Strength Becomes A Weakness

This powerful exploration of Samson's life from Judges 13-15 confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: our greatest strengths can become our most devastating weaknesses. We journey through the story of a man chosen by God, set apart as a Nazirite from birth, yet someone who repeatedly violated his sacred vows and used his God-given power for personal vendettas rather than divine purposes. The sermon challenges us to examine our own lives through a critical lens—what gifts, abilities, or strengths has God given us? More importantly, how do we view them? Do we see them as gifts given TO us, making them ours to use as we please, or gifts given FOR us to steward according to God's purposes? Samson's tragic trajectory shows us what happens when we become so dependent on our own abilities that we stop depending on God. We never see him pray for wisdom, seek God's will, or show genuine repentance—only impulsive reactions driven by lust, pride, and revenge. The most sobering part? Israel had become so comfortable with compromise that God had to orchestrate conflict just to create tension with their enemies. This calls us to examine whether we've become too cozy with the world around us, whether we've stopped calling on God's name in our daily lives, and whether our gifts are being used for His glory or our own gain.