Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • Philistine domination of Israel proved God’s displeasure with His people’s “cyclical sinning” (Period of Judges) • God had in mind one who would “begin to deliver Israel” with moral & physical strength Ù Samson

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • However, Samson proved to be only a “man of the times” • Even though God used him, for the most part he was only concerned with himself and his own desires

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • Israel’s condition 13:1 • Once again, she “…did evil in the sight of the Lord” [indicative of 350 yr. cycle of sin] • As a result, God gave her over into the hands of the Philistines for 40 years

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • God’s response 13:2-5 • God “visited” Manoah and his barren wife • The angel gave her instructions for her during her pregnancy v. 4 • The angel also instructed her re: her son once he was born v. 5[Nazirite vow] • He was to begin to give Israel redemption

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • God’s response 13:2-5 • The Nazirite Vow Num 6 • A vow of dedication to the Lord v. 2 • A vow of separation v. 4 • Taken willingly for specified period of time • During the vow, one was “holy” v. 8

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • God’s response 13:2-5 • The Nazirite Vow Num 6 • During the vow… • …he had to completely abstain from anything related to the grape vv. 3-4 • …he couldn’t shave his hair or beard v. 5

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • God’s response 13:2-5 • The Nazirite Vow Num 6 • Samson’s vow would be different • He didn’t take the vow willingly…it was decided for him • His wasn’t for a specified period of time… it was to be for his entire lifetime

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • Samson’s Parents 13:8-12 • Manoah & his wife ask the angel to “…teach them what to do for the boy” v. 8 • They inquired about the boy’s “mode of life and his vocation” v. 12 • A commendable “parental” attitude pre-birth

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • Samson’s Parents 13:8-12 • They took their responsibility seriously • They were concerned for his future • LESSONÙ children are a “gift” Psa 127:3 • Parents prepare a child for adulthood…eternity • We only get 1 chance to “get it right” • Modern-day parents should heed this example!

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • Samson’s Parents 13:8-12 • They took their responsibility seriously • They were concerned for his future • LESSONÙ children are a “gift” Psa 127:3 • Far too many parents thoughtlessly bring a child into the world…give no thought to their “contribution” toward the child’s future

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4 • He saw a woman in Timnah, desired her, &told his parents to get her for him vv. 1-2 • They objected on the basis she came from the “uncircumcised Philistines” v. 3a

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4 • GreatSpiritualApplication • Parents need to encourage/discourage their children’s choice for spouses…point them toward those with common interests, goals • Parents should imitate Samson’s parents

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4 • Samson ignored his parents’ objection… she “looked good to him” v. 3b • A shallow carnal reason to marry • Many continue to make this same mistake

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4 • A “providential fact” revealed v. 4 • Samson’s parents were unaware of this • The Law established Divine disapproval of inter-marriages Deut 7:1-4 Josh 13:2-3

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4 • A “providential fact” revealed v. 4 • Phrase “…of the Lord” doesn’t necessarily indicate Divine approval, sanction • It could refer to His providential use of it

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 His marriage 14:1-4 • A “providential fact” revealed v. 4 • Similar thought in Gen 37:18-28 50:20 • The nature of providence and the power & wisdom of God re: using us in His will

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The lion carcass 14:5-9 • On the way to Timnah, a young lion comes roaring toward him v. 5 • The “Spirit of the Lord comes mightily upon him”…he kills the lion barehanded v. 6[1st time this occurred]

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The lion carcass 14:5-9 • Going back home, he sees bees & honey in the carcass…he takes some vv. 8-9a • He gives his parents some of the honey, but does not tell them its source v. 9b

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The lion carcass 14:5-9 • A violation of the Nazirite vow? Num 6:6-7 • A violation of the Law? Lev 11:27 • Why didn’t he tell his parents?

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The marriage feast 14:10 • A “customary ritual” young men did • Hebrew word for “feast” = drinking feast • Did Samson drink? The text does not say • He didn’t just “attend”…he “gave” (hosted)

Cherished Bible Stories Stories From The O.T. That Build Faith & Devotion A Story Of “Weak Strength” Judg 13-16 • A Grown Samson 14:1 – 16:30 The marriage feast 14:10 • Remember the restrictions imposed on him from the Nazirite vow Num 6:3-4 • Are these actions totally consistent with those restrictions?

Stories From The Old Testament That Build Faith & Devotion