Our church is doing a twelve-week sermon series through the book of Judges called: "Flawed Heroes." We are studying the Old Testament book for a couple reasons. One is that Judges is a book of flawed heroes and none of us are perfect. The book reminds us that God is the divine hero of the story. Judges is a period of transition for Israel, a transition from God as their leader to a monarchy. For this sermon my good friend Hylke Hylkema wrote the small group questions that go along with this sermon. It seemed like a waste to leave them in a file on my computer and not share them with everyone.
Small Group Questions ::: Samson ::: Judges 14
1. Do you remember a secret as a child or as an adult you tried to hide but it became known? Share the story.
2. Samson was a man of many secrets. He tried to hide his failings repeatedly. This is not unlike many of us. What is it in us that turns to secrecy and even lies to cover our sin?
3. Samson was ruled by his untamed desires. Read James 1:13-15 and 4:1 and 1 John 2:16. How do these passages shed light on your own inner struggles?
4. How should followers of Jesus respond to sinful desires? Is failure inevitable? Do we just need to try harder at following Jesus or is there a better option?
a. Psalm 32:5
b. Galatians 5:16-25
c. Matthew 26:41
d. 1 Corinthians 10:13
e. Galatians 2:20
f. Colossians 3:1-4
g. Colossians 3:5-11
5. As you look at Judges 14 and consider the entire story, how significant is verse 4? Explain
6. How does verse 4 encourage you? Is there a challenge in your life you need to trust Him with?
7. Verse 6 and 19 talk about the Spirit empowering Samson, giving him incredible strength. He used his Spirit empowered ability poorly; he did not steward his gift well. Can followers of Jesus misuse spirit-enabled gifts? Read 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
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