We’re fascinated by motivated people, the single-minded focus of an Olympic athlete the kind of drive we all admire. Consider what actually motivated Paul to preach the gospel free of charge.

Pride comes before a fall, and God gives grace to the humble, both truths borne out in Samson’s final chapter. Consider Samson as a picture of Israel itself, a people set apart for God yet unfaithful.

This may be one of the most challenging chapters in the New Testament for anyone tempted to think they’re doing fine spiritually. Consider Paul’s willingness to give up his own rights as an apostle for the sake of the gospel.

God draws straight lines with crooked sticks, and last week’s chapter proved it: God’s purposes weren’t frustrated by Samson’s sin, they were accomplished through it. Consider another chapter of Samson using his gifts for all the wrong reasons, with God still somehow at work.

Part of parenting is training children to make wise decisions, weighing not just what’s technically permissible but what’s actually wise. That same logic applies to Paul’s teaching on becoming a stumbling block to a weaker brother’s conscience.

The last chapter ended on real promise, with the Spirit beginning to stir Samson toward his calling. Consider the disappointing reality of who Samson actually turns out to be, a man of great gifts and poor character.

Why can’t a Christian drink, vape, get a tattoo? Fill in the blank with whatever debated practice comes to mind. Consider Paul’s teaching on food offered to idols as a case study in how knowledge and love have to work together.

Of all the judges, Samson stands out most clearly as God’s own appointment, marked from birth by a miraculous announcement and evident gifts to deliver Israel. This opens the account of a judge whose story will prove as tragic as it is remarkable.

Attitudes toward singleness today swing between apathy, applause, and outright antagonism, in a generation marrying later than any before it. Consider Paul’s counterintuitive counsel that singleness, far from being a lesser calling, can be a real gift.

Gifts and graces are two very different things: gifts are unconditional, given at birth, while graces have to be nurtured and grown by depending on God. Consider Jephthah’s leadership to see which one actually marked his life.