Sermon Tone Analysis

In this series, called Fudge Factors, we are considering the truth about lies… and the factors that shape and influence our tendency and temptations to be dishonest.

A fudge factor is a place we misbehave but are still able to see ourselves as basically good people.

Two weeks ago we considered the fudge factor of doing what others do… last week we spent time with the fudge factor of conflict of interest...

Today we look at the fudge factor of SOCIAL NORMS.

In just a moment I’m going to show you a clip on how social norms shapes our fudge factors, but before I show you that clip and Dr. Ariely’s research, I want to offer a quick introduction to the Biblical character of focus this morning: SAMSON.

Samson’s Social Norm — He was a Nazarite.

is where Samson’s story is found.

The Nazarite Vow included three core components found in if you want to check it out.

The desire was to separate themselves to the Lord by:

Shall not drink wine nor strong drink.

No razor shall touch their head.

Shall not go near any dead body — animal or person.

As a Nazarite, these were Samson’s vows — these were Samson’s SOCIAL NORMS.

After the clip, we will consider how social norms effected Samson’s life… and how they effect our own.

SOCIAL NORMS CLIP — Dishonesty

The social norm conflict in Erika’s story isn’t unusual or unique.

The pressures and isolations of her life converge… her husband is busy, absent, distant, and not vigilant...

So… she goes to her Mom and says “I think I’m going to find someone else...”

Her Dad… friend… best friend… teammate… neighbor...

They are all going to offer the social norm — “don’t do it.”

So, she heads to a different Social… and finds a new norm.

“Life is short.

Have an affair.”

Noel Biderman — founder, and former CEO — believes Ashley Madison — which is free for women and $49 per month for men — actually helps strengthen marriages.

When our social norms shift… it increases our tendency toward cheating and dishonesty.

We return now to the story of our Nazarite, Samson.

Remember:

No touching dead bodies

No drinking wine

No cutting the hair

Story of the killing of the lion… and getting the honey

Dishonesty by omission.

If he had said to his folks “know where I got the honey” they would have said.....? Right.

So he bucks the social norm and says nothing.

Did he drink wine?

Some interpret this as a bachelor party that would undoubtedly have included drinking strong drink — but it doesn’t say that directly.

What we do know, directly, is that his hair was cut at the hands of Delilah.

Lie 1 to Delilah — “bind me with 7 fresh bow strings”

Lie 2 to Delilah — “bind me with new ropes never used”

Lie 3 to Delilah — “weave the seven locks of my head with the web and fasten it tight with the pin...”

Notice how on the inside of you, you are cringing that he told the truth…?

Judges 16:

Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of Darkness

FLESH/LAW… SPIRIT/LIFE

Walking and working by the SOCIAL NORMS of the flesh and the law...

Galatians 5:16-

Walking and working by the SOCIAL NORMS of SPIRIT/LIFE:

GALATIANS 5:22-

SBC and EFCA — social norms