Samson

Samson's faith drifted, yet God worked to rescue other through him.

Samson's faith drifted to his abilities not rooted in God.

Take away - Our God given abilities are from God and for God and God’s Kingdom.

How much faith do we need?

Hebrews 11:32 ESV

32 And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—

Enough to be used, BUT

Gideon - did give God all the credit, or his heart.

Barak - lacked unconditional yes and was indecisive

Israels - Apathy

Intervention - Mom has the most FAITH.

Nazirite - vow for a season

Nazirite comes from the word “to separate” for God

Abstain from anything related to grapes and alcohol

Abstain from cutting ones hair

Abstain from Dead bodies

Strongman weak faith

Samson had faith in what God gave him, not God. We do this.

God’s spirit doesn’t endorse Samson evil, he works with it for a community who stopped seeking him.

He allows his hair to be cut on the God he was worshiping.

Samson doesn’t care for the Israelites, His Family, or God law - Yet he has faith that God will give him strength.

Yet God doesn’t hold it against Him - He has consequences, but is once more empowered for God to save the community. God can do more through him than he can do alone (with the gift God gave him) all of his life.

God knows he isn’t getting it right but uses him anyway

Maybe you have lived or know someone who has lived a narcissistic, or an addict life. Know that God can work out his intentions through them.

Even in spite of our decisions God works through us.

How much faith does it take? Not much.

He does’t realize what God called him to or for:

Gideon - did give God all the credit, or his heart.

Barak - lacked unconditional yes and was indecisive

Samson - Selfishness