#gmbc3701 #sermons #wordofgod #gethsemanemissionarybaptistchurch #gethsemanegso
Like, Subscribe & Share ► https://bit.ly/348EqzY
GMBC3701

-- Follow Us -- Facebook @gethsemanegso

The story of Samson and Delilah has often been portrayed as a case study in how dangerous a woman can be. I do not completely discard that idea. But I also do not wholeheartedly support it. I do support the premise that human beings can be dangerous. The historically empirical evidence of human societies reveals that patriarchy relegates women to the status as being lesser beings. And while I have always strived to lead in romantic relations, me as a leader should never mean she is lesser. Nor should it mean that she is the Queen and I merely her subject. What it should mean is that people in relationships should be equal partners who bring all of themselves to see to the good of each other instead of self. When you love people, you allow them space in your life and, typically, you seek to have space in their lives. Most of the time it is wise to let them have room to be blessings to you. And for most people that will be enough for you to have relationship as family, friends, or lovers. But there are times when we allow people to have somewhat more space & access to our pains and vulnerabilities. These people are ostensibly there to be helpers to heal and build. But some take advantage, violate boundaries, manipulate & control, and just wreak havoc and destroy. They move from being blessings to becoming curses in your life. We know this all too well. Can I get a witness?
Now Samson, of all those designated as a holy man of God in the scriptures - a Judge - is truly an exception. The Lord Himself announced his birth, consecration, and purpose. That he was called by God and sinned is unremarkable. But Samson is the only one that I have found in the Bible endowed with God's supernatural power, and yet neither received nor preached a new & revealed word from God. And somewhere along the way, he began to believe his own hype and press, and he exploited his exceptions because he was "special."
And as much as he did good for the people to begin their deliverance from the Philistines, he never learned how to deal with Delilah.
1. Don't Get Seduced v4
- Delilah is called a woman in the valley of Sorek, no description of her at all. Jacob fell in love with Rachel after seeing her fine figure and banging body. Solomon loved the Queen of Sheba, a Black Queen who was dark and lovely. But Delilah has no description at all. And I believe that this should tell us that Delilah is anyone and anything you love that is outside of your boundaries & purpose. Some of you women have some Dannys and Denroys in your lives. Samson was outside of the lines and was always out of line. He had a predilection for those fine Phonecian women. Delilah wasn't his first. His mother had even asked why he never considered women of his own people. *Some of our exceptionals don't want any of our women or men either!* Delilah didn't seduce him. He was seduced by his own ego for every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin, and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Delilah is not the problem! We all seduce ourselves into sin! Control yourself and what you want!
2. Don't Give Away Your Strength v17
- The Philistine lords had made a deal with Delilah. She may have liked Samson before. The text says that Samson loved her, not that she loved him. *Only love something that can love you back.* But at this point, she was in it for the money. And let me say to the women out there looking to sneak into the bedroom of Boaz because they want to secure the bag: Figure out whether you're Ruth or Delilah. She nagged Samson day & night for the secret. He wouldn't say. But when she said he didn't love her - trigger words for "I'm leaving" - his soul was found vexed to death and he gave away his strength. If Delilah wants to leave, "Bye Delilah!"
3. Don't Get Sold Out v18
- What isn't good for you, will sell you out. When someone in your circle tries to access your weaknesses & vulnerabilities, pay attention. They may be looking to sell you out. When people seek advantage, look for who gets paid and for who's doing the paying. Follow the money! Don't get sold out! Don't allow people to profit from your pain. Connect with the One who came to pay the price for you, not to collect a bounty on you!