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Judges · Men's Leadership Study

Week 13: Set Apart Before He Was Born

Judges 13

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Read Together

Judges 13

Read the whole chapter aloud before discussing the handout.

Hidden in the Text

Weekly Devotional

Samson's mother is never named, but the angel speaks to her twice. She also understands God's mercy better than Manoah does. Manoah fears they will die because they have seen God. His wife points to the facts: if God planned to kill them, He would not have accepted their offering or promised them a son. Another small detail matters. Samson would only “begin” to rescue Israel. Some work will not be finished in our lifetime. We must do our part and trust God with the whole plan.

Discuss Honestly

Hard Questions

  1. 01

    God moved when no one asked. Where have you seen God act in your life while you were spiritually silent, and what did you do with it?

  2. 02

    Samson had every good start and used almost none of them. What advantages have you been given that you are not right now using well?

  3. 03

    Manoah's wife had better theology than the head of the house. How do you receive correction or insight from your wife, or from someone you outrank?

  4. 04

    'He shall begin to deliver.' Can you accept a calling that God says will be unfinished in your lifetime?

  5. 05

    The Nazirite vow meant being set apart for God. What visible choices show that your life belongs to God?

  6. 06

    Manoah wanted a name; God gave a category — wonderful. Where are you demanding specifics from God when He has given you His character?

  7. 07

    If you were raising a child whose whole life belonged to God, what would need to change in your home this month?

Look Them Up

Cross-References

  • Numbers 6:1-21

    The full Nazirite law — read it to see exactly what Samson will violate, one clause at a time.

  • Luke 1:13-17

    John the Baptist's birth announcement echoes this one; the difference is what each man did with it.

  • Jeremiah 1:5

    'Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee.' Calling that precedes capacity.

  • Isaiah 9:6

    'His name shall be called Wonderful' — the same word the angel gives Manoah.

  • Romans 12:1-2

    Consecration as the New Testament norm for every believer, not an elite few.