Samson is at the height of his sin & far from the Lord. He forgets his identity and chooses Delilah over God. Although he pays for his mistake with his life, God doesn't forget Samson.

James tells us that the Lord calls us to not show personal favoritism or partiality based on wealth, status, looks, etc. Making distinctions causes division, which is a tool of the enemy. We must instead, fix our eyes on Jesus, fear the Lord & not man, and fulfill the law of Love.

Samson operates in his flesh and the Philistine mentality of "As they did to me, so I have done to them", instead of Jesus' way to treat others the way you want to be treated. But God is gracious to Samson in spite of his flaws.

The danger of self-deception. Just because we spend time in the Word, doesn't necessarily mean we live it. James encourages us to receive the Word, apply the Word, and share the Word. What condition is our heart in? Can the Word take root there?

The folly of Samson... God was able to use Samson's mistakes for His purposes. God loves us so much that no matter what we do, He has a plan & purpose for our lives.

The last written words of Mary, mother of Jesus, were, "Whatever He [Jesus] says to you, do it." Jesus, as well as our mothers, want us to live, and live successfully & securely. So let's honor our moms through obedience to Jesus, the only one that can give us eternal life!

The Angel of the Lord, Jesus Himself, told Manoah's wife that she would bear a son, who would be a Nazarite and begin to deliver Israel from the hands of the Philistines. God keeps His promises!

The cycle of temptation only leads to death, so we must deal with it: honestly, immediately, ruthlessly, & consistently. But the first step in resisting temptation is yielding to Jesus.

Small groups offer 1) a place to grow 2) a place for encouragement 3) a place to be strengthened and 4) a place for accountability & healing.