Sermon Study Guide

Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.

Maranatha Bible Church

Chicago

Sermon Study Guide

Judges 16 Bible Study (Samson and Delilah/The Death of Samson) | Pastor Daniel Batarseh

Pastor Daniel Batarseh|Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Scripture References

Judges 16Proverbs 5:20Proverbs 6:32Hosea 4:11Genesis 22Proverbs 7:26Proverbs 2:16Proverbs 2:5Proverbs 2:102 Timothy 2:21-221 Peter 3:16Psalms 66Judges 13:24

Sermon Summary

Pastor Daniel Batarseh analyzes Judges 16, detailing Samson’s moral decline from Gaza to his betrayal by Delilah. The sermon emphasizes how the fear of the Lord provides the discernment necessary to avoid the intoxicating traps of sin.

Key Takeaways

1Daily character is the true measure of a person, regardless of their spiritual achievements or talents.
2A lack of the fear of God leads to a loss of discernment, making even 'strong' men vulnerable to obvious traps.
3Consecration is the source of spiritual power; you cannot intentionally live in the flesh and expect to operate in the Spirit.
4God’s mercy allows for restoration after failure, but sin often leaves permanent scars and losses that cannot be recovered.
5The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to finish with the same spiritual passion and stirring with which you began.

Discussion Questions

Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.

1Why do you think Samson was able to perform a miracle (ripping up the gates) immediately after visiting a prostitute? What does this teach us about God's mercy vs. His approval?
2Pastor Batarseh mentioned that lust 'intoxicates' the soul. How have you seen this 'drunkenness' affect a person's ability to make rational decisions?
3Samson 'did not know the Lord had left him' (v. 20). How is it possible for a person or a ministry to keep functioning while God's presence is absent?
4Samson’s hair grew back, but his eyes did not. How do we balance the truth of God’s total forgiveness with the reality of sin’s earthly consequences?
5Compare Samson's prayer in the temple to his previous prayers. What evidence do we see of a changed or humbled heart?

Application Points

Practical ways to apply this message to your life.

Identify any 'Gaza' moments in your life where you are walking into enemy territory just to satisfy a temporary desire.
Study the book of Proverbs daily to cultivate the 'Fear of the Lord' as a safeguard for your discernment.
If you are currently 'playing a game' with a specific sin, stop immediately and recognize that the 'invisible line' of God's patience is unknown.
Evaluate your spiritual 'consecration'—are there areas where you have allowed 'Delilah' (compromise) to cut away your set-apartness to God?
Pray for church leaders specifically against the strategy of seduction, as the enemy targets men and women of influence.

Personal Reflection

Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.

How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?

What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?

Who can I share this truth with this week?

What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?

Prayer Points

Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.

Notes

Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF

Back to Sermon