5. SAMSON’S FINAL ACT OF REDEMPTION
Samson’s last prayer shows God’s mercy even in failure.
a) His hair began to grow again (Judges 16:22)
A sign that God was restoring him.
b) He called upon God for one last victory (Judges 16:28)
He acknowledged that his strength came from the Lord.
c) He destroyed the Philistine temple by pushing down its pillars (Judges 16:29-30)
He killed more Philistines in his death than in his life.
d) God answered his prayer despite his past failures (Judges 16:30)
He was still used for God’s purpose.
e) Biblical Example: Peter denied Jesus but was later restored to lead the church (John 21:15-17)
6. STRENGTHS OF SAMSON
Samson had great qualities that made him a mighty judge of Israel.
a) He was chosen and empowered by God (Judges 13:5)
b) He had extraordinary strength through the Spirit of God (Judges 14:6)
c) He had courage and boldness against the enemy (Judges 15:14-16)
d) He called upon God even after failure (Judges 16:28)
e) He fulfilled God’s purpose despite his weaknesses (Judges 16:30)
7. WEAKNESSES OF SAMSON
Samson’s weaknesses led to his downfall.
a) He was driven by lust rather than wisdom (Judges 14:2-3)
b) He was careless with his divine calling (Judges 16:17)
c) He did not seek wise counsel or accountability (Judges 16:19)
