CONVERSATION STARTERS

1. Read Judges 16:23–31.

2. Samson’s story shows a slow drift — wrong places, wrong people, hiding who he really is. Where do you notice subtle “drifts” in your own life that pull you away from who God is calling you to be? What spiritual practices might help us to stay the course?

3. Samson’s life raises the question, “What if I fail?” Can you share a moment when your own choices left you feeling exposed, humbled, or at the end of yourself — How do you think God viewed you in those moments?

4. Samson eventually reaches a point where his strength is gone, his eyes are gone, and his illusions are gone. Even after his failures, God remained faithful and heard his final prayer. When have you experienced God meeting you with grace at a moment when you least deserved it or least expected it?

5. Samson’s redemption wasn’t about his strength but about being with God. What is one concrete step you can take this week to stay “yoked” to God (Mt 11:28) — especially in an area where you’re prone to wander or rely on your own strength?

Title: Samson
Reference: Judges 16:4–21
Speaker: Gabe Coyle, GabeC@cckc.church

– Even in the worst, God is still working.

The point is not that all these individuals have attained a "hall of fame" level of faith, but that all, even to the smallest degree, manifested faith. Therefore, the traditional understanding of Samson as a prime example of faith based on Hebrews 11 is founded on a misinterpretation of Hebrews 11 that has been read back into Judges. This is hermeneutically unsound. - Lawson Younger, Judges

How do we maintain hope in the worst?
• Look to the occupied throne of the true King.
• See your “worst” in light of God’s “work”.