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Judges · Men's Leadership Study

Week 16: He Wist Not That the LORD Was Departed

Judges 16

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Judges 16

Read the whole chapter aloud before discussing the handout.

Hidden in the Text

Weekly Devotional

Samson did not lose his strength the first time he sinned. For years he broke his vow and seemed to face no final cost. His hair was only the last outward sign of a promise he had already broken in his heart. The most frightening part is that he expected to escape “as at other times.” He did not know the LORD had left him. A man can keep going through familiar motions after the spiritual life is gone. Yet in prison, Samson's hair began to grow again. His eyes did not return, but he could still surrender and pray. God's restoring mercy can begin when a man's trust in himself finally dies.

Discuss Honestly

Hard Questions

  1. 01

    How would you know, this week, if the presence of God had lifted from your ministry? What are your actual signs, other than results?

  2. 02

    Delilah got access through repetition and closeness. What or who right now has daily access to your weakest place?

  3. 03

    Samson watched her betray him three times and stayed. What in your life have you already seen the evidence about and not left?

  4. 04

    'His soul was vexed unto death' — he gave in to pressure, not pleasure. Where is fatigue, not lust, your actual weakness?

  5. 05

    The blinding fit the sin. Where has a consequence in your life been exactly shaped like the thing you indulged?

  6. 06

    The hair grew back in prison. What does genuine restoration look like for a disqualified man, and how does your ministry handle him?

  7. 07

    Samson accomplished the most in his last hour. Is that a comfort or a warning to you? Defend your answer.

Look Them Up

Cross-References

  • Psalm 51:10-12

    'Take not thy holy spirit from me' — David prays exactly what Samson failed to notice.

  • Proverbs 7:21-23

    With her much fair speech she caused him to yield. Delilah's method described in advance.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27

    Lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

  • Galatians 6:1

    Restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself. The pastoral response to a fallen man.

  • Hebrews 11:32-34

    Samson listed among the faithful. God's grace is real toward wrecked men, and it does not undo the wreckage.