Samson was the strongest man alive, yet something went wrong along the way that has changed his life's direction.
The four D's of Samson's downfall - His Desire, His Disrespect, His Disobedience and His Deception.
First, he was overwhelmed by his desire for the woman.
When he went to Timnah, he could not think of anything else but the woman.
Then, when he returned home, his first request to his parents is to get her for him.
His mind was already focused in marrying her in spite of the fact that he did not really know her.
He insisted that she was the best woman for him.
His parents resisted and advised Samson to get a woman from among Israel, yet he refused.
He disrespected his parents and pursued his fleshly desire.
It was part of the downward pull.
His parents could not do anything but to give consent to Samson's request with a heavy heart.
As they were on their way to the place of the woman to arrange the wedding, Samson met a lion and killed it with his bare hands.
The Lion was a sign from God to prevent him from pursuing his desires yet he ignored God's warning.
On their second trip to the woman, Samson goes to look at the carcass of the lion he killed and lo, and behold, he saw a bee hive in the lion's carcass.
There was honey in it and he immediately scooped some of it with his bare hands and ate.
He thereupon gave some honey to his parents without telling them where he took it.
It was a sign of disobedience to God.
God commanded that he should not touch dead objects for these are unclean before God but again he did not take heed.
And finally, we learned that when he gave the honey to his parents to eat, it was a form of deception - hiding the truth.
Those were the four D's we learned about Samson's in our previous message.
Samson was a man who was gifted with supernatural strength but has not much with regards to his moral character.
He was greatly empowered by God but he was not able to control his desires.
It was unfortunate for a man who was raised with a purpose to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines.
The apostle Paul put it this way.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 (NIV) “26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
Samson was like running the race without an aim or a goal in hand.
He was like also a boxer hitting nothing but air.
If one thing we need to avoid is to be disqualified for the prize.
We must therefore do something significant with our lives.
And so, we must run the race of life by focusing on the goal.
We must not waste our punches and box in the air hitting nothing.
That great boxer, Manny Pacquiao when he strikes a punch, it was usually fast, with so much energy in it directly hitting his opponent to the head or to the body.
It was said that his punch speed is 0.12 seconds.
Compared this to blinking an eye that takes 0.3 seconds.
The force of his power punches is about 806 lbs (equivalent to getting hit by a shotgun blast.)
Such a bone-jarring blow has enough force to cause a concussion, fractured bones, internal bleeding, detached retina--you get the picture. By comparison, Olympic boxers typically punch anywhere between 450 lbs to 1,000 lbs of force, and at a minimum, elite boxers can punch with 750 lbs. of force but Manny Pacquiao, 806 lbs. Wow! That is a supernatural gift from God!
No wonder, he has been winning in almost every boxing fights he enters.
Likewise, God wants us to run the race of life with a purpose in mind.
He wants us to strike a blow to sin with a powerful force and make our body obedient to Christ so that at the end, we will not be disqualified.
Every single step we take should bring us closer to the fulfillment of God's plan for our lives.
If only Samson knew this principle and apply this in life, his legacy would have been different indeed.
But all these have been written for us so that we can learn our lessons from his mistakes.
In our study for today, we will look at Samson's wedding, at his riddle and at his uncontrolled wrath.
He was empowered by God but has no self-control.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LIFE OF SAMSON.
1. SAMSON’S WEDDING
Judges 14:8-11 (NIV) “8 Sometime later, when he went back to marry her…10 Now his father went down to see the woman. And there Samson held a feast, as was customary for young men. 11 When the people saw him, they chose thirty men to be his companions.
Look at verse 8 "He went back to marry her..."
He was really serious in marrying that woman.
He could not be restrained.
He did not know the consequences of what marriage is all about.
The Bible says, "A man will leave his mother and father and will cleave to his wife and hey shall become one flesh."
They shall no longer be two but one flesh in God's eyes.
They will share everything together, in sickness or in health, for richer or poorer, till death pull them apart.
Marriage is a lifetime of commitment to each other that should not be taken lightly.
Obviously, Samson did not know that, because he was consumed with that lustful desire for the woman.
And so, he proceeded with much urgency urging his parents to start the arrangement for their wedding.
To do that, he had his desire imposed to his parents in spite of their strong disagreement.
And so, his father had no choice but to give the dowry and let the marriage ceremony proceed as planned.
What can he do?
His son is so strong willed and so determined.
Now, the time has come for the wedding.
Remember, the Philistines were the enemy nations of Israel.
They have treated the Israelites as their slaves and intermarrying with the heathen nations such as the Philistines was strongly forbidden by God.
But the wedding must push through according to the groom.
During that time, the marriage custom of the Jews was very much different from the Christians weddings we have.
Their wedding started with an agreement to be married.
That agreement - called the betrothal - was usually arranged by the parents of the man and the woman.
This agreement however is not yet the final consummation of marriage.
It can still be broken or dissolved without formal divorce.
Such an agreement period lasted anywhere from six months to a year.
At the end of this bethoral, there was a seven day wedding feast after which the wedding was finally consummated.
It was during this time that the Philistine chose thirty men from their camps to be the companions of Samson.
They probably wanted to get to know him as a token of uniting together two families into one.
However, as they continued with the feast, we find several problems creeping into the marriage ceremony of Samson.
Firstly, the word "feast" in verse 10 refers to a "feast involving much wine" or much drinking.
In other words, Samson had no business being at this feast drinking wine with at least 30 wicked men.
He was a Nazarite separated unto the Lord.
He was a poor witness to the Lord he claimed to serve.
If you allow an evil act to exist, it will become a habit that is hard to break.
Sin can spread easily and it will grow fast depending on the companions that you have each day.
That is why the apostle Paul warned us not to be yoked with unbelievers particularly in marriage and in business dealings.
Here is lesson no. 1 we can learn from Samson's life.
CHRISTIANS MUST NOT BE YOKED WITH UNBELIEVERS.
If you are a Christian, you will have difficulty adjusting to a person who do not believe what you believe.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV) Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?"
If only Samson knew the consequences of being yoked with unbelievers he would have changed his direction.
But he did not.
How about you?
If you know the consequences of unholy alliance with unbelievers, would you still continue that relationship?
The text tells us that there is nothing common between righteousness and wickedness.
There is nothing common with light and darkness.
These two are completely opposite poles which are against each other.
That is why Christians must not be yoked with unbelievers.
When you have committed your life to the Lord, you have been set apart for His purpose and therefore, you must not allow yourself to be contaminated by the impure things of this world.
And so, we go to lesson No. 2.
CHRISTIANS MUST BE WISE IN CHOOSING A LIFE PARTNER.
Before you even think about marrying that person, ask yourself this question: "Have I prayed to God about him/her?"
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) "Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Wisdom can be transferred from one person to another depending upon the person you go with most of the time.
The text tells us that if you want to be wise, walk with the wise.
Therefore, if you want to be a fool, walk with the foolish person.
We have the ability to acquire the character traits and the habits of our companions over time.
Story:
There was a story of a beautiful single Christian woman in her late 20’s.
The woman had befriended a man living in her apartment complex.
Unfortunately, the man she met in that apartment was a known atheist.
He does not even believe in God and in the Bible.
When confronted by her pastor about dating that man, she answered,
“No, I’m not going to date him. He’s just a good friend.
We’re just hanging out. I could never date someone who didn’t value what I value.”
Strong words of assurance.
But it did not last long.
A few months later, she announced that they were actually dating, but she would not get engaged to him “unless he becomes a Christian.” And several months later, that young woman did an about face on that too.
They were married and she was never found in church from then on.
"Walk with the wise and be wise but a companion of fools suffer harm."
Here is another testimony of a person who has been married to an unbeliever and the experiences she had.
"Hello there, I just need to vent about my situation...maybe someone can relate to it.
I have been married for five months to a man who is a non-believer.
He attends church with me and prays, but has not accepted salvation.
He has a quick temper, has punches holes in the walls when angry, puts me down in front of my parents, and is verbally abusive...this pattern did not appear until after we were married.
We have been going to a Christian marriage therapist, but my husband does not complete the homework she assigns, or exercises the tools she gives us.
He is making no effort to save our marriage.
I feel as if I am trying to save our marriage single-handedly...which is impossible."
First. Samson's wedding. Secondly, Samson's riddle.
2. SAMSON’S RIDDLE
Judges 14:12-14 (NIV) 12 “Let me tell you a riddle,” Samson said to them. “If you can give me the answer within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. 13 If you can’t tell me the answer, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.” “Tell us your riddle,” they said. “Let’s hear it.” 14 He replied, “Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.” For three days they could not give the answer.”
Here we find Samson giving a riddle to his guests during the day of the feast or the celebration.
According to the on-line Dictionary, a riddle is a a question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning, typically presented as a game.
Some examples of a riddle are:
* “I have three eyes, all in a row; when the red one opens, all freeze. What am I?” The answer is traffic light.
* “What animal walks on all fours in the morning, two in the afternoon and three in the evening?” The answer is man, since he crawls as a child then walks and uses a cane when he gets older.
Riddles are usually fun among friends after a monotonous day.
It Releases stress and relaxes the brain.
It bonds friends and makes people think hard enough to solve the problem.
Think of it, during that time, there was no such entertainment available such as the internet and the smart phones.
And so, to have fun, they would resort to riddles such as the one that Samson presented.
“Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.”
We do not know why suddenly, Samson gave a riddle to these Philistine people.
It might have been pride.
He may have been trying to prove that he was smarter than they were.
Or he may have done it to break the tension at the wedding.
Or, it may have simply been a diversion to entertain them during the days of the feast.
Apparently, riddles and hard questions were very popular in the ancient world.
When the Queen of Sheba came to Solomon, she “came to prove him with hard questions,” 1 Kings 10:1.
Regardless of Samson’s reasons, what strikes me is the callous attitude Samson holds toward his sin.
He looks back on an event in his life that showcases his sin and he makes a joke out of it.
That was the time when he broke his Nazarite vows, and disrespected and defiled his parents.
He used that incident as the basis for a riddle.
That is a window into the heart of Samson!
He as not anymore affected by his sins.
There was no inward conviction to turn away from sin.
There is no longing for repentance.
No longing to live a holy life.
Brothers and sisters, we must learn a lesson from his life.
Sin dishonors the Lord and damages our relationship with God.
We must turn away from sin and live a holy life.
But there is something else about this riddle that we can learn from this story.
Samson told them in verses 12 and 13 that “If you can give me the answer within the seven days of the feast, I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes. If you can’t tell me the answer, you must give me thirty linen garments and thirty sets of clothes.”
You see, a riddle is fun and good if this is a simple game without betting or without a wager involved.
But when a wager is involved, when there is a chance of losing money and belongings, it becomes gambling
Just like the simple game of cards can become gambling if money is involved.
Gambling, my brothers and sisters like many things in life are not profitable and can become addictive.
It can be the means of getting rich quick or seeking fortune apart from constructive labor.
Here are some things that gambling can do to a person according to Kirby Anderson in Probe Ministries (www.probe.org)
1. Gambling breeds a form of covetousness. Because when a person is focused on gambling, the usual emotions generated that entices him to gamble is the desire to covet, the development of greed and plain selfishness.
2. Gambling destroys the regular work ethics. God always rewards hard work to earn a living not lazyness.
3. Gambling destroys families. It is a major cause of family neglect because the mindset of that person is caught up in a gambling frenzy. When gambling is legalized it tempts people to neglect their God-mandated responsibility to care for their families, and these families often end up on welfare.
And so, the Bible says that thirty Philistines were excited to hear the riddle. “Out of the eater, something to eat; out of the strong, something sweet.” For three days they could not give the answer.”
But on the fourth day, they said to Samson’s wife, “Coax your husband into explaining the riddle for us, or we will burn you and your father’s household to death. Did you invite us here to steal our property?”
Then Samson’s wife threw herself on him, sobbing, “You hate me! You don’t really love me. You’ve given my people a riddle, but you haven’t told me the answer.”
Women always have unique ways of squeezing the truth from the man especially through crying.
And who could resist that - when a woman is sobbing consistently before you.
The Bible says that she cried the whole seven days of the feast.
So on the seventh day he finally told her, because she continued to press or nag him the answer.
After receiving the answer, she in turn explained the riddle to her people.
Verse 18 says that "18 Before sunset on the seventh day the men of the town said to him,
“What is sweeter than honey?What is stronger than a lion?”
Samson tells her the solution and she runs to tell his enemies.
They come to him at the last moment and give him the answer.
He immediately knows how they found out, because he told no one but his wife.
What is the lesson we can learn from this?
Lesson No. 3. HARD WORK IS BETTER THAN FANTASIES.
If only Samson used his strength to work hard, he would have gained more wealth.
He did not realize that he was chasing after fantasies.
Proverbs 28:19 (NIV) Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies will have their fill of poverty.”
It is always better to work hard rather than to try your luck in lotteries in order get rich quick.
According to online dictionary, some examples of gambling are: slot machines, lottery, scratch cards, poker, blackjack, roulette, bingo, etc.
Brothers and sisters, have nothing to do with all of these.
The text tells us that those who chase after fantasies through these gambling methods will have their fill of poverty at the end.
The consequences of gambling can be disastrous indeed.
Lesson No. 4.
MATERIAL TEMPTATION CAN BE HARMFUL.
Material things can be misplaced and a form of a trap.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 (NIV) “ 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
When Samson made that riddle he was tempted with the desire to gain material wealth without considering who got hurt.
And so, gambling is a form of a trap that can bring ruin and destruction into their lives.
They tend to wander from their faith and fall victim into their own doing.
Lesson No. 5.
LEARNING CONTENTMENT IS VALUABLE.
Brothers and sisters, we must be content with what God has given to us.
Philippians 4:11-12 (NIV) 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want."
Contentment is the answer to the gambling addiction.
When you know you have enough of everything, you are grateful to God and will not pursue greed and get rich quick fantasies.
Let me tell you a story of a Gambling addict.
I read a story of a Methodist minister from Nashville who had been working as a therapist counseling drug and alcohol addicts but over time became a compulsive gambler himself.
His downfall began when some friends pestered him into accompanying them to a casino.
Although he had had never been a gambler, the urge to play the slot machines that was sparked that night escalated into daily casino visits.
"I went every afternoon after work and stayed until late, and I'd go every weekend," he recalled.
Missing church was no longer a concern.
At the time, he only attended sporadically and left his ministerial duties.
Within two years, he had maxed out 17 credit cards and amassed $245,000 in gambling debts.
One night, driving home from the casino, he decided to kill himself.
He pulled over at a rest stop and reached into the glove compartment for his .357 Magnum.
The gun was gone.
Upon reaching home, he hugged his wife, and thanked her for saving his life by hiding the weapon.
But he was in for another surprise.
"I didn't take the gun to save your life," his wife told him. "I sold it so we could pay the electric bill."
Soon, the economic strain became too much for his wife as well.
In desperation, she swallowed an entire bottle of pills in front of her husband.
After getting his wife's stomach pumped at a hospital, the husband tried to escape his own depression by going off to gamble.
But his problems did not stop there.
There was another suicide attempt, this time by his 27-year-old daughter, over a failed relationship, finally his eyes were opened and prompted him to change.
Today the man is in recovery and marvels at the power the addiction had over his life.
"When you're in an addiction and you look back, it's just like you were an insane person," he said. "You cannot believe the things you did."
3. SAMSON’S WRATH
Judges 14:19-20 (NIV) “19 Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. He went down to Ashkelon, struck down thirty of their men, stripped them of everything and gave their clothes to those who had explained the riddle. Burning with anger, he returned to his father’s home. 20 And Samson’s wife was given to one of his companions who had attended him at the feast.”
Then lastly, we learn from the story that he had to pay a debt.
He just went out and kills 30 Philistines in Ashkelon, some 20 miles away, and takes their garments to the men who won his bet in Timnath.
It was cruel and it was vindictive, and it was a further indication of Samson’s heart.
You see, our reactions to the negative actions of the people around you are a window into our hearts.
When we are like Jesus, we will react like Jesus.
When there are problems in our hearts, we will react according to our fallen nature.
There will be bitterness, unforgiveness, vengeance, hatred, and violence.
We need to avoid these things, my brothers and sisters.
Samson is so angry that he does not stay to consummate the wedding.
He returns to his father’s house and calls the wedding off.
He was a “runaway groom”.
When the girl’s father sees that Samson has abandoned his daughter, he gives her to one of the 30 men, probably the one who was acting as “best man”.
Anger is always dangerous.
It destroys friendship and ruins relationships.
One man said, “Anger like fire, finally dies out - but only after leaving a path of destruction.”
Anger also reveals who is wrong in a matter.
No wonder, the apostle Paul told the church in Ephesus:
Ephesians 4:26-27 (NIV) 26 “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
This leads us to Lesson No. 6.
UNCONTROLLED ANGER CAN LEAD TO SIN.
Samson was not able to control his anger and he thereupon killed those 30 people without regards of their lives but in order to pay a debt he created himself.
But what was there to be angry about?
—He’s the one who thought up the riddle.
—He’s the one who made the bet.
—He’s the one who named the price.
—He’s the only one who knew the secret.
—He’s the one who gave the secret away!!!
Lastly, Lesson No. 7.
CONTROLLING ANGER IS WISE.
Proverbs 29:11 (NIV) 5 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end.”
Be calm, control yourself, that is the source of all strength.
Closing Story:
There was a story of a lady driving a brand new Volvo looking for a parking space around a crowded car park.
Finally she found a spot and was just about to back into it when suddenly, there was this a young man in an old Torana who just whizzed into the spot before her.
As the Torana driver got out of his car and was walking away the lady in the Volvo called out “I found that spot first. What gives you the right to push in and take it?”
The young man laughed and said “Because I’m young and quick” and he kept on walking.
All of sudden he heard the hideous sound of a car being heartily smashed.
He turned around to see the lady in the Volvo repeatedly ramming her car into his.
She caught his eye and said “That’s because I’m old and rich!”
Lesson: Uncontroleld anger can always lead to sin.
But controlling anger is always wise.
END...
