The Strong Becomes Weak: A Tragic Story

SERIES: HONEY, HAMMER, AND HOPE

MESSAGE: The Strong Becomes Weak: A Tragic Story

TEXT: Judges 16:18–31

DATE: May 5, 2024

MESSAGE BY: Pastor Tim Lewis

1. The story of Samson.

   1. He was created and called by God.
      (Judges 13:1–3)

   2. He was committed to God.
      (Judges 13:3–5)

   3. He was commissioned for God’s purpose.
      (Judges 13:5)

   4. He was set apart to holiness.
      (Judges 13:5, 7)

   5. He was empowered by the Spirit with great strength.
      (Judges 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14–15)

   6. He was compromised by lust and self-indulgence.
      (Judges 16:1, 4)

   7. He was weakened by sin. (Vv. 19–20)

   8. He was enslaved by the enemy. (V. 21)

   9. He was renewed through humility and repentance. (V. 28)

2. Lessons from the story.

   1. We have a calling from God and purpose from birth.

   2. We have a mission for God’s Kingdom.

   3. We are called to live a separate and Holy life.

   4. Pride and self-confidence always lead to moral and spiritual decline.

   5. The lusts of the flesh and indulgence bring deception and defeat.

   6. Sin leads to a loss of God’s power.

   7. Sin brings weakness, captivity, and suffering.

   8. Humility and repentance are the way back to spiritual strength.

   9. Sin always has consequences.