What causes you to “check yourself” 1

The Book of Fallen People - Faithful God Samson – a life that provokes self- examination Judges 16 2

In Samson: It is difficult to conceive how such inconsistencies are combined in one person. Let it not be so with us. 3

Hebrews 11:32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. 4

In Samson: It is difficult to conceive how such inconsistencies are combined in one person. Let it not be so with us. God used him but his life ended in personal tragedy and was shadowed by the waste of great potential. 5

A.W. Tozer -- a cross and a throne 6

We were created for: Ephesians 2:10 -- For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Isaiah 43:7 -- Everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.” 7

We were created for: Matthew 22: And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Genesis 1:28 -- And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it and have dominion...” 8

Psalm 16:2 I say to the LORD, "You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.“ 2 Corinthians 3:5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God 9

Verses Vs. 20 – But he did not know that the Lord had left him = his strength was now GONE. Why do we think God will bless us? 10

Verse An expression of God’s grace and mercy is found in the response to Samson’s prayer and demonstration of faith. 11

Jesus’ death is pictured and shadowed in the end of Samson’s life. Both were betrayed by a “friend” Both were tortured, chained, asked to perform and put on public display Both died with arms outreached Both in their death, crushed their enemy Both were saviors alone Major difference is Samson’s life and story ended but not Jesus! 12

Sinful appetites cannot survive at spiritual heights. 13

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Take this with you Check yourself – sin, service and salvation. Christian duties/behavior should come out of a relationship, not rituals, with God, through Jesus; not as an attempt to get blessing and favor. We, like Samson, are never out of reach of God’s mercy. Restoration is always available. 15

16 Street Called Mercy– Hillsong United

17 Tired of endless walking Not knowing which way to go I collapsed on a street called mercy I was found in You

18 Throwing Your arms around me You held me like I was Yours Like You'd been there the whole time waiting I was found in You

19 Wrapped up in scarlet kindness You welcomed this sinner home Now I breathe in the air of heaven All I want is You

20 Keep me within Your shadow Lord tether my heart to Yours I want nothing without Your presence All I want is You

21 You are all I want You are all I need Every breath I take Is a breath to say I am Yours now forever