Caught in the Web: Lessons from Samson's Temptation

Love Returned Series

Judges 14

LOVING GOD WITH ALL OUR MINDS

Temptation itself is not sin; it becomes sin when we act upon it. As a spider's web is designed to ensnare its prey, temptation catches us off guard and leads us into sin. We often don't see the web until it's too late—until we've already been caught. This is evident in the life of Samson, a man called by God to be a judge and deliverer of Israel but who was ensnared by his lust.

Judges 14 shows that Samson had a weakness for women, particularly a young Philistine woman who "looked good to him." Instead of seeking God's guidance, he followed his desires, demanding that his parents arrange the marriage despite their pleas. This is a powerful reminder that when we allow our eyes and fleshly desires to lead us, we are not walking in the Spirit but in the flesh.

The Consequences of Following the Flesh Samson’s story teaches us the danger of relying on our own strength and desires instead of the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Our natural inclination, as those born into sin, is to be led by the spirit of lust and self-indulgence. But when we are born again, we are called to be led by the Spirit of Love. This shift in guidance offers us security, knowing we are not navigating life alone but with the wisdom and strength of God.

Samson’s misuse of his God-given authority highlights the perils of pride. He used his strength, a gift from God meant for deliverance, to satisfy his vendettas. This is a clear example of how unchecked gifts can lead to destruction. Like a wild stallion, our talents and abilities can run rampant if not surrendered to the Holy Spirit's control. God places authority in our lives to guide and protect us, but when we reject that authority, we leave ourselves vulnerable to the enemy's traps.

Wisdom Over Impulse If we base our decisions on what feels or looks good at the moment, we will fall into Satan's deceptions repeatedly. True wisdom discerns beyond the surface and listens to the voice of the Spirit. Judges 14:4-5 reveal that God was still at work despite Samson’s rebellion. This shows us that God's sovereignty can work through even our mistakes, though it doesn't excuse our sins. It’s a reminder that God's ways are higher than ours, and sometimes, we must trust in His plan, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Samson’s parents may have feared that their son had strayed too far, and in many ways, he had. Yet God still had a plan to use Samson, though it came with devastating consequences. This teaches us that while God's will cannot be thwarted, our disobedience can bring about unnecessary suffering. Samson's story is a stark reminder that we can either align ourselves with God's will and experience His blessings, or we can rebel and suffer under the curse of our own choices.

The Illusion of Power Samson's extraordinary strength was a gift from God, as demonstrated when he tore apart a lion with his bare hands (Judges 14:6). However, this display of power should have humbled him and drawn him closer to God, but it did not. Samson continued in his sinful ways, showing us that experiencing God's power is not the same as submitting to His Lordship. It's not enough to recognize God's power; we must yield to it and allow it to transform our lives, or we will bear the weight of our disobedience.

As the chapter progresses, Samson becomes entangled in a web of problems from his association with the Philistine woman. The adage holds: "You cannot play with fire and not get burned." Despite his compromised position, the Spirit of the Lord still came upon Samson, enabling him to kill thirty men. This momentary empowerment should not distract us from the broader lesson: God's use of someone in a particular moment does not justify a lifestyle of sin. Consistency in walking with God is what truly matters.

The world is full of people who may exhibit moments of godliness but lack a consistent walk with the Lord. The Bible is clear: we cannot serve God and the devil (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). To truly walk in God's strength and purpose, we must fully surrender to Him. There is no middle ground. Samson’s life is a warning of what happens when we live divided between our own desires and God’s will.

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Praise Tabernacle

Dr. Joshua Kennedy, Pastor

2235 Ocean Heights

Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234

pastorjosh@praisetabernacle.com

praisetabernacle.church

(609) 927-4560(w), (609) 402-8869(c)