Life Group Questions

1. If you could not hear this week’s sermon, consider going to the church website and listening to it. What main ideas did you gain from the message? Do you have any questions?

2. Chapter divisions sometimes disrupt the flow of the Biblical stories. Explain the impact of including Judges 13:25 as part of the setting for chapter 14. How does Judges 13:25 compliment Judges 14:6 and 14:19?

3. What is the significance of the writer’s statement in Judges 14:4 that “His father and mother did not know that it was from the LORD, for he was seeking an opportunity against the Philistines.”? To what extent was the Lord involved in Samson’s decisions, desires and actions? Is God sovereignly acting?

4. Describe the significance of Samson’s riddle. List a riddle that you find interesting or humorous.

5. What stands out to you about Samson’s character? How does his character compare with his calling (cf. Judges 13)? Would you consider Samson as acting in a manner consistent with his calling? Why or why not?

6. List any red flags or warnings that the writer reveals about Samson’s actions. What is the significance of Samson’s reference to the woman being right in his eyes (cf. 17:6; 21:25)? What are some precautions we should take with regard to what we see and how we act based on sight?

7. What is your impression of Samson’s parents? Do you think they should have taken a stronger stand against their son’s requests? Have you ever struggled with confronting your children about their desires and actions? Explain.

8. Describe the way in which Samson’s wife deceived him? Why was her strategy to find out information so successful? What does this reveal about Samson? Describe the relationship between Samson and his wife.

9. Compare and contrast the ideas of the Spirit of the Lord being with Samson and yet he acted with hot anger (cf. 14:19). Is God endorsing Samson’s anger? Why or why not? What is the danger of man’s anger (cf. Ephesians 4:26; James 1:20)?

by Terry Beatty /  Lead Teacher and Ministry Vision