The Road To Ruin

Oh yes, Samson had a change of heart in the end. He repented and cried out to God — the only time we read of him offering a true prayer. He did end up doing more in his death than he ever did in his life, but so much for death bed repentance. Who wants to come to the end of life knowing that you have given your best years to the devil? Who wants to come to the end of life knowing that you did not wake up to the true meaning of life until your last moments? It is not that you cannot repent on your death bed; it is that it is such a waste. How much better to give the best years of your life to God. How much better to build your relationship with God than fraternizing with the enemy. How much better to spend your strength on things that matter. How much better to have a little humility than exaggerated pride. How much better to come to the end of life with the confidence that you have lived your life for God and that your life has meant something after all.

We know how to walk down the road to ruin, but how do we go down the road to recovery? The road to success and recovery is through repentance. There is always forgiveness and hope with God. Renew your relationship with God and your life will be renewed. It can be done, and you don’t have to wait till the end. Your life can still make a difference. God can use the strength he has given you for his divine purposes. Your life can mean something if you will walk with him instead of the enemy; if you will use your strength to work for him, and if you will humble yourself before him. The Bible says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord” (Acts 3:19).

Rodney J. Buchanan

March 19, 2000

THE ROAD TO RUIN

Judges 16:4-21

“He awoke from his sleep and thought, ‘I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.’ But he did not know that the Lord had left him” (Judges 16:20).

Samson was on the road to ruin because:

1. He ______________________________________________ .

2. He ______________________________________________ .

3. He ______________________________________________ .

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION (Mar 19, 2000)

1. What were the three things which led Samson down the road to ruin? Are there others?

2. Who or what are the spiritual enemies of the Christian?

3. Read James 4:4. What does this mean and how can we heed this warning?

4. How did Samson fail in this area?

5. Read Colossians 2:6-7. Someone has said, “There is no standing still in the Christian life. Either we are moving forward or going backward.” How can this be prevented?

6. What is the purpose of life?

7. How should we be using our strengths, gifts and abilities to fulfill God’s purpose for us?

8. Read Proverbs 16:18. How was this fulfilled in Samson’s life? How do you see it operating today?

9. What could Samson have accomplished if he had followed God?

10. Think of ways people today miss out on what their lives could mean?

11. Why is it important to follow God closely?

12. What ways can you avoid missing opportunities and wasting your effort in life?

13. Develop a written covenant with God that will give you a program for spiritual growth.