Episode 14: Delilah - Women of the Bible Series

Send a textIn this episode, we are chatting about Delilah! All sorts of images and pictures may be popping in your brain about her from what you've learned of her through the years. Us, too.  Things like: she was a bad temptress who manipulated Sampson to his demise.  That's true. But let's not let that be all we know. Let's take a curious look at who she was and what she did and see what God wants to teach us through her relationship with Samson and her life found in Judges 16.She is a lot like me.Who God was to her, he is to you and me. Who was she? Delilah:1. was open to the highest bidder2. nagged and manipulated3. pushed until she got what she wantedWhew. Ouch.Who was God to her?God's absence was the lesson as she could have chosen to follow him and encourage Samson in his calling. Instead, she disregarded God and with strong self-reliance discouraged Samson leading to his capture and getting his eyes gouged out. Despite her actions, God's purpose for Samson to "rescue" the Israelites happened with he brought the temple down killing himself and 3,000 Philistines.  I was actually surprised at where our conversation went. It was so good!  Just look at these chapter titles (click chapter tab above for links): 0:06 Exploring Delilah's Story and Impact7:08 Delilah's Influence on Samson16:04 Relationships and Self-Serving Motivations23:00 Delilah's Manipulation and Samson's Game28:14 The Power of Nagging in Relationships33:43 Freedom Through Surrender and Humility41:24 Lessons in Humility and Humiliation53:37 God's Absence in Wasted GiftsPraying for you friends as you listening and wrestle. You are loved,Amy & JamyDISCUSSION QUESTIONS: Episode 14 ~ Delilah*See episode description in the show notes. Review Judges 16 for her story.1. What did you learn for the first time about Delilah? What surprised you about her?2. Talking about Samson, Judges 16:4 says “after this he loved a woman…named Delilah.” What are some of the things about Samson’s story and character that contributed to what we learn about Delilah?3. Do you think Delilah was greedy or desperate? Why?4. What lessons can we learn about seduction from Delilah’s story? 5. Read the description of Delilah’s actions in Judges 16:16; what does the word “press” mean? How does this tendency to nag or press negatively affect your relationships?6. Delilah’s nagging was with her daily words. What changes might God be asking you to make in your words?7. Review the three descriptions from the podcast and discuss which one resonates the most with you. Delilah:· Was open to the highest bidder.· Nagged and manipulated.· Pushed until she got what she wanted.8. Read Proverbs 31:11, Proverbs 22:1, Proverbs 14:1, and 2 Corinthians 12:10. What do these verses teach about what you are building?9. God used the humiliation that Delilah inflicted on Samson to bring necessary humility. Where are some places that you caLet's stay connect: IG: @amyruthpetersen @jamyfisherproduced by: 4110 Ministries, LLC