Judges Sermon Series - Part 9
Sermon follow-up 3/3/25
Introduction
We often struggle to control our impulses and can easily become our own worst enemy. Yet no matter how many times we fall short, we can always return to our heavenly Father who welcomes us with open arms.
How Do Our Mistakes Compound?
Samson's story demonstrates how one poor choice often leads to another. His decision to marry someone he shouldn't have sparked a chain reaction of increasingly destructive choices. When we let our impulses guide us rather than God's wisdom, we often:
What Happens When We Live Only for Ourselves?
When self-interest becomes our primary motivation, devastation inevitably follows. Samson repeatedly chose what felt right in his own eyes rather than following God's plan. This led him to:
How Does God Respond When We Return to Him?
Even at his lowest point - imprisoned, blinded, and humiliated - Samson finally cried out to God. Like the prodigal son, he discovered that:
Life Application
Introduction
We often struggle to control our impulses and can easily become our own worst enemy. Yet no matter how many times we fall short, we can always return to our heavenly Father who welcomes us with open arms.
How Do Our Mistakes Compound?
Samson's story demonstrates how one poor choice often leads to another. His decision to marry someone he shouldn't have sparked a chain reaction of increasingly destructive choices. When we let our impulses guide us rather than God's wisdom, we often:
- Make excuses for our behavior
- Hide our mistakes from others
- Let shame drive us further from God
- Double down instead of admitting wrong
- Watch problems compound and multiply
What Happens When We Live Only for Ourselves?
When self-interest becomes our primary motivation, devastation inevitably follows. Samson repeatedly chose what felt right in his own eyes rather than following God's plan. This led him to:
- Break his Nazarite vows
- Ignore wise counsel
- Act on impulse and anger
- Face severe consequences
How Does God Respond When We Return to Him?
Even at his lowest point - imprisoned, blinded, and humiliated - Samson finally cried out to God. Like the prodigal son, he discovered that:
- God's arms are always open
- His mercy is never exhausted
- Our Father eagerly awaits our return
- Grace is available no matter how far we've strayed
Life Application
- This week, consider where you might be living according to your own impulses rather than God's wisdom. Ask yourself:
- What recurring mistakes do I need to bring before God?
- Where am I trying to handle things on my own strength?
- How can I better rely on God's grace rather than my abilities?
- What's keeping me from fully running into the Father's arms?
- What recurring mistakes do I need to bring before God?
- Remember that because of Jesus' sacrifice, you can always come home to your Father's open arms. No mistake is too great for His grace to cover. Take time this week to intentionally turn from self-reliance and fall into His grace anew.
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