WEBVTT 00:00:00.420 --> 00:00:04.219 Amen. Thank you so much, guys in the band, for leading us so far. 00:00:04.299 --> 00:00:08.519 David, thank you so much for reading Judges 16 for us. 00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:11.779 Are we all well? We're okay. Great. 00:00:12.400 --> 00:00:16.140 Samson, what a guy. One thing you can say is his life was not boring. 00:00:17.080 --> 00:00:19.719 And so we excitedly turn to Judges 16 this evening. 00:00:19.820 --> 00:00:22.100 So why don't you have that passage open in front of you? 00:00:22.620 --> 00:00:26.379 And let's pray and let's ask for God's help as we come to his word this evening. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:30.480 Amen. 00:00:34.259 --> 00:00:41.759 And so our loving, heavenly Father and our all-powerful, almighty God in heaven, 00:00:42.280 --> 00:00:47.240 we come before you this evening and we still our hearts before your word, 00:00:48.280 --> 00:00:54.600 recognizing that it is no ordinary book, that, Father, it is your inspired and breathed out word. 00:00:55.019 --> 00:00:59.939 And so, Father, we ask that your spirit would come now, Lord, as these words, 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:02.159 are opened as we think about them. 00:01:02.219 --> 00:01:04.379 And, Father, would you challenge us tonight as your people? 00:01:05.140 --> 00:01:07.099 Would you convict us tonight as your people? 00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:09.560 And would you change us tonight as your people? 00:01:10.019 --> 00:01:14.920 And, Father, this is our prayer because we make it in the powerful and the wonderful name of Jesus. 00:01:15.700 --> 00:01:16.120 Amen. 00:01:16.120 --> 00:01:16.219 Amen. 00:01:18.219 --> 00:01:25.100 So a few weeks ago we had a wonderful family morning out at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street. 00:01:25.219 --> 00:01:27.880 Has anyone been to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery? 00:01:28.520 --> 00:01:29.820 So it's well worth visiting. 00:01:30.040 --> 00:01:31.400 It's an excellent facility. 00:01:31.560 --> 00:01:33.700 We'd never been before as a family. 00:01:33.880 --> 00:01:38.300 Ironically, since we live literally like 30 seconds around the corner, you just never do these things. 00:01:38.360 --> 00:01:41.939 So we went to the Scottish National Portrait Gallery on Queen Street. 00:01:41.939 --> 00:01:43.700 We'd never been before. 00:01:43.780 --> 00:01:44.399 We walked in. 00:01:44.500 --> 00:01:49.060 We spoke to the chap on reception and said, what's worth seeing in this museum? 00:01:49.899 --> 00:01:55.859 And he said, well, if you go up to the third floor, you'll find the portraits of famous Scottish people. 00:01:55.939 --> 00:01:58.299 And we were trying to kill a bit of time and it was raining outside. 00:01:58.379 --> 00:01:59.280 So we thought, why not? 00:01:59.280 --> 00:02:06.259 So in the lift, we got up to the third floor to the gallery of portraits of famous Scottish people. 00:02:06.359 --> 00:02:07.060 The door's open. 00:02:07.780 --> 00:02:10.479 First person you're confronted with, there's Chris Hoy. 00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:12.419 He's got his full gear on. 00:02:12.500 --> 00:02:15.139 He's got his Olympic medals around his neck. 00:02:15.219 --> 00:02:16.479 He's looking macho. 00:02:17.079 --> 00:02:18.819 Somebody's drawn Chris Hoy. 00:02:18.919 --> 00:02:24.019 And we make our way round and then we discover, oh, there's Annie Lennox. 00:02:25.159 --> 00:02:27.780 And we walk around and, oh, there's Ewan McGregor. 00:02:28.479 --> 00:02:31.139 Keep on walking around and there's Billy Connolly. 00:02:32.179 --> 00:02:36.280 Keep walking around and Chloe, my daughter, she looks at one of the paintings. 00:02:36.280 --> 00:02:38.840 And she says, mummy, who's that? 00:02:38.919 --> 00:02:39.860 So my wife is English. 00:02:39.960 --> 00:02:41.280 She said, mummy, who's that on the wall? 00:02:42.000 --> 00:02:43.819 And Alex turned to her and said, I've got no idea. 00:02:43.960 --> 00:02:44.800 She read the plaque. 00:02:45.639 --> 00:02:46.860 Gavin Hastings. 00:02:47.300 --> 00:02:49.139 No idea who Gavin Hastings is. 00:02:50.060 --> 00:02:53.080 I thought to myself, you've got no idea who Gavin Hastings is. 00:02:53.139 --> 00:02:56.780 The only, the most celebrated Scottish rugby player ever to have played the game. 00:02:56.780 --> 00:03:04.680 And so you can understand that this trip turned from being a recreational activity to an educational activity. 00:03:04.979 --> 00:03:09.560 Took it upon myself to educate my family in the realm of famous Scots. 00:03:10.460 --> 00:03:13.479 But here's what I want you to do as we come to this passage this evening. 00:03:13.599 --> 00:03:14.960 I've got two questions for you. 00:03:15.039 --> 00:03:17.319 Here's the first one I want you to imagine in your mind. 00:03:18.420 --> 00:03:24.580 The owner of the gallery comes to you and says, we're looking to set up a new portrait gallery. 00:03:24.580 --> 00:03:27.680 We want to set up a new Christian portrait gallery. 00:03:27.800 --> 00:03:30.600 We want to find the faces of faith. 00:03:31.700 --> 00:03:34.439 Those heroes of the Christian faith. 00:03:34.540 --> 00:03:37.760 We want you to think of people to put in that gallery. 00:03:39.140 --> 00:03:40.180 So who would you think of? 00:03:41.740 --> 00:03:42.820 Who would you think of? 00:03:42.920 --> 00:03:44.300 What faces are coming to mind? 00:03:45.680 --> 00:03:47.700 Here's the second question as we begin this evening. 00:03:49.080 --> 00:03:50.980 As we come to Judges chapter 16. 00:03:51.840 --> 00:03:53.080 Would Samson be there? 00:03:54.580 --> 00:03:55.840 Would Samson be there? 00:03:56.960 --> 00:04:00.280 This man we've met him over the past few weeks. 00:04:00.840 --> 00:04:03.080 This man who had a quite spectacular start. 00:04:04.460 --> 00:04:09.740 This man whose birth, remember the angel announced to his parents that this boy was going to be born. 00:04:10.520 --> 00:04:15.180 And he was going to be called by God to be set apart for him. 00:04:15.520 --> 00:04:18.939 God pronounced over his life that he was going to be a Nazarite from birth. 00:04:18.939 --> 00:04:24.199 He was going to be the one who would begin to save God's people from their enemies. 00:04:25.300 --> 00:04:29.920 And this was the man who, if you remember, that God's spirit was stirring into action. 00:04:30.060 --> 00:04:30.899 This was Samson. 00:04:30.899 --> 00:04:37.679 But the man with a quite spectacular start turned out to be the man with a quite unspectacular life. 00:04:38.819 --> 00:04:41.459 He's a man with a soft spot for a woman. 00:04:42.579 --> 00:04:47.199 He's a man who was unconcerned about keeping his Nazarite vows. 00:04:48.079 --> 00:04:49.159 He's a man with a temper. 00:04:51.819 --> 00:04:55.079 Would you have Samson's picture in the Christian Hall of Fame? 00:04:55.079 --> 00:04:59.819 We'll come with me to chapter 16 of Judges. 00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:04.699 Now we spent last week thinking about the birth and the life of this man, Samson. 00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:07.979 Well this week we're going to think about his life and his death. 00:05:09.180 --> 00:05:12.439 So the question is, what kind of man will Samson turn out to be? 00:05:13.599 --> 00:05:15.979 Would you have Samson in your Christian Hall of Fame? 00:05:17.539 --> 00:05:18.079 Well here we go. 00:05:18.180 --> 00:05:20.620 This is verses 1 to 3 of chapter 16. 00:05:20.620 --> 00:05:23.259 We meet Samson, the distracted man. 00:05:25.079 --> 00:05:27.699 We pick up the story of verse 1 of Samson. 00:05:27.859 --> 00:05:29.519 He's going to Gaza. 00:05:30.800 --> 00:05:35.019 And again we see in his life the same old destructive pattern that we've seen time and time again. 00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:36.419 That Samson sees this woman. 00:05:37.479 --> 00:05:42.699 And Samson, not being driven by love, but rather being driven by his passions. 00:05:43.360 --> 00:05:46.579 And being steered by wanting what his eyes fancy. 00:05:46.899 --> 00:05:48.000 He must have this woman. 00:05:49.279 --> 00:05:50.699 And he spends the night with this woman. 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:53.860 And this is blatant sin. 00:05:54.579 --> 00:05:56.920 And this is blatant disobedience from Samson. 00:05:58.099 --> 00:06:04.000 We get the sense that Samson has stopped caring about anyone else other than himself. 00:06:05.420 --> 00:06:06.500 Here is Samson. 00:06:07.519 --> 00:06:15.240 Well word gets around the people of Gaza that Samson, the most wanted man in town, is in town. 00:06:15.240 --> 00:06:19.579 Samson rises and he makes his stand. 00:06:19.680 --> 00:06:20.100 Do you see it? 00:06:20.120 --> 00:06:24.420 By ripping out the doors of the city gates, he exposes the city to danger. 00:06:25.379 --> 00:06:29.240 And he carries those gates to the top of the hill in Hebron. 00:06:30.300 --> 00:06:33.439 Now you have to say as we read that, it's a bit bizarre. 00:06:34.400 --> 00:06:37.160 As my mum always used to say, it's a bit OTT. 00:06:37.460 --> 00:06:37.720 Is it not? 00:06:37.740 --> 00:06:38.720 It's a bit over the top. 00:06:38.860 --> 00:06:41.920 Samson drags these bars to the top of the hill. 00:06:41.920 --> 00:06:48.680 And I think as the reader, we're meant to get the impression that Samson at this point is a man who is utterly out of control. 00:06:50.160 --> 00:06:51.220 Utterly out of control. 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:53.640 His high calling in life. 00:06:53.699 --> 00:06:59.500 Remember his calling that God had placed on his life that we met a few chapters ago. 00:06:59.980 --> 00:07:03.280 Seemingly resigned to the what could have been archives. 00:07:04.040 --> 00:07:05.120 He's a careless man. 00:07:05.860 --> 00:07:07.100 Why is he a careless man? 00:07:07.100 --> 00:07:10.840 Because he couldn't care less about his actions. 00:07:11.760 --> 00:07:14.460 Couldn't care less about the consequences. 00:07:15.320 --> 00:07:24.140 And most of all, he couldn't care less about honoring the God who has called him to himself, who set him apart and asked him to live a life of devotion to him. 00:07:24.480 --> 00:07:25.580 Samson couldn't care less. 00:07:27.200 --> 00:07:29.140 So this is Samson, the distracted man. 00:07:30.420 --> 00:07:31.660 It's in the meeting in verses 1 to 3. 00:07:32.220 --> 00:07:34.340 Would you have Samson in your Christian Hall of Fame? 00:07:34.339 --> 00:07:37.099 Let's continue on. 00:07:37.759 --> 00:07:42.060 Verses 4 to 22 of chapter 16, we meet Samson, the besotted man. 00:07:42.879 --> 00:07:44.639 And here we meet Delilah. 00:07:45.959 --> 00:07:49.879 Notice a few details at verses 4 and 5 about her. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:51.139 Where does Samson meet her? 00:07:52.079 --> 00:07:53.599 The Valley of Sorek. 00:07:53.839 --> 00:07:58.459 Now the Hebrew word there, connotations, it means the Valley of Choice Wine. 00:07:58.579 --> 00:08:01.139 That's what the Valley of Sorek means. 00:08:01.259 --> 00:08:02.699 The Valley of Choice Wine. 00:08:02.699 --> 00:08:06.779 So there's grape and there's wine, connotations in that name. 00:08:07.819 --> 00:08:10.879 The author again causing alarm bells to go off in her minds. 00:08:12.219 --> 00:08:14.139 That this is not a smart move from Samson. 00:08:14.879 --> 00:08:17.639 This is not something he should be meddling with. 00:08:18.939 --> 00:08:20.759 But Samson goes to the Valley of Sorek. 00:08:20.879 --> 00:08:21.860 There he is. 00:08:22.360 --> 00:08:23.360 That's where she is. 00:08:23.620 --> 00:08:24.899 And who comes to Delilah? 00:08:24.899 --> 00:08:27.739 The lords of the Philistines. 00:08:28.879 --> 00:08:30.419 So Samson is an enemy. 00:08:31.219 --> 00:08:33.720 But he's become the people's enemy. 00:08:34.439 --> 00:08:38.519 So the top of the Philistine tree, they want him dead. 00:08:39.519 --> 00:08:40.419 You can imagine it. 00:08:40.480 --> 00:08:47.279 Throughout Philistine outposts where the Philistines live, there are wanted posters plastered all over those places. 00:08:47.279 --> 00:08:49.279 Samson's face on them. 00:08:49.419 --> 00:08:50.679 We want this man dead. 00:08:50.819 --> 00:08:51.259 Wanted. 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:51.980 Underneath. 00:08:52.819 --> 00:08:53.679 Reward of found. 00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:56.500 Samson's a wanted man. 00:08:57.819 --> 00:08:58.659 How are they going to get him? 00:08:59.720 --> 00:09:01.459 Well, they're going to exploit his weakness. 00:09:02.740 --> 00:09:03.519 Where is his weakness? 00:09:04.639 --> 00:09:06.799 In his eye for a beautiful woman. 00:09:06.799 --> 00:09:09.079 Delilah's up for the job. 00:09:10.199 --> 00:09:14.559 Each of them, do you notice, will give her 1,100 pieces of silver. 00:09:15.500 --> 00:09:19.079 So clearly there's some serious money to be made for Delilah here. 00:09:19.819 --> 00:09:21.519 This would likely set her up for life. 00:09:22.539 --> 00:09:26.779 Not only that, but if you imagine in her mind, she will go down in folklore. 00:09:27.379 --> 00:09:32.159 She will go down in history as the one who was able to take down the macho man. 00:09:33.839 --> 00:09:35.279 She'll be a Philistine legend. 00:09:35.279 --> 00:09:39.059 She won't have to pay for a drink again in her life. 00:09:39.819 --> 00:09:44.059 And all that she needs to do is get Samson to talk. 00:09:46.100 --> 00:09:49.919 Interesting to note why the Philistines want to take him down, notice in the passage. 00:09:50.259 --> 00:09:52.720 Because they want to humble him. 00:09:54.620 --> 00:09:58.059 And you must say, as the reader, from what we've seen of Samson so far, 00:09:58.819 --> 00:10:02.659 that we'd be forgiven for kind of wishing that on Samson ourselves. 00:10:02.659 --> 00:10:06.659 So Delilah sets about getting him to talk. 00:10:07.480 --> 00:10:10.039 And you have to say, you might have noticed it as we read it through, 00:10:10.659 --> 00:10:13.579 that she's not exactly subtle about her intentions. 00:10:15.100 --> 00:10:19.079 Again, she's playing off against Samson's love of a challenge. 00:10:19.699 --> 00:10:22.039 Three times you notice it, she attempts to break him. 00:10:23.240 --> 00:10:24.439 Samson, what's your secret? 00:10:24.639 --> 00:10:26.019 Samson responds three times. 00:10:26.019 --> 00:10:27.199 Samson, verse 7. 00:10:28.279 --> 00:10:29.019 What does he tell her? 00:10:29.079 --> 00:10:29.539 Bow strings. 00:10:30.679 --> 00:10:31.620 What happens next? 00:10:31.939 --> 00:10:33.600 The Philistines are upon you, Samson. 00:10:34.600 --> 00:10:35.699 Is it bow strings? 00:10:36.480 --> 00:10:37.399 It's not bow strings. 00:10:37.899 --> 00:10:38.600 Samson wins. 00:10:40.699 --> 00:10:41.779 Samson, what's your secret? 00:10:41.899 --> 00:10:43.120 Verse 11, here's round two. 00:10:43.240 --> 00:10:43.799 New ropes. 00:10:44.799 --> 00:10:46.519 The Philistines are upon you, Samson. 00:10:46.759 --> 00:10:47.779 Is it new ropes? 00:10:48.600 --> 00:10:49.360 It's not new ropes. 00:10:50.360 --> 00:10:51.139 Samson wins again. 00:10:51.139 --> 00:10:54.159 She goes for it the third time. 00:10:54.559 --> 00:10:55.019 Do you see it? 00:10:55.399 --> 00:10:56.519 Do you see the tension building? 00:10:59.080 --> 00:11:01.199 Verse 13, weave my hair together. 00:11:02.299 --> 00:11:05.379 Do you notice Samson's allowing her to get a little bit closer to the truth? 00:11:06.399 --> 00:11:07.360 Weave my hair together. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:10.139 Philistines are upon you, Samson. 00:11:10.960 --> 00:11:12.220 Is it weaving hair? 00:11:12.819 --> 00:11:13.939 No, it's not weaving hair. 00:11:14.399 --> 00:11:16.399 Round three, Samson wins again. 00:11:17.399 --> 00:11:19.659 But here's the question that I'm asking as a reader. 00:11:20.939 --> 00:11:22.179 I'm reading this account. 00:11:22.919 --> 00:11:26.819 And the question I'm asking in my mind is not, why, why, why, Delilah? 00:11:28.319 --> 00:11:30.279 Because I know, why, why, why, Delilah? 00:11:30.399 --> 00:11:32.220 Because Delilah's all about the money, money, money. 00:11:33.860 --> 00:11:37.039 The question is not, why, why, why, Delilah? 00:11:37.799 --> 00:11:41.100 The question, surely, is, why, why, why, Samson? 00:11:41.100 --> 00:11:46.100 Why has he not clicked by now what she's up to? 00:11:46.820 --> 00:11:52.360 Fair enough, after round one, you might give her the benefit of the doubt that she made a massive misjudgment of error. 00:11:52.500 --> 00:11:55.740 She made a huge mistake and she's picked a fight with the wrong guy. 00:11:56.040 --> 00:12:03.300 But after round three, Samson, call me cynical, but I'm beginning to think she's just not that into you. 00:12:03.299 --> 00:12:08.839 As Tom Jones sang all those years ago, and you knew he was coming, didn't you? 00:12:10.259 --> 00:12:16.740 I could see that girl was no good for me, but I was lost like a slave that no man could free. 00:12:18.120 --> 00:12:19.219 Profound Mr. Jones. 00:12:20.500 --> 00:12:22.019 So will Samson read the signs? 00:12:22.819 --> 00:12:23.839 Will he read the signs? 00:12:23.939 --> 00:12:25.399 Will he wake up and smell the coffee? 00:12:26.500 --> 00:12:31.819 Will this be the chance for one of those, Delilah, this really isn't working out, can we just be friends kind of chance? 00:12:31.820 --> 00:12:33.660 Verse 15. 00:12:33.760 --> 00:12:35.120 Will Samson learn his lesson? 00:12:35.240 --> 00:12:35.900 Verse 15. 00:12:36.980 --> 00:12:37.660 No, he won't. 00:12:39.360 --> 00:12:40.760 And you have to hand it to Delilah. 00:12:41.620 --> 00:12:42.680 She's very persistent. 00:12:43.940 --> 00:12:46.640 And cool and calculated, she begins to turn up the heat. 00:12:47.500 --> 00:12:50.240 And I'm sure she begins to turn on the waterworks as well. 00:12:51.200 --> 00:12:54.560 Samson, how can you say you love me when your heart is not with me? 00:12:54.620 --> 00:12:55.140 I mean, she's good. 00:12:56.480 --> 00:12:58.600 But as a reader, are you not thinking? 00:12:59.860 --> 00:13:01.360 Samson, come on. 00:13:01.820 --> 00:13:04.340 Why not turn and put it back on her? 00:13:04.740 --> 00:13:10.800 How can you say that you love me when every time I tell you a secret, I wake up and there's a Philistine on me? 00:13:12.360 --> 00:13:13.879 But Samson doesn't say that. 00:13:14.920 --> 00:13:18.600 And I think here is what we're supposed to sense as the readers. 00:13:18.600 --> 00:13:21.820 Samson is a besotted man. 00:13:22.519 --> 00:13:26.980 Not so much in love with Delilah as he is in love with himself. 00:13:28.180 --> 00:13:32.180 And Samson has convinced himself that he is almost bulletproof. 00:13:32.179 --> 00:13:36.500 Now, verse 16, Delilah presses him hard. 00:13:37.539 --> 00:13:40.039 I love how the author conveys that to us. 00:13:40.779 --> 00:13:43.079 If you've got an ESV there, it says, 00:13:43.199 --> 00:13:46.139 Until his soul was vexed to death. 00:13:46.859 --> 00:13:48.419 Now that is some serious nagging. 00:13:48.419 --> 00:13:52.839 Tragically, we read verse 17 that he told her. 00:13:53.819 --> 00:13:54.839 What did he tell her? 00:13:56.939 --> 00:13:59.939 He told her all that was in his heart. 00:13:59.940 --> 00:14:02.960 My hair is shaved. 00:14:03.060 --> 00:14:04.420 My Nazarite vow will be broken. 00:14:04.600 --> 00:14:06.900 My strength will leave me and I'll become like any other man. 00:14:06.940 --> 00:14:07.800 That's what he tells her. 00:14:09.400 --> 00:14:12.000 And interesting to reflect on what Samson reveals there. 00:14:13.100 --> 00:14:15.180 Was it his hair that gave him his strength? 00:14:16.079 --> 00:14:17.979 It wasn't his hair that gave him the strength. 00:14:18.339 --> 00:14:19.979 It was the Lord that gave him the strength. 00:14:20.579 --> 00:14:23.459 So easy to miss that little detail in it, isn't it? 00:14:23.579 --> 00:14:24.199 In the narrative. 00:14:25.699 --> 00:14:29.639 But with the cutting of his hair goes the keeping of the third of those Nazarite vows. 00:14:30.379 --> 00:14:30.899 No wine. 00:14:31.620 --> 00:14:32.899 Touch no unclean thing. 00:14:33.259 --> 00:14:34.479 No razor on your head. 00:14:35.120 --> 00:14:37.419 Now Samson has broken numbers one and two last week. 00:14:37.919 --> 00:14:39.740 And here he is breaking number three this week. 00:14:40.919 --> 00:14:41.859 And verse 20. 00:14:42.979 --> 00:14:44.359 The recurring phrase. 00:14:44.360 --> 00:14:46.600 The Philistines are upon you Samson. 00:14:47.480 --> 00:14:48.700 Only this time. 00:14:49.060 --> 00:14:50.080 It's the real deal. 00:14:51.419 --> 00:14:53.519 Samson tries the same trick again. 00:14:53.620 --> 00:14:55.060 Thinking that he can defend himself. 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:56.779 But here at verse 20. 00:14:57.360 --> 00:14:59.860 We're invited to play a game of spot the difference. 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:04.860 What's the difference between this time and the previous three times? 00:15:06.060 --> 00:15:06.860 Verse 20. 00:15:08.279 --> 00:15:09.560 That he did not know. 00:15:10.279 --> 00:15:12.539 That the Lord had left him. 00:15:12.539 --> 00:15:16.839 Now that is the chilling truth for Samson in these verses. 00:15:17.839 --> 00:15:20.719 Because he is presumed on the presence of God with him. 00:15:21.059 --> 00:15:24.279 Despite his constant ignorance of him. 00:15:25.779 --> 00:15:28.179 And here as it were is God saying Samson. 00:15:29.219 --> 00:15:30.079 Enough is enough. 00:15:31.879 --> 00:15:32.879 Enough is enough. 00:15:33.379 --> 00:15:35.740 I will not continue to have you mock me. 00:15:35.740 --> 00:15:38.840 I will not continue to be presumed upon. 00:15:39.799 --> 00:15:42.159 Enough is enough. 00:15:43.659 --> 00:15:46.879 That is the chilling truth that Samson has to face up to here. 00:15:46.879 --> 00:15:53.600 And I think it's the chilling truth for the first Israelite readers of Samson's story. 00:15:54.480 --> 00:15:56.240 That they've got to face up to as well. 00:15:57.740 --> 00:15:59.879 Now I don't know how many mirrors you have in your house. 00:16:00.980 --> 00:16:02.580 We live in a two bed flat. 00:16:02.700 --> 00:16:04.100 But we have four mirrors. 00:16:05.019 --> 00:16:06.000 One in the living room. 00:16:06.120 --> 00:16:06.840 Two in the bedroom. 00:16:07.120 --> 00:16:07.779 One in the bathroom. 00:16:07.860 --> 00:16:08.759 And one just at the front door. 00:16:08.799 --> 00:16:09.580 That's even five. 00:16:09.580 --> 00:16:13.580 A lot of mirrors. 00:16:14.420 --> 00:16:16.340 But the last thing before I do every morning. 00:16:16.440 --> 00:16:18.500 Is I look in the mirror that's right beside our door. 00:16:19.940 --> 00:16:21.220 And I look in that mirror. 00:16:21.920 --> 00:16:24.460 And I make the change that I need to make. 00:16:25.940 --> 00:16:28.180 Well here as we look at Samson. 00:16:28.860 --> 00:16:31.860 Here is a mirror that invites us as the reader. 00:16:32.220 --> 00:16:33.420 To make the change. 00:16:34.720 --> 00:16:37.040 They are meant to that as the first readers. 00:16:37.040 --> 00:16:38.140 To look at Samson. 00:16:38.280 --> 00:16:39.240 To look at his story. 00:16:39.580 --> 00:16:41.540 And see themselves. 00:16:42.660 --> 00:16:43.920 And heed the warning. 00:16:44.560 --> 00:16:46.000 And make the change. 00:16:46.920 --> 00:16:49.879 To not presume on God's presence with them. 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:53.740 To not presume on God's kindness. 00:16:54.520 --> 00:16:57.639 To not presume on the grace of God. 00:16:57.860 --> 00:17:00.040 To not presume on his forgiveness. 00:17:02.080 --> 00:17:04.579 And Samson's story still speaks today. 00:17:06.059 --> 00:17:07.160 Let me ask you. 00:17:07.360 --> 00:17:08.579 Ask us this evening. 00:17:08.579 --> 00:17:10.279 Are some of us here. 00:17:10.339 --> 00:17:12.039 And we're presuming on God's grace. 00:17:12.799 --> 00:17:15.419 Are we presuming on his kindness. 00:17:16.419 --> 00:17:18.199 Are we giving him lip service. 00:17:18.639 --> 00:17:21.159 Are we giving him token religious gestures. 00:17:21.379 --> 00:17:22.119 But privately. 00:17:22.119 --> 00:17:23.359 If you were to dig around. 00:17:23.720 --> 00:17:26.179 Our lives actually tell a very different story. 00:17:26.419 --> 00:17:28.119 As to what's really going on in our hearts. 00:17:28.119 --> 00:17:30.459 Samson's story. 00:17:30.459 --> 00:17:32.259 Samson's story. 00:17:32.899 --> 00:17:33.699 Samson's downfall. 00:17:33.899 --> 00:17:35.319 Invites us to look at him. 00:17:35.719 --> 00:17:36.359 See the mirror. 00:17:36.859 --> 00:17:37.799 And ask ourselves. 00:17:38.919 --> 00:17:40.179 And heed the warning. 00:17:40.619 --> 00:17:42.559 Not to push God to the point. 00:17:42.659 --> 00:17:44.439 Where he has to say enough is enough. 00:17:46.199 --> 00:17:47.599 God will not be mocked. 00:17:47.599 --> 00:17:52.059 God will humble if he needs to. 00:17:53.359 --> 00:17:53.819 Samson. 00:17:55.139 --> 00:17:56.199 Enough is enough. 00:17:58.019 --> 00:17:58.839 Justin Taylor. 00:17:59.299 --> 00:18:00.399 A Christian blogger. 00:18:00.439 --> 00:18:00.980 Writes this. 00:18:01.119 --> 00:18:03.639 The church should be a safe place for sinners. 00:18:04.359 --> 00:18:06.379 Without being a safe place for sin. 00:18:06.380 --> 00:18:10.440 Back in the narrative. 00:18:10.600 --> 00:18:11.280 Verse 21. 00:18:11.860 --> 00:18:12.940 Samson is captured. 00:18:14.560 --> 00:18:15.800 His eyes are gouged out. 00:18:16.800 --> 00:18:17.560 He's bound. 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:19.520 And he's thrown into a Philistine prison. 00:18:19.640 --> 00:18:20.700 And he's put to task. 00:18:21.060 --> 00:18:22.140 To grind the mill. 00:18:23.100 --> 00:18:24.580 And what we're supposed to see. 00:18:24.760 --> 00:18:25.480 As the readers. 00:18:25.680 --> 00:18:26.500 Is that this hero. 00:18:26.800 --> 00:18:28.700 Has well and truly hit zero. 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.480 So would you put. 00:18:32.900 --> 00:18:34.720 Samson's picture in the Christian Hall of Fame. 00:18:35.740 --> 00:18:35.940 Yeah. 00:18:37.240 --> 00:18:38.160 Well in verses. 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:40.480 23 to 27 of chapter 16. 00:18:40.600 --> 00:18:41.180 We meet Samson. 00:18:41.260 --> 00:18:42.040 The humbled man. 00:18:43.240 --> 00:18:43.920 The Philistines. 00:18:44.120 --> 00:18:44.980 They gather together. 00:18:45.600 --> 00:18:46.940 And they celebrate. 00:18:47.460 --> 00:18:49.440 The capture of this man. 00:18:50.060 --> 00:18:52.200 Now notice why they celebrate in the text. 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:53.780 Because they've captured Samson. 00:18:53.940 --> 00:18:55.840 Yes they celebrate because they've captured Samson. 00:18:55.920 --> 00:18:57.800 But there's another reason that the author gives us. 00:18:58.900 --> 00:19:01.140 The Philistines see the capturing of Samson. 00:19:01.280 --> 00:19:01.900 As testament. 00:19:02.400 --> 00:19:04.080 To the mighty power of their God. 00:19:04.340 --> 00:19:04.660 Dagon. 00:19:04.660 --> 00:19:07.019 This Philistine God. 00:19:07.720 --> 00:19:09.759 Look how the author conveys it to us. 00:19:09.820 --> 00:19:10.680 Verse 23. 00:19:11.820 --> 00:19:12.940 Our God has given. 00:19:14.180 --> 00:19:15.080 Verse 24. 00:19:15.259 --> 00:19:16.800 They praised their God. 00:19:17.120 --> 00:19:17.400 Why? 00:19:17.880 --> 00:19:20.080 Because our God has given. 00:19:20.180 --> 00:19:21.540 We're under no illusions as a reader. 00:19:21.680 --> 00:19:24.300 That this is how they view this victory. 00:19:24.299 --> 00:19:27.339 They reckon. 00:19:27.339 --> 00:19:27.359 They reckon. 00:19:28.399 --> 00:19:28.839 That Dagon. 00:19:29.359 --> 00:19:30.279 Has triumphed. 00:19:30.279 --> 00:19:31.579 Over Israel's God. 00:19:31.839 --> 00:19:32.180 Yahweh. 00:19:33.460 --> 00:19:35.059 And the feast goes on into the night. 00:19:35.899 --> 00:19:36.759 Spirits are merry. 00:19:37.619 --> 00:19:38.139 Understandably. 00:19:38.140 --> 00:19:39.640 Some people think. 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:41.220 Let's get our spoil out. 00:19:41.620 --> 00:19:42.759 And let's get them to dance. 00:19:43.700 --> 00:19:44.200 Do you see it? 00:19:44.280 --> 00:19:45.520 We're specifically told. 00:19:45.800 --> 00:19:47.160 That they asked Samson out. 00:19:47.540 --> 00:19:48.700 To dance and sing. 00:19:48.920 --> 00:19:50.440 We're specifically told twice. 00:19:50.560 --> 00:19:52.100 That Samson entertained them. 00:19:52.180 --> 00:19:52.759 What are they doing? 00:19:52.820 --> 00:19:53.600 They're mocking them. 00:19:54.540 --> 00:19:55.700 They're taunting them. 00:19:57.300 --> 00:19:58.420 Who's at this party? 00:19:58.520 --> 00:19:59.240 Verse 27. 00:19:59.340 --> 00:20:00.640 The lords of the Philistines. 00:20:01.100 --> 00:20:02.540 3,000 men and women. 00:20:02.740 --> 00:20:03.640 In and around the vicinity. 00:20:03.820 --> 00:20:04.840 This is a big party. 00:20:05.500 --> 00:20:06.400 A big party. 00:20:06.960 --> 00:20:07.720 And Samson. 00:20:07.920 --> 00:20:09.320 Is the headline act. 00:20:10.960 --> 00:20:12.020 So picture Samson. 00:20:12.120 --> 00:20:12.820 There he is. 00:20:12.920 --> 00:20:13.560 With his eyes. 00:20:13.920 --> 00:20:14.600 Gouged out. 00:20:15.660 --> 00:20:17.120 Paraded in front of all these people. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:18.500 Asked to entertain them. 00:20:20.060 --> 00:20:21.560 Samson has well and truly been humbled. 00:20:23.860 --> 00:20:25.840 And the question we have to ask his readers is. 00:20:26.200 --> 00:20:27.360 Is this how it's going to end. 00:20:27.460 --> 00:20:28.160 For God's servant? 00:20:30.640 --> 00:20:32.500 Will the Lord allow his name. 00:20:33.440 --> 00:20:34.320 And his glory. 00:20:35.200 --> 00:20:36.140 To be made mud. 00:20:36.640 --> 00:20:38.759 By the followers of this pagan God. 00:20:40.860 --> 00:20:41.720 No chance. 00:20:42.840 --> 00:20:46.080 And we read verses 28 to 31 of chapter 16. 00:20:46.160 --> 00:20:47.680 Of Samson the vindicated man. 00:20:48.720 --> 00:20:51.220 Now Samson has been well and truly humbled by the Philistines. 00:20:51.320 --> 00:20:53.100 But I think we need to see more importantly. 00:20:53.600 --> 00:20:56.220 That he's also been humbled by the Lord. 00:20:57.380 --> 00:20:58.620 So what will Samson do? 00:20:59.439 --> 00:21:00.679 Will Samson go out on a whim? 00:21:01.379 --> 00:21:01.719 No. 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:03.459 This humbled man. 00:21:03.579 --> 00:21:05.179 He finally comes to his senses. 00:21:07.000 --> 00:21:09.179 Sometimes a wonderful truth about the Christian life isn't it? 00:21:09.219 --> 00:21:11.839 Sometimes we come to our senses when the Lord humbles us. 00:21:13.299 --> 00:21:14.059 This humbled man. 00:21:14.139 --> 00:21:15.119 He comes to his senses. 00:21:15.819 --> 00:21:17.739 Whereas before he presumed on the Lord. 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:18.719 Now here he is. 00:21:18.959 --> 00:21:20.379 From the depths of his sin. 00:21:20.619 --> 00:21:22.179 In the lowest moment of his life. 00:21:22.479 --> 00:21:23.459 Aware of his failure. 00:21:24.159 --> 00:21:25.179 Calling out to the Lord. 00:21:25.919 --> 00:21:26.679 Praying to God. 00:21:26.680 --> 00:21:27.680 Verse 28. 00:21:28.940 --> 00:21:30.360 Samson calls to the Lord. 00:21:31.620 --> 00:21:32.840 Samson calls to the Lord. 00:21:33.779 --> 00:21:35.240 And so the question we've got to ask. 00:21:36.200 --> 00:21:38.220 Is the Lord going to hear him? 00:21:39.100 --> 00:21:40.200 Will the Lord hear him? 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:41.900 This man. 00:21:42.019 --> 00:21:43.500 Will the Lord listen to this man? 00:21:44.460 --> 00:21:45.860 This womanizer of a man? 00:21:46.700 --> 00:21:48.160 This rebel of a man? 00:21:48.820 --> 00:21:52.000 This man who has tested and tested and tested. 00:21:52.000 --> 00:21:54.160 His patience time and time and time again. 00:21:54.160 --> 00:21:57.160 This man who even at the end of his life notice in the text. 00:21:57.320 --> 00:21:59.080 He still has revenge on his mind. 00:21:59.940 --> 00:22:02.620 Why would this man have any right to God's ear? 00:22:03.160 --> 00:22:07.540 Why should this man be listened to by the almighty and holy God? 00:22:07.539 --> 00:22:16.619 But for the fact that God is gracious and faithful and full of steadfast love. 00:22:17.659 --> 00:22:20.019 The Lord hears the call of his servant. 00:22:20.960 --> 00:22:24.200 The Lord hears the call of one of his people. 00:22:25.059 --> 00:22:29.079 Now if the lesson of Samson's downfall is not to presume on the grace of God. 00:22:29.079 --> 00:22:31.519 Then surely the lesson of verse 28. 00:22:32.599 --> 00:22:34.740 Is that this is who our God is. 00:22:35.740 --> 00:22:36.199 Holy. 00:22:36.819 --> 00:22:37.460 Gracious. 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:39.879 Full of steadfast love. 00:22:40.319 --> 00:22:42.779 Do not pass up the grace of God. 00:22:44.859 --> 00:22:48.379 That God's hand may justifiably cast down his people. 00:22:48.500 --> 00:22:50.079 When they turn from their ways. 00:22:50.819 --> 00:22:53.679 And they call out to him in repentance to save them. 00:22:53.680 --> 00:22:56.140 He is open to hear their cries. 00:22:56.340 --> 00:22:58.340 And he is ready to act and save. 00:22:59.019 --> 00:23:02.039 And that's why we open tonight with the song Mighty to Save. 00:23:04.580 --> 00:23:06.460 That's exactly what happens here. 00:23:07.759 --> 00:23:11.720 And you notice in the text that Samson who is the entertainer for the evening. 00:23:12.140 --> 00:23:14.360 He quite literally brings the house down. 00:23:15.539 --> 00:23:17.279 God has vindicated his servant. 00:23:19.200 --> 00:23:22.680 And notice that little phrase that the author gives us at the end of verse 30. 00:23:23.680 --> 00:23:33.700 That those that he killed in his death were more than those that he killed in his life. 00:23:35.160 --> 00:23:41.799 In other words, Samson's greatest victory over the enemy came in the shape of his death. 00:23:44.140 --> 00:23:47.400 And sitting where we are in salvation history. 00:23:47.400 --> 00:23:53.100 That truth rightly points us forward to another judge who God would raise up. 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:57.320 Another saviour who God would raise up to save his people. 00:23:58.680 --> 00:24:02.120 Another saviour who would be betrayed by one close to him. 00:24:03.380 --> 00:24:08.259 Another saviour who would be betrayed for pieces of silver. 00:24:09.580 --> 00:24:11.759 Another saviour who would be physically harmed. 00:24:11.759 --> 00:24:15.319 Another saviour who would be mentally mocked. 00:24:16.000 --> 00:24:24.180 And ultimately another saviour whose greatest victory over the enemy would come in the shape of his death. 00:24:25.779 --> 00:24:31.640 Samson here rightly points us forward to the real saviour when he would come. 00:24:32.319 --> 00:24:34.160 God's anointed Jesus Christ. 00:24:34.240 --> 00:24:37.839 The true saviour who God's people need to turn to and trust to. 00:24:37.839 --> 00:24:40.379 And call out to him to save them. 00:24:41.859 --> 00:24:45.779 Amazing truth here is that Samson is a saviour who needs saved. 00:24:46.699 --> 00:24:53.279 The wonderful truth about Jesus Christ is he is a saviour who offers salvation to all those who would come to him. 00:24:54.819 --> 00:24:57.039 This is our saviour, Jesus Christ. 00:24:57.039 --> 00:25:00.480 But back to our question. 00:25:00.579 --> 00:25:01.799 We still haven't answered our question. 00:25:03.659 --> 00:25:06.240 Would you have Samson's picture in the Christian Hall of Fame? 00:25:08.339 --> 00:25:11.960 Well the striking thing is, and I clicked the slide too early there. 00:25:12.579 --> 00:25:16.359 The striking thing is that the question has already been answered for us. 00:25:17.339 --> 00:25:23.519 And certainly when it comes to the Old Testament heroes, someone has already put together a Hall of Fame for us. 00:25:23.519 --> 00:25:27.660 So listen, as we work towards a close this evening, why don't you turn to Hebrews chapter 11? 00:25:31.299 --> 00:25:36.579 This great chapter of the Hall of Fame of Faith. 00:25:38.700 --> 00:25:43.500 The writer to the Hebrews, just as you turn there, writing to his generation of Christians. 00:25:43.500 --> 00:25:48.059 Seeking to inspire them to keep on going with Jesus. 00:25:48.059 --> 00:25:50.039 No matter how hard it gets in life. 00:25:50.119 --> 00:25:52.059 No matter what persecutions come your way. 00:25:52.400 --> 00:25:53.839 Keep going in your faith. 00:25:54.759 --> 00:25:58.440 So that you too will obtain the object of your faith. 00:25:58.559 --> 00:26:02.539 Namely that you may inherit eternal life and enter God's glorious presence. 00:26:03.420 --> 00:26:04.839 Made available to us. 00:26:05.299 --> 00:26:10.519 As we heard this morning, the narrow door made available to us through the person of Jesus Christ. 00:26:10.819 --> 00:26:11.940 Do not forsake him. 00:26:11.940 --> 00:26:12.039 Amen. 00:26:14.259 --> 00:26:15.180 Chapter 11. 00:26:16.320 --> 00:26:21.740 Having already laid out many of the standout Old Testament performers, if you like. 00:26:21.740 --> 00:26:22.980 The faces of faith. 00:26:23.840 --> 00:26:24.240 Abraham. 00:26:25.180 --> 00:26:25.700 Isaac. 00:26:26.380 --> 00:26:26.740 Jacob. 00:26:27.400 --> 00:26:27.779 Joseph. 00:26:29.299 --> 00:26:29.779 Rahab. 00:26:30.660 --> 00:26:30.980 Moses. 00:26:31.340 --> 00:26:32.720 Well, we come to verse 32. 00:26:34.140 --> 00:26:36.240 Let me just read a few verses for you. 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:38.279 And track along with me if you're able. 00:26:38.440 --> 00:26:39.180 Verse 32. 00:26:39.519 --> 00:26:40.140 Hebrews 11. 00:26:40.559 --> 00:26:41.740 And what more shall I say? 00:26:41.940 --> 00:26:45.640 I do not have time to tell about Gideon. 00:26:46.320 --> 00:26:46.880 Barak. 00:26:47.420 --> 00:26:47.940 Samson. 00:26:48.539 --> 00:26:49.140 And Jephthah. 00:26:49.920 --> 00:26:51.900 About David and Samuel and the prophets. 00:26:51.900 --> 00:26:53.900 Who through faith conquered kingdoms. 00:26:54.940 --> 00:26:57.059 Administered justice and gained what was promised. 00:26:57.180 --> 00:26:58.759 Who shut the mouths of lions. 00:26:59.620 --> 00:27:01.100 Quenched the fury of the flames. 00:27:01.200 --> 00:27:02.720 And escaped the edge of the sword. 00:27:02.820 --> 00:27:05.620 Whose weakness was turned to strength. 00:27:05.619 --> 00:27:10.099 And who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 00:27:11.000 --> 00:27:12.739 Women received back their dead. 00:27:12.859 --> 00:27:13.819 Raised to life again. 00:27:14.659 --> 00:27:16.079 There were others who were tortured. 00:27:16.219 --> 00:27:17.839 Refusing to be released. 00:27:17.959 --> 00:27:20.559 That they might gain an even better resurrection. 00:27:20.559 --> 00:27:25.379 Some faced jeers and flogging and even chains and imprisonment. 00:27:25.579 --> 00:27:27.159 They were put to death by stoning. 00:27:28.099 --> 00:27:28.980 They were sawed in two. 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:30.099 They were killed by the sword. 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:32.839 They went about in sheep skins and goat skins. 00:27:33.019 --> 00:27:34.960 Destitute, persecuted and mistreated. 00:27:34.960 --> 00:27:37.680 The world was not worthy of them. 00:27:38.640 --> 00:27:40.380 They wandered in deserts and mountains. 00:27:40.500 --> 00:27:43.360 Living in caves and in holes and in the ground. 00:27:43.860 --> 00:27:45.700 These were commended for their faith. 00:27:46.740 --> 00:27:48.720 Yet none of them received what had been promised. 00:27:48.840 --> 00:27:51.160 Since God had planned something better for us. 00:27:51.840 --> 00:27:53.500 So that together with us. 00:27:53.920 --> 00:27:56.340 Would they be made perfect. 00:27:58.740 --> 00:27:59.920 So the truth. 00:28:00.700 --> 00:28:02.019 Is that Samson. 00:28:02.660 --> 00:28:04.380 Is in the Christian Hall of Fame. 00:28:05.620 --> 00:28:06.779 Verse 39. 00:28:06.980 --> 00:28:10.200 Samson is among those commended for his faith. 00:28:11.539 --> 00:28:12.740 And so we have to ask. 00:28:12.860 --> 00:28:15.059 Given what we've seen of this man over the last few weeks. 00:28:15.319 --> 00:28:18.579 Why is Samson in there? 00:28:21.340 --> 00:28:24.160 Well Samson may not be a model of faithfulness. 00:28:24.980 --> 00:28:26.579 But he is to some extent. 00:28:26.819 --> 00:28:28.600 A wonderful model of faith. 00:28:29.500 --> 00:28:31.220 That God used him. 00:28:31.860 --> 00:28:33.319 Despite his faults. 00:28:33.319 --> 00:28:34.859 Despite his sin. 00:28:34.939 --> 00:28:35.960 Despite his failures. 00:28:36.099 --> 00:28:38.659 To deliver his people from their enemies. 00:28:39.599 --> 00:28:42.019 Now I find the fact that Samson is in here. 00:28:42.700 --> 00:28:44.000 Massively encouraging. 00:28:45.460 --> 00:28:46.519 Massively encouraging. 00:28:46.659 --> 00:28:47.319 That the Bible. 00:28:47.480 --> 00:28:47.960 I love it. 00:28:48.059 --> 00:28:50.519 Presents us with these heroes of the faith. 00:28:51.000 --> 00:28:52.159 And what are they full of? 00:28:52.879 --> 00:28:53.659 Warts and all. 00:28:53.660 --> 00:28:56.800 God used them. 00:28:56.800 --> 00:28:58.360 Not because they were good. 00:28:58.759 --> 00:29:00.420 But because he is good. 00:29:01.300 --> 00:29:02.240 And is one. 00:29:02.600 --> 00:29:04.360 Who knows his own weakness. 00:29:04.860 --> 00:29:07.460 And is one who knows his own sinful heart. 00:29:07.680 --> 00:29:10.440 And is one who knows his own unspectacular life. 00:29:10.759 --> 00:29:12.860 And is one who knows that he is a pilgrim. 00:29:13.040 --> 00:29:14.340 On a journey home. 00:29:14.620 --> 00:29:16.200 The fact that Samson is in here. 00:29:16.279 --> 00:29:17.380 Gives me great hope. 00:29:17.380 --> 00:29:21.460 Verse 34. 00:29:21.600 --> 00:29:23.500 Whose weakness was turned to strength. 00:29:23.580 --> 00:29:25.320 I think that's exactly what we see in Samson. 00:29:26.600 --> 00:29:28.160 For the majority of his life. 00:29:28.240 --> 00:29:28.940 What has he been doing? 00:29:29.000 --> 00:29:30.180 He's been running his own race. 00:29:30.960 --> 00:29:32.240 According to his own rules. 00:29:32.700 --> 00:29:33.520 As a rebel. 00:29:34.340 --> 00:29:36.860 But now in his darkest moments. 00:29:37.340 --> 00:29:38.140 In his weakness. 00:29:38.320 --> 00:29:39.540 He humbles himself. 00:29:40.100 --> 00:29:41.140 And in faith. 00:29:41.600 --> 00:29:43.520 Trusting not in who he is. 00:29:43.519 --> 00:29:45.819 But rather realizing he is nothing. 00:29:46.460 --> 00:29:47.879 And trusting in who God is. 00:29:48.319 --> 00:29:50.119 He calls out to the Lord to save him. 00:29:51.099 --> 00:29:52.460 Trusting himself in the Lord. 00:29:52.660 --> 00:29:54.460 Throwing himself in the promises of God. 00:29:54.720 --> 00:29:56.119 What a great model of faith. 00:29:58.619 --> 00:29:59.500 As I know the truth. 00:29:59.599 --> 00:30:01.500 That it's not about the greatness of our faith. 00:30:02.420 --> 00:30:04.740 It's about the greatness of the one. 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.960 In who our faith is in. 00:30:07.920 --> 00:30:09.740 It's about knowing who our God is. 00:30:10.200 --> 00:30:11.519 Knowing what he has said. 00:30:11.519 --> 00:30:13.079 Trusting in his promises. 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.680 And living in the light of them. 00:30:14.960 --> 00:30:16.599 Leaning the whole way of our life. 00:30:16.639 --> 00:30:17.559 Upon those promises. 00:30:17.859 --> 00:30:19.579 Trusting in every single word. 00:30:19.879 --> 00:30:22.379 That proceeds from the mouth of God. 00:30:24.119 --> 00:30:25.639 Now imagine that the readers. 00:30:26.500 --> 00:30:27.960 Of the letter to the Hebrews. 00:30:28.139 --> 00:30:29.740 See as they read Samson's name there. 00:30:29.839 --> 00:30:31.019 I bet you they were surprised. 00:30:32.099 --> 00:30:32.940 But I bet you as well. 00:30:33.000 --> 00:30:34.200 That they were greatly encouraged. 00:30:35.079 --> 00:30:35.839 And I think. 00:30:36.299 --> 00:30:37.559 As we read of Samson here. 00:30:37.639 --> 00:30:39.359 I think we should be greatly encouraged as well. 00:30:39.359 --> 00:30:41.019 That God. 00:30:41.359 --> 00:30:42.579 In his almighty wisdom. 00:30:43.179 --> 00:30:43.759 In God. 00:30:43.879 --> 00:30:45.399 In his incredible grace. 00:30:46.000 --> 00:30:49.039 Uses flawed people of faith. 00:30:49.219 --> 00:30:50.139 For his purposes. 00:30:51.159 --> 00:30:52.279 And as God's people. 00:30:52.379 --> 00:30:53.939 We are being invited this evening. 00:30:54.119 --> 00:30:56.159 To adopt that position of Samson. 00:30:56.579 --> 00:30:58.399 As we see him at the end of his life here. 00:30:58.779 --> 00:31:00.079 And humble ourselves. 00:31:00.459 --> 00:31:02.919 And throw ourselves in dependence upon our Lord. 00:31:02.920 --> 00:31:08.660 I was at Edinburgh pastors lunch during the week. 00:31:09.580 --> 00:31:10.840 And we try and meet up. 00:31:11.940 --> 00:31:12.759 Three times. 00:31:12.900 --> 00:31:13.620 Four times a year. 00:31:14.120 --> 00:31:15.240 Other pastors in the city. 00:31:15.320 --> 00:31:16.100 Just get together. 00:31:16.700 --> 00:31:18.580 Have a bit of a chat about what's going on. 00:31:18.740 --> 00:31:19.820 In our different churches. 00:31:19.920 --> 00:31:21.080 And just to pray for one another. 00:31:21.140 --> 00:31:22.880 It's just a wonderful time of fellowship together. 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:24.019 And I always come away. 00:31:24.580 --> 00:31:25.500 Being so grateful. 00:31:26.140 --> 00:31:27.519 That God is people in this city. 00:31:27.620 --> 00:31:27.779 Well. 00:31:28.000 --> 00:31:28.740 Let me just tell you. 00:31:28.800 --> 00:31:31.340 We were sharing about what's going on. 00:31:31.339 --> 00:31:32.179 In our different churches. 00:31:32.439 --> 00:31:33.119 And a pastor. 00:31:34.039 --> 00:31:35.699 Who ministers not far from here. 00:31:36.859 --> 00:31:37.559 We asked him. 00:31:37.599 --> 00:31:38.720 What's been going on in your church. 00:31:38.779 --> 00:31:39.799 How has God been at the work. 00:31:39.799 --> 00:31:40.459 And he said. 00:31:40.919 --> 00:31:42.159 Praise God for his grace. 00:31:43.319 --> 00:31:44.139 That things. 00:31:44.619 --> 00:31:46.019 For us are going so well. 00:31:46.859 --> 00:31:48.179 We're expanding our building. 00:31:48.259 --> 00:31:49.079 Because it's full. 00:31:50.359 --> 00:31:51.720 Opportunities are opening up. 00:31:51.859 --> 00:31:53.720 For us to share Jesus in our community. 00:31:54.419 --> 00:31:56.319 We're starting our own church planting. 00:31:56.559 --> 00:31:57.459 Training academy. 00:31:57.699 --> 00:31:58.559 Things are going great. 00:31:59.500 --> 00:32:00.919 But what amazes me most. 00:32:00.920 --> 00:32:02.259 Day after day. 00:32:02.940 --> 00:32:04.740 Is that despite my failures. 00:32:05.440 --> 00:32:07.640 And despite my huge ineptitude. 00:32:08.240 --> 00:32:11.360 God still chooses to work through me. 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:14.980 And I think that's where we should leave Samson this evening. 00:32:15.620 --> 00:32:17.360 Not trusting in our own greatness. 00:32:17.640 --> 00:32:18.779 Because there's not an awful lot. 00:32:19.400 --> 00:32:20.100 But trusting. 00:32:20.779 --> 00:32:21.279 And working. 00:32:21.640 --> 00:32:24.000 And living in light of the greatness of God. 00:32:25.860 --> 00:32:28.039 So would you have Samson in the Christian Hall of Fame? 00:32:28.039 --> 00:32:29.039 Praise God. 00:32:29.039 --> 00:32:30.039 Praise God. 00:32:30.039 --> 00:32:30.920 Praise God. 00:32:30.980 --> 00:32:32.559 That his ways are higher than our ways. 00:32:33.559 --> 00:32:34.500 Praise God. 00:32:34.659 --> 00:32:36.799 For his amazing patience. 00:32:37.579 --> 00:32:38.339 And praise God. 00:32:38.440 --> 00:32:39.359 That in his grace. 00:32:40.180 --> 00:32:41.799 And because of his grace. 00:32:42.159 --> 00:32:43.079 His grace. 00:32:43.420 --> 00:32:44.319 Is so much bigger. 00:32:44.819 --> 00:32:45.420 Than our sin. 00:32:46.420 --> 00:32:47.740 He is a wonderful God. 00:32:47.940 --> 00:32:48.579 And the story. 00:32:48.799 --> 00:32:49.680 Of Samson. 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:51.240 Causes us to look at him. 00:32:51.299 --> 00:32:52.319 And marvel at him this evening. 00:32:52.319 --> 00:32:55.559 So spirit come. 00:32:56.559 --> 00:32:58.359 Put strength in every stride. 00:32:58.480 --> 00:33:00.539 Give grace for every hurdle. 00:33:00.919 --> 00:33:02.059 That we may run. 00:33:02.839 --> 00:33:04.779 With faith to win the prize. 00:33:04.859 --> 00:33:07.519 Of a servant good and faithful. 00:33:08.639 --> 00:33:10.099 As saints of old. 00:33:10.599 --> 00:33:11.879 Still line the way. 00:33:12.639 --> 00:33:14.779 Retelling triumphs of his grace. 00:33:15.779 --> 00:33:18.179 We hear their calls. 00:33:18.879 --> 00:33:20.460 And hunger for the day. 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:22.340 When with Christ. 00:33:22.980 --> 00:33:23.700 We will stand. 00:33:24.299 --> 00:33:24.720 In glory. 00:33:26.380 --> 00:33:26.779 Amen. 00:33:27.680 --> 00:33:29.059 Why don't we just before we close. 00:33:29.220 --> 00:33:30.299 And pray. 00:33:30.420 --> 00:33:31.360 And sing our final song. 00:33:31.420 --> 00:33:32.340 Why don't we just take a moment. 00:33:32.600 --> 00:33:33.579 And let's just reflect. 00:33:34.079 --> 00:33:35.319 In the quietness of our own hearts. 00:33:35.380 --> 00:33:36.019 On what God has. 00:33:36.380 --> 00:33:37.860 Been speaking to us about this evening. 00:33:37.859 --> 00:33:46.679 And so gracious God. 00:33:46.779 --> 00:33:47.779 And loving heavenly Father. 00:33:47.919 --> 00:33:48.179 We would. 00:33:49.119 --> 00:33:50.339 Still ourselves Lord. 00:33:50.559 --> 00:33:50.779 At the. 00:33:52.479 --> 00:33:53.799 Coming to the end of our service. 00:33:54.019 --> 00:33:55.240 Our time together this evening. 00:33:55.240 --> 00:33:56.259 And we would want to declare. 00:33:56.439 --> 00:33:57.359 That you are God in heaven. 00:33:57.939 --> 00:33:58.939 And we are on earth. 00:33:59.959 --> 00:34:00.240 And Father. 00:34:00.339 --> 00:34:01.579 We really do praise you. 00:34:01.659 --> 00:34:02.939 For your incredible grace. 00:34:03.879 --> 00:34:05.479 And the patience that you show us. 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:07.319 As your people day after day. 00:34:07.519 --> 00:34:08.139 After day. 00:34:08.940 --> 00:34:09.380 And so Lord. 00:34:09.400 --> 00:34:10.280 I ask that your spirit. 00:34:10.400 --> 00:34:10.920 Would be at work. 00:34:11.000 --> 00:34:11.579 In our lives. 00:34:11.639 --> 00:34:12.699 And our hearts this week. 00:34:13.420 --> 00:34:13.840 Father. 00:34:13.920 --> 00:34:14.760 That he would be working. 00:34:14.920 --> 00:34:15.460 To draw. 00:34:15.760 --> 00:34:16.500 Our minds. 00:34:16.579 --> 00:34:17.440 Off of ourselves. 00:34:18.199 --> 00:34:19.760 And to fix our minds. 00:34:20.039 --> 00:34:21.539 On your precious son. 00:34:21.840 --> 00:34:22.699 Jesus Christ. 00:34:23.760 --> 00:34:24.679 Prone to wander. 00:34:25.039 --> 00:34:25.300 Lord. 00:34:25.380 --> 00:34:26.039 I feel it. 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:28.340 Prone to leave. 00:34:28.340 --> 00:34:29.380 The one I love. 00:34:30.679 --> 00:34:31.800 Here's my heart. 00:34:32.480 --> 00:34:33.079 Take it. 00:34:33.260 --> 00:34:34.039 And seal it. 00:34:34.039 --> 00:34:35.440 And seal it. 00:34:35.719 --> 00:34:36.880 For your courts above. 00:34:37.739 --> 00:34:38.139 Amen.