Far from the Lord – Preaching
Preaching Outline on Judges 16:20 – “Then [Samson] said: My strength shall now depart from me; but I did not know that the LORD had already departed from him.”
Introduction to Judges 16:20
The verse in Judges 16:20 presents us with a dark moment in Samson’s life. He was chosen by God to be a judge of Israel, a deliverer of the Hebrew people against the Philistines. His strength was not something inherent, but a special gift granted by the Most High as long as he remained faithful to the Nazarite vows (Numbers 6). However, Samson allowed his relationship with the Lord to be contaminated by pride, disobedience and sin. The result? He unknowingly lost the Lord’s presence in his life.
Today, we will reflect on how many people live far from their Creator. Like Samson, they think they have control, but they are spiritually empty because they have left God far behind. We will compare Samson’s story with the present day, where so many live far from the Lord, but still believe they are fine.
Development
The Gift of Samson: A heavenly gift
Samson received supernatural strength, but it wasn’t something natural. It was a gift from God, conditional on his faithfulness. Samson had a clear purpose: to free Israel from the oppressive Philistines. However, he began to confuse his desires with God’s will. He became involved with Delilah, a female enemy, and allowed her to manipulate his trust until she revealed the secret of his strength – his hair, a symbol of his commitment to the Most High.
Nowadays, many people rely on talents, worldly success or wealth, forgetting that everything comes from God. When we turn away from Him, even the greatest abilities can disappear, and we only realize it in anguish. How many Christians seek fame in the world, but neglect their oneness with God? They think they still have “strength”, but they are heading for spiritual ruin.
God’s silence: When he is absent
Scripture says that Samson “did not know that the Lord had departed from him”. What a painful phrase! Samson was so blinded by sin that he didn’t see God’s absence. He continued to act as if he had His grace, but in fact he was alone.
This is often the case today. Many people live an apparent faith, attending churches and services, but without true communion with God. They may pray and praise, but inside they harbor unconfessed sins, worldliness and lack of commitment. Like Samson, they don’t realize that God has already turned away.
God doesn’t leave without warning. He always calls, corrects and disciplines. However, when we insist on our path, He allows us to go it alone. Hebrews 12:6 reminds us: “For the Lord rebukes whom he loves, and scourges every son whom he receives.”
The consequences of dismissal
When Samson finally realized that God was no longer with him, it was too late. He was captured by the Philistines, blinded and humiliated. His physical strength disappeared and he became a prisoner of the enemy. This is the fate of those who live far from God. Without His protection and guidance, we are vulnerable to the wiles of the enemy.
Nowadays, the consequences of distancing ourselves from God are very clear in different areas of life:
In marriages: Cold and discordant relationships, with growing infidelity.
In families: Absent parents and rebellious children, homes that fall apart quickly.
In society: Corruption that grows every day, violence in the streets and a lack of values to guide us.
In churches: Christians who serve God without fervor, thinking only of themselves and not of the love they should have for him.
However, we still have hope! Even after falling into his sins, Samson called out to the Lord in his last breath, and God heard his cry (Judges 16:28-30). This teaches us that it is never too late to turn to God.
Conclusion of Judges 16:20
Samson’s story is a warning to us. We cannot rely solely on our own strength or merits. Everything we have comes from the Lord, and when we turn away from Him, we lose the only source of true strength and protection.
If you are living far from God, today is the day to return to him. Confess your mistakes, repent sincerely and seek to restore your communion with the Most High. Remember what James 4:8 says: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”
Preaching Outline on Judges 16:20 – “Then [Samson] said: My strength shall now depart from me; but I did not know that the LORD had already departed from him.”
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