Strength Lost and Recovered

Samson is a paradox. Known is for his amazing strength, he is amazingly weak when it comes to morals. He is a man listed in Hebrews 11 who did exploits for God but he squandered great privilege.

One great lesson we need to learn from Samson is that former victories do not ensure future victories. He knew great empowerment by the Holy Spirit but the Lord withdrew that Sprit for his sin.
All of us stand in desperate need for the power of God is our lives. we are in a fight whether we like it or not. There is a roaring lion. We need wisdom and strength from on high.

We can't afford to do what Samson did and lapse into a spritually weakended state. We see height a man of God can soar and depths he can sin.

Strength Lost and Recovered

(1) The source of his strength

• It was not from himself
• It was the presense of God in his life
• Four ways the Sprit influences: regeneration (one time nonrepeatable act of the Spirit), indwelling (continual abiding presense of the Spirit, repeatable), filling (under his influence for living godly), empowerment (to do specific works - this is what Samson lost)

(2) The loss of his strength

• reasons for the loss
  He failed to guard his heart (overcome by lust).
  He trifled with sin (tells Delilah the source of his strength).
  He forgot his purpose in life (to deliver God's people out of oppression).
  He boasted in his self-sufficiency.(16:20)
• results of the loss
  lost freedom - tied to a millstone
  lost sight - eyes put out
  lost his testimony - his name was used to glorify a false god

(3) The recovery of his strength his prayer shows path to recovery (16:28)

• humility
• consecration