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June 5, 2022                                                                                                 Best Summer EverWeek 1

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1

You can be blind without losing your eyes

1. Blind to God’s purpose for your life.

“You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb.  He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.” Judges 13:5

Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint. Proverbs 29:18

When I can’t see God’s vision, I’ll settle for a counterfeit.

1. Blind to the power of relationships.

When he returned, he said to his father and mother, “I have seen a Philistine woman in Timnah; now get her for me as my wife.”  His father and mother replied, “Isn’t there an acceptable woman among your relatives or among all our people? Must you go to the uncircumcised Philistines to get a wife?”  But Samson said to his father, “Get her for me. She’s the right one for me.” Judges 14:2-3

Don’t trade your calling for your comfort.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”                            1 Corinthians 15:33

1. Blind to the nature of God.

After putting him to sleep on her lap, she called for someone to shave off the seven braids of his hair, and so began to subdue him. And his strength left him. Then she called, “Samson, the Philistines are upon you!” He awoke from his sleep and thought, “I’ll go out as before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had left him. Then the Philistines seized him, gouged out his eyes and took him down to Gaza. Binding him with bronze shackles, they set him to grinding grain in the prison.  Judges 16:19-21

Samson’s Words of Encouragement 

1.  “Protect the presence of God.” 

And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30

1.  “Choose your relationships carefully.” 

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  Hebrews 10:25

1.  “Failure is never final.” 

Then Samson prayed to the LORD, “Sovereign LORD, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more...” Judges 16:28

Discussion Questions:

1. Do you have any loved ones that have joined that great crowd of witnesses described in Hebrews 12:1?
2. Name something you prefer to be name brand over off brand.
3. Have you ever felt blind to God’s purpose for your life?
4. Can you remember a time when loved ones warned you of your actions?
5. What does the fear o

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