Samson is a cautionary tale, but a worthwhile one. We not only learn the kind of people God used powerfully weren't perfect, but are encouraged to ask important questions about the presence of God in our own lives.

1. Our success in spiritual warfare entirely depends on our proximity to God.

2. Our victory against our sinful nature entirely depends on the work of the Holy Spirit see Him as better than our sin.

3. Our assurance of salvation entirely depends on our trust in the finished work of Christ.

Northern Israel is described prophetically as rotten fruit. This is demonstrated by their treatment of the needy and their attitude towards the Word of God. Where it ultimately would leave them is incapable of hearing God’s voice at all.

1. The fact God takes sin more seriously than us is a mark against us.

2. God cares about what we do with our finances because it reflects our character with everything else.

3. Idolatry leaves you as empty spiritually as drinking sea water quenches thirst."

Samson's ministry is a demonstration of the patience of God as much as the fallenness of man. God accomplished incredible things through his life. Yet the greatest challenge he ever faced is the same as ours. He was a sinner in the hands of a gracious and patient God.

1. Our fallen sinful nature is a bigger obstacle between us and God than the devil.

2. A proactive pursuit of God is the only answer to temptation or spiritual atrophy.

3. No area of your walk with God should be explainable apart from the grace of God.

The Resurrection of Jesus is a historical event. All historical events are based on eyewitness testimony and supported by having more than one witness and the reports coming from sources that have something to gain or lose in making those claims.

1. God performs miracles to verify His Word.

2. The Resurrection is based on the eyewitness testimony of His followers and enemies alike.

3. God can use the world’s attempts to oppose Him to promote the Gospel.

God commanded the annual reenactment of the first Passover night as a physical and tangible reminder to all generations of His redemptive power. The seder is a family holiday that holds appeal for young and old alike. Seder means “order,” a fitting term for the sensory-laden rituals that occur in a specific order.

Amos’ ministry concludes with a series of five visions. The first three provide a fascinating insight into the heart of God and the principles we all need to take with us in evangelism.

1. The Word of God should always be accompanied by the Heart of God.

2. If something hasn’t been explained before in scripture, it’s about to be. If it isn’t explained, it already has been.

3. Our participation in the work of God in this world matters.

Samson's greatest military victory against the Philistines did not have a pleasant introduction. He was in his flesh, dominated by his emotions, and caused a lot of problems for himself and those around him before he was double crossed by the very people he was sent to deliver. The only thing that saw him through this kind of opposition and discouragement is the same thing that will see us through any trial we find ourselves in.

1. Your Emotions are good servants but poor masters.

2. God plus one is a majority.

3. God uses imperfect people.

Amos turns his attention rebuking Northern Israel to the bitterness and pride of Southern Israel. By rejoicing in the fact they were being punished, they were sinning just as seriously as they were.

1. Separation between our hearts and God’s is the definition of evil.

2. Pride can’t show, share, or even recognize the heart of God.

3. It’s God’s job to judge people. It’s our opportunity to let Him love them through us.

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Samson is presented with the unblinking eye that only honest history can. We are shown his willingness to compromise his Nazarite vow, his marital relationships, and even his integrity for the sake of pleasure and gain. Yet in spite of Samson being just as fallen and sinful as the rest of us, God used him to accomplish His calling on Samson’s life to the letter.

1. Truth doesn’t sneak.

2. The best part of a life of integrity is that you don’t have anything to hide.

3. God can use you even in spite of you.