AUG 11--Quiz -- Samson & His Women

Samson & His Women: The Folly of Passion

or

How Self-Centeredness Leads to Self-Destruction

Sabbath School Lesson

August 11, 2007

Teacher: Larry R Evans


Quiz for Reflection

[Based on Judges 13-16]

  1. When a minister makes a serious/moral mistake it is an indication that he/she was not called in the first place. True or False
  1. God’s special endowments upon a person end once he or she intentionally parts from God’s counsel. True or False
  1. The example of Samson suggests we should avoid people and circumstances which have a strong influence upon us. True or False
  1. Samson’s core problem was his lust for women. True of False
  1. Scripture portrays Samson as a man of faith. True or False
Reflective Questions

This is another important lesson. At first glance it might appear that it is all about lust and violence. Think carefully about what is really at stake here.

  • What are the major factors of influence in Samson’s life?
  • How did he relate to them?
  • Why did he listen to some but not others?
  • Is there any hope for those who become entangled in a web of tragic mistakes? Why do you answer the way you do?
  • How would you describe “hope” to someone who is caught in this kind of vicious cycle? What kind of support group do they need?
  • What impact do bad choices have on others associated with the person. What kind of support do they need?
  • How important is it for a person to be able to forgive others AND themselves? On what basis can they offer forgiveness or “hope for” forgiveness? Do you think Samson was able to forgive himself?
  • In the end, how does the Bible describe Samson? What does his end tell about his early training?

In preparation for our study read thoughtfully Judges 13-16; Patriarchs and Prophets, pages 560-571; and of course the Sabbath School lesson helps.


Comments

Ron said…
I've been struggling with this lesson more than nearly any other I've taught, searching hard for appropriate talking points. I very much appreciate having the ability to seek help from the blog and Larry's e-mails. It's provided the dry wall for my heretofore airily-framed lesson plan. Your sermon last week was a true blessing to me and I believe many others. Thanks for seeking to provide hope to folks.

Recognizing the grace God shows us when and after we fall into traps such as the one Samson did time and again could be one fine way to find hope in despair. Acknowledgment of this grace and striving to realize the life God intended for us can possibly steadily turn this hope into a closer relationship with him, and therefore, a more satisfying life.

Blessings to all who read and take part in this space.

Ron
Thursday, August 09, 2007 8:24:00 PM
LRE said…
Ron, You are right. This is a difficult lesson but its difficulty provides deeper insights into God’s grace and His plan of hope and restoration. There are some real insights for parents who do all the right things but children make wrong decisions. There are insights into those who simply lose it but still recover. I have found the theme of “self-centeredness” to be a key foundation from which I understand Samson (not just his lust for women) and ultimately his break with that problem although perhaps in non-conventional themes. Perhaps others have found other themes in the life of Samson that they would like to share.

Larry R Evans
Thursday, August 09, 2007 8:34:00 PM
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