Commentary on "The Fruit of the Spirit is Self-Control"

PHIL HARRIS

 

Day 4: Tuesday, March 2, 2010

 

Overview

Now, we turn our attention to Samson who led a much different kind of life from that of Joseph.

Sharing her thoughts about Samson, Ellen White has this to say:

“The path which he entered upon he found to end in shame, disaster, and death. What a contrast to the history of Joseph!" (Ellen G. White, The SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 2, p. 1007).

 

Observations

The Bible lists Samson among the heroes of faith:

And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight (Heb. 11:32-34 ESV).

Ask yourself one simple question; why is he listed as a hero of faith if his life was a failure?

Consider the account in Judges 13:3-4 where he requested a Philistine woman for his wife. Even though it was normally a wrong thing to do, God gives his approval and indicates that it was part of a plan to break away from the rule of the Philistines.

In Judges 16:28-30 we see where God returned his strength to Samson. When the building collapsed it was a disaster for the Philistines, not Samson. Samson was vindicated.

 

Summary

1. While Samson was certainly a person who exhibited little personal self control he had the same faith in God as Joseph. What stands out in the story of his life is that God used him in a mighty way regardless of his strong passions bent upon sin.
2. Do you adhere to what Ellen White has to say about Samson or do you believe the Bible? Samson’s weakness simply displayed God’s strength. How many blind men do you know who could bring about the death of 3,000 of his enemies?
3. It would be a contradiction of terms to say Samson was a man of faith and turn around and say he was a failure because he lacked self control. Samson was not a failure.
4. God choose Samson even before he was conceived or born. If you insist on calling Samson a failure then you are saying God failed. That would be heresy!

 

GO TO DAY 5

 

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