YOUTHS STS LESSON 176: THE RISE AND FALL OF SAMSON
Text: Judges 13:1–25; 14:1–20; 15:1–20; 16:1–31
Memory Verse: “For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines” (Judges 13:5).
The Almighty God specialises in changing negative situations into positive ones through the manifestation of His infinite power. Faith in Him and His word is the bridge that connects you with His unchanging power to change your negative situations.
The family of Manoah was faced with the challenge of barrenness. Yet, in God’s miraculous power, He intervened in order to fulfil His promise: “There shall nothing cast their young, nor be barren, in thy land: the number of thy days I will fulfil” (Exodus 23:26).
Challenges Facing Youths Today
Question 1: What are some challenges facing youths today?
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19).
Some of the challenges facing youths today include:
- Receiving and keeping spiritual experiences
- Maintaining healthy lifestyles
- Gaining admission into higher institutions
- Paying school fees
- Passing examinations
- Overcoming temptations
- Frequent sicknesses
There is no problem to which God cannot provide a solution. Believe His word and you will receive your miracle.
Samson’s Miraculous Birth
References: Judges 13:1–25; Luke 1:5–7,13–16,23–25,57–64; Romans 4:24–25; 8:32
The Israelites had repeatedly backslidden despite God’s mercies—crossing the Red Sea, eating manna, drinking water from the rock, and experiencing many victories. Yet they forgot God.
Manoah and his wife were childless, a challenge that drove them to prayer. Manoah prayed earnestly for God to send His angel again, and God responded. This teaches that purposeful and persevering prayer is the solution to all problems.
Question 2: What are the steps to effective praying?
“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Steps include:
- Be a genuine child of God (2 Corinthians 6:14–18)
- Live righteously
- Exercise constant faith (Hebrews 11:6)
- Know God’s word and promises (1 Corinthians 1:20)
- Pray according to His will (1 John 5:14–15)
- Live in obedience (1 John 3:21–22)
- Pray in Jesus’ name (John 14:13; Acts 4:12)
Question 3: What kind of offering does the Lord expect from His children?
The Lord expects:
- Sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15)
- A holy life (1 Peter 2:5)
- Prayer and supplication (Jeremiah 33:3)
- Tithes and offerings (Malachi 3:8–12)
- Preaching of the gospel (Judges 5:2; 2 Samuel 24:24)
Samson’s Inordinate Affection
References: Judges 14:1–20; 15:1–20; Deuteronomy 7:3; 2 Corinthians 6:14–18; Hebrews 13:4
Despite God’s command not to intermarry with the Canaanites (Deuteronomy 7:3), Samson desired a Philistine wife.
Question 4: What led Samson to desire a wife from the Philistines?
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
Samson, ignoring parental counsel, mingled with the Philistines and fell in love. His disobedience led to betrayal and disappointment. He eventually sought God in humility when he was thirsty, showing that even in weakness, God hears the prayers of His children.
Samson’s Lust and Fall
References: Judges 16:1–31; Genesis 3:1–6; 2 Samuel 11:2–5; James 1:13–15
Samson fell into immorality with a harlot in Gaza and later with Delilah. His weakness was lust, which led him to reveal the secret of his strength.
Question 5: What is laxity?
Laxity is lack of strictness or carefulness. Samson’s laxity led him to remain with Delilah, who persistently sought to know his secret. Eventually, he revealed all, and his consecration as a Nazarite was broken.
Samson’s hair, a symbol of his vow, was cut, and he lost his strength and divine support. Yet, after repentance, his hair grew again, symbolising God’s mercy and restoration. In his final act, Samson prayed, and God granted him victory over the Philistines in his death.
Lessons from Samson’s Final Exploits and Death
Question 6: What do you learn from Samson’s final exploits and death?
Christian youths can learn that:
- Every believer is prone to temptations (Matthew 26:41)
- Greater spiritual strength often brings greater temptations (John 16:1–3)
- Never give room to the tempter (Proverbs 1:10)
- Repent immediately after sin and consecrate afresh to God
- Do not dwell on past sins—look ahead to God’s blessings
- Consecrate your life fully to God (Acts 20:24)
- God enables the forgiven to do great exploits (Daniel 11:32)
Conclusion
The story of Samson is both inspiring and cautionary. His miraculous birth, great strength, and victories remind us of God’s power and purpose in our lives. Yet, his downfall through disobedience and lust warns us to stay consecrated, prayerful, and obedient to God. Youths today must learn from Samson’s mistakes and cling to God’s grace for strength, holiness, and victory over temptation.
