Samson's story is similar to Solomon's and there seems to be an overlaying theme found in the Bible. Sin is not easily avoided. In fact, Paul tells us that we must die every day (1 Corinthians 15:31) and to count ourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus (Romans 6:11). Seeking God is a daily thing.
Samson is known in the Bible for having supernatural God-given physical strength. So much so that Judges 14:6 says that the Holy Spirit came upon him in power so that he tore a lion apart with his bare hands. Judges 14:19 says the Holy Spirit came upon him in power and he struck down thirty men. In Judges 15:4 he catches three hundred foxes. In Judges 15:8 he 'attacked Philistines viciously and slaughtered many of them.' Judges 15:14-15 says that the Spirit came upon him in power and he struck down a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey. In Judges 16:4 he tore apart the city gate. Finally, in Judges 16:29-30 he destroyed the temple.
However, in this passage we read one of the scariest verses in the Bible. Because of Samson's foolish behavior that dishonored God, the Lord removed His Spirit from Samson without him even knowing. Judges 16:20 says, "Then she (Delilah) called, Samson, the Philistines are upon you! He awoke from his sleep and thought, I'll go out as before and shake myself free. But he DID NOT KNOW that the Lord had left him." Samson was this man of God with incredible strength that allowed his pride to get the best of him. He allowed a relationship with Delilah come before his relationship with God. It cost him his strength, his life, and most importantly, his favor with God. He was caught up in the momentum of his previous victories. He was relying on his own strength to conquer his enemies instead of relying on the Spirit to fill him with strength. He sought after himself and he did not even realize that the Spirit of the Lord had left him. Same principle as Solomon, different story.
The difference between the Holy Spirit and an evil spirit is the Holy Spirit comes with a bang (Acts 2) but will leave quietly. An evil spirit comes quietly but will leave with a bang. We get so focused on 'doing' ministry that we don't even realize that God has removed His Spirit from us. We must rely on God every day. We must find our strength in Him and seek Him for it. Are you giving God the praise He deserves for the countless victories He has given you? Don't get so caught up in the moments that we forget to first spend the moment with God.
Samson is known in the Bible for having supernatural God-given physical strength. So much so that Judges 14:6 says that the Holy Spirit came upon him in power so that he tore a lion apart with his bare hands. Judges 14:19 says the Holy Spirit came upon him in power and he struck down thirty men. In Judges 15:4 he catches three hundred foxes. In Judges 15:8 he 'attacked Philistines viciously and slaughtered many of them.' Judges 15:14-15 says that the Spirit came upon him in power and he struck down a thousand men with the jawbone of a donkey. In Judges 16:4 he tore apart the city gate. Finally, in Judges 16:29-30 he destroyed the temple.
However, in this passage we read one of the scariest verses in the Bible. Because of Samson's foolish behavior that dishonored God, the Lord removed His Spirit from Samson without him even knowing. Judges 16:20 says, "Then she (Delilah) called, Samson, the Philistines are upon you! He awoke from his sleep and thought, I'll go out as before and shake myself free. But he DID NOT KNOW that the Lord had left him." Samson was this man of God with incredible strength that allowed his pride to get the best of him. He allowed a relationship with Delilah come before his relationship with God. It cost him his strength, his life, and most importantly, his favor with God. He was caught up in the momentum of his previous victories. He was relying on his own strength to conquer his enemies instead of relying on the Spirit to fill him with strength. He sought after himself and he did not even realize that the Spirit of the Lord had left him. Same principle as Solomon, different story.
The difference between the Holy Spirit and an evil spirit is the Holy Spirit comes with a bang (Acts 2) but will leave quietly. An evil spirit comes quietly but will leave with a bang. We get so focused on 'doing' ministry that we don't even realize that God has removed His Spirit from us. We must rely on God every day. We must find our strength in Him and seek Him for it. Are you giving God the praise He deserves for the countless victories He has given you? Don't get so caught up in the moments that we forget to first spend the moment with God.
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