THE DARKNESSBlinded by Sin

Introduction

Hebrews 4:13 & 1 Corinthians 4:5 Even when we think no one else is

looking, God still sees all. This is a look at a Bible character

whose sin pattern is often ignored and overlooked: Samson

Samson’s Beginning

Judges 13 Born to Manoah and his wife who were of

the tribe of Dan Samson is to be a Nazirite from birth

What is a Nazirite? From a Heb. Word meaning “to separate” Nazirites were ones who separated

themselves from others by consecration to Yahweh (God) with a special vow.

Samson’s Beginning

The Nazirite Vow (Numbers 6):1. No wine or strong drink, including vinegar,

grape juice, grapes, and raisins.2. No cutting of the hair, they had to let it

grow long3. No touching of the dead

Samson is to also be a judge over his people

What is a judge? Prominent leaders raised up by the Lord to

deliver Israel.

A Man Ensnared by Sin

Breaking the Nazirite Vow: Part 1 Touching a dead body (the lion). Sin looks sweet and enticing, esp. when

no one else is around to know what you’re doing.

It’s also easy to get others involved, under the guise of good (giving honey to his parents).

Breaking the Nazirite Vow: Part 2 Drinking wine and strong drink (wedding

feast). Sin usually invites a crowd.

A Man Ensnared by Sin

Breaking the Nazirite Vow: Part 3 Allowing his hair to be cut Gave in to temptation instead of fleeing

from it. Gave up the only visible sign of his vow

with God. Showed that his sin/desires/lusts were

more important to him than his relationship with God.

Other Sins #1: Revenge After the riddle was solved, he killed 30

men. He burned the Philistine’s crops out of

revenge.

A Man Ensnared by Sin

Other Sins #2: Lies Lied to his fellow people about the source of his

strength Lied to Delilah about the same thing until he could

no longer continue lying. Other Sins #3: Lust

1 Jn. 2:16 – This sums up Samson’s life (cp. Jas. 1:14-15)

He had a strong desire for women, esp. those he should not be associated with. He allowed lust of the eyes/flesh to cloud his judgment and sound wisdom.

It was his lust for women that ultimately cost him and showed how far from God he truly was.

Samson Redeemed by God

God removed the very thing that was blinding Samson to his relationship with God: his sight. This blinded Samson to what caused him

to sin: the lust of the eyes & flesh. God blinded Samson to get him to see

his need for God. Renewing his relationship with God,

while captive, God allowed Samson one final avenging act to bring glory to Himself.

Application

Samson’s life was an example of what not to be. We need to be people who walk in obedience to the Spirit, instead of the flesh (Gal. 5).

Repentance restored his relationship with God, but it didn’t come until the end. How will you live your life?