Samson: Potential Squandered by Character Flaws

FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT

Samson’s “rule of life and work” (Judges 13:12) was made clear before his birth, being a dedicated Nazarite that would “begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5). No formative details of his upbringing are given except that he grew, the LORD blessed him and the Spirit of the LORD moved upon him (Judges 13:24, 25). Each time the Spirit of the LORD came upon Samson (13:25, 14:6, 14:19, 15:14 and 16:28) are the times Samson shows incredible ability. These are also the times he accomplished the LORD’s purposes for his life, reminding both Philistines and Israel that out of the decay of Philistine oppression, God will accomplish His purpose of restoring sweetness to Israel (Judges 14:14)

FILLED WITH HIMSELF

• Samson’s leadership was marked by UNSTABLE RELATIONSHIPS, as he was often found among the Philistines with careless abandon. The LORD allowed Samson to be where he needed to be.
• Samson’s leadership was marked by UNREALISTIC DEMANDS. He was a bully, demanding, commanding, telling people what to do. There was no discussion. The LORD allowed Samson to judge as he needed to judge.
• Samson’s leadership was marked by UNFAVORABLE DISTRACTION, particularly when it came to women. The LORD allowed Samson to be as he wanted to be.
• Samson’s leadership was marked by UNBRIDLED PASSION. The bondage of sexual desire led him to actual bondage and self-destruction. The LORD allowed Samson to get what he wanted to get.
• Samson’s leadership was marked by UNDISCIPLINED EMOTION. He was an angry, jealous, vengeful man. The LORD allowed Samson to do what He wanted him to do.

While Samson’s legacy was questionable, he “through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” [Heb 11:33-34 ESV]