(answers to blanks at end of outline)
INTRODUCTION: In the Bible story, Samson is famous for his________________.
We may spend more money on hair care products than any other part of our body. But think of all the things you can do to your hair—you can shampoo it, condition it, comb it, brush it, curl it, perm it, straighten it, relax it, crimp it, braid it, tease it, style it, color it, highlight it, gel it and mousse it. You can also loose it! Not to mention hair weavers, hair clips, and hair dryers.
Presidential candidate John Edwards was scoffed at for recently getting a $400 haircut. The power of hair.
But don’t laugh at John Edwards until you look at yourself. The last thing before you leave the house you check your---- hair. If you don’t have a mirror you ask someone, “How’s my hair look?” People debate what do with their hair—should I grow it, cut it, style it? We put a lot of thought into our hair. I can remember the days—like on the TV show Happy days—when it was a valid excuse for a woman to say, I can’t go out tonight; I’m washing my hair.
This personal ad ran recently in a paper: 46 year old woman, Brown Hair, Brown Eyes, seeks humorous, sincere male with integrity, honesty, and hair. What’s so interesting—the woman was more interested in a man having hair than money.
Anybody ever have a bad hair day or a bad hair cut? What happens to you if you look in the mirror and your hair doesn’t look as good as you think it should?
What about a good hair day. Even if you don’t have plans to go out that day you go because you want people to see your hair. Isn’t it amazing how much power we give to our hair? We give away our power to the hair and let it affect how we feel or how we see ourselves and whether we feel confident or not.
So the story of Samson is not just about hair—it’s about how sometimes we give away our power—how sometimes we don’t use our strength and spiritual gifts in wise, responsible ways.
3 LESSONS SAMSON TEACHES ON HOW NOT TO LIVE LIFE--
1. Samson did not. _____________________________________________.
Ways that I can use my power unwisely:
a--By ________________________________________.
b—By _______________________________________.
• The converse lesson: I will use my spiritual power wisely
2. Samson did not. _____________________________________________.
• The converse lesson: I will accept my spiritual
responsibility
3. Samson did not. _____________________________________________.
• The converse lesson: I will learn from my mistakes!
I will grow in wisdom every day!
CONCLUSION: Ultimately true strength of character is about
• _____________________
• _____________________
• _____________________
The invitation today: This week when you’re in the drug store I--- check out all the shampoos on the shelf. As you stand in that ocean of hair care products let it be a reminder to yourself to ask yourself: Am I giving my power away in life?
Am I using my power in wise and beneficial ways for my good and the good of others?
ANSWERS: INTRO: strength
THREE LESSONS: 1. make wise use of his power. a--giving away my power b-- acting arrogantly with my power. 2. remember who he was.
3. learn from his mistakes.
CONCLUSION: discipline, commitment and a willingness to learn.
