What lessons from Samson's life can we apply to avoid spiritual blindness? Samson’s Darkened Eyes and Ours – Judges 16:26 “Samson said to the young man who was leading him by the hand, ‘Lead me over so that I may feel the pillars on which the temple rests, so I can lean against them.’” Samson’s physical blindness pictured a deeper spiritual blindness that grew long before his eyes were put out. His final request to be led to the pillars invites us to examine how we, too, can end up groping in the dark if we neglect God’s light. Lesson 1 – Compromise Erodes Vision • Samson toyed with temptation (Judges 14:1–3; 16:1) until sin stole his sight. • Small surrenders blur spiritual focus: “Each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then desire… brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15). • Guard the “little” choices; they determine whether eyes stay clear or grow dim (Song of Songs 2:15 “little foxes”). Lesson 2 – Guard Your Eyes, Guard Your Heart • What Samson saw, he wanted; what he wanted, he pursued. • Proverbs 4:25-27 urges straight-ahead eyes; 1 John 2:16 warns of “the lust of the eyes.” • Practical safeguards: – Filter media and relationships. – Memorize Scripture (Psalm 119:11). – Invite trusted believers to speak into blind spots. Lesson 3 – Stay Consecrated to Stay Clear-Sighted • His Nazarite hair symbolized devotion (Numbers 6:5). When it lay in Delilah’s lap, his dedication lay there too (Judges 16:17-19). • Consecration today: set-apart habits—Lord’s Day worship, prayer, fasting, stewardship—keep spiritual eyes sharp (Romans 12:1-2). Lesson 4 – Dependence, Not Self-Reliance • Samson often said “I will go out as before” (Judges 16:20). Strength became assumed rather than received. • Jesus: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • Ongoing dependence through the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) keeps us from overconfident wandering. Lesson 5 – Isolation Breeds Blindness • Samson walked alone; no prophet, no friend, no mentor. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 and Hebrews 10:24-25 highlight accountable fellowship. • Seek community that warns, corrects, and restores (Galatians 6:1). Lesson 6 – Brokenness Can Restore Sight • In blindness and chains, Samson finally prayed (Judges 16:28). Broken pride opened eyes to God’s faithfulness. • Psalm 34:18; Isaiah 57:15—God revives the contrite. • Though consequences remained, grace enabled a final victory. Putting It Together • Evaluate compromises. • Guard eyes and heart. • Renew consecration. • Lean on God, not self. • Engage accountable community. • Let broken moments drive you to prayer, not despair. Staying in the light of these truths keeps us from the tragic journey from sight to blindness—and leads us to pillars of victory rather than prisons of regret. |
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