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June 25: Samson (Judges 13:1-7, 24, 25)

By June 20, 2017Teacher Tips

To engage the learners in a study of the Scripture text:

Have your group read Judges 13:1-7 and discuss the following questions.

  1. In the first lesson in this quarter, the Standard Lesson Commentary notes that the book of Judges is focused on Israel’s recurring four-stage cycles, which have been summarized as sin, sorrow (or servitude), supplication, and salvation. How do we see the first two stages playing out here?
  2. Why do you think the Israelites kept falling back into sin?
  3. How do we see a promise of the fourth stage?
  4. What do you make of the fact that the third stage—supplication (or repentance)—isn’t mentioned?
  5. What does it mean to be a “Nazirite”?

The word Nazirite means “consecrated,” dedicated,” or “separated.” Numbers 6 stipulates that those who make the Nazirite vow must not drink wine or other fermented drinks, must not eat or drink anything that comes from a grapevine, must not cut their hair, and must not go near a dead body—even an immediate family member. Numbers 6:8 states the purpose of these prohibitions: “Throughout the period of their dedication, they are consecrated to the Lord.”

To be aware of the portion of Judges 13 not covered in this lesson, read the first two paragraphs of the Standard Lesson Commentary notes on verse 24. Then have your group read Judges 13:24, 25 and discuss the following questions.

  1. How do we see God keeping and fulfilling his word?
  2. How would you explain the phrase “the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him (Samson)”?
  3. How do you think Samson felt about being a life-long Nazirite?

 

To encourage personal application:

Consider dividing into groups of three or four persons for this time of sharing and prayer.

  1. What steps do you take to separate yourself from the ways of the world and set yourself apart for the Lord?
  2. If you are a parent, how have you worked at that process (or plan to do so) in relation to your children?
  3. In what way is the Spirit of the Lord “stirring” in your heart and life?
Andrew Sloan

Author Andrew Sloan

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