Judges 16:1-31
How many times have you heard "If you play with fire, you're going to get burned"? Well, that phrase is all I could think of as I read the end of Samson's story. Samson had a weakness for women and we see that again today in Judges 16:1-31. He made a habit of seeking out the wrong company and it most certainly caught up with him with Delilah.
So how do we tune in to those things or areas that tempt us or pull us off course? What are some things we can do to keep us from playing with fire? Tami W.
I would say, stay away from tempation, and Keep the word of
God close to you. Alway look ahead and know you weskness. Beware!
I think you have to be well aware of what your weakness is nad then ask the Father by his Holy Spirit to give you that way of escape that he promises in his word. We are told there is no temptation so great that God will not grant you a means of escape. Get into the Word and prayer this will keep you on a straight and narrow course. You will know your weakness and when it is tempting you and you can resist.
I see from today's reading that lust, greed and lies were prevalent then and still are very prevalent today. Samson lusted after Delilah and it seemed he never learnt anything from the other women he "lusted" after. Delilah was greedy and seemed would sell her soul for money. She really did not love Samson and only used him to get what she wanted. Sad to say there are still many people like her in today's world.
This is still happening today and the only person who can keep us away from sinning is our God but we have to ask Him for this guidance. Yes we say it when we repeat the Lord's Prayer, but do we just say it? Do we believe that He will keep us away from temptation? We have to keep close to Him or else the devil will entice us with wealth, drugs and beautiful things especially now that all the countries of the world seem to be in financial crisis. This is not the answer we are doomed when we go this root. Let us instead look out for each other, be our brothers keepers.
Our Leaders have not sought God for some reason or the other. They have not allowed God into their plans. We have all become so proud and haughty that we think we are in charge and are like Samson - no common sense at all! The answer is for them to open the Word and learn from King David, King Hezekiah and many others but mostly from our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ who died by shedding His blood for our sins. We all must kneel and bow down and seek God's lead and guidance.
There are more people in the world than there are leaders, so we must find a way of peacefully coming together with our leaders and their teams to let them know there is a better way and we the people want to help. God's Way.
While it is impossible to remove all temptation, I have found that removing myself from whatever is in my power helps. I agree with John R. to keep the word of God close is of high importance and I often call on the Lord when I am tempted or know temptation is near, reminding Him (and myself!) that He will never put more temptation on me than I can handle and he will ALWAYS give me a way out, if I will only be wise enough to take it.
I felt sorry for Samson in tonights lesson. Deliah kept asking him and he knew what she wanted to turn away from her the first time she asked would have saved his life. That is what we all need to do. As John R. said we all need to beware. Shalom
There came a time when Samson gave in and would rather please her than His Living God. It was a matter of sin! We all sin. He showed his weak faith and that was his downfall. Too keep faith we must know truth.Practice it and speak it. We must love others but not more than God. Jesus gave His life are we willing to give ours? I think our country has become like the people in Jeremiah's time. God help us show Your love and give it to those who need you. Help us be fearless, speaking Your WORD and Name with boldness. God help me not to lose hope. You are our refuge and strength. The Joy of The Lord is our strength!
Reading this reminded me of how sin operates. (9, 12) "Now she had men lying in ambush in an inner chamber" and I noticed its occurrence repeated twice in this Scripture teaching. It lies in wait, crouching at my door seeking to have me (Genesis 4:7). But also, indwelling sin; how it lies in ambush in the inward parts waging war against my soul, seeking my destruction (Romans 7). And like this lesson today, every time I think I have mastery over some sin in my life and treat my Lord and His Word so lightly, I get burned every time! and I have done, thought and said as Samson said in utter foolishness that,(20) "I will go out as at other times and shake myself free." only to find that sin had me blinded and imprisoned to my own shame and against the glory of God. Thank you Holy Spirit for showing me this blessing today.
I know when I get back to the word,the Holy Spirit helps me keep my guard up from the temptations that satan throws at me,Iam so thankfull.