Message Details

• Sermon Series Name: Failing Forward
• Message Title: Samson 
• Short Summary: This message explores the story of Samson, highlighting the destructive cycle of sin and the power of repentance and surrender to God. Despite his failures, Samson's story shows that when we surrender to God's purpose, we find true strength and meaning. The message encourages us to push down the pillars of sin in our lives and turn towards God's light.

Icebreaker Question

• If you could travel back in time to witness any biblical event, which one would you choose and why? How might witnessing this event impact your understanding of faith and surrender?

Review of the Previous Week’s "I Will" Statement

• Reflect on last week's commitment. I will fix my eyes on Jesus by praying this prayer each day: Heavenly Father, help me stop guessing and start listening. Help me see You clearly, hear You fully, and allow others to walk with me as I follow You simply, one step at a time. In the name of Jesus, Amen. 
  What challenges did you face in keeping your "I Will" statement? How did you see God working in your life this week?

Five Discussion Questions (Core Focus)

1. Reflecting on Samson's Story:
   • Question: How does Samson's journey of failure and redemption resonate with your own life experiences?
   • Context: Samson's story is one of repeated failures but ultimately surrendering to God.
   • Life Application: Consider a time when you felt at your lowest. How did you respond, and what did you learn about God's presence in your life?
2. Understanding Sin and Repentance:
   • Question: What does repentance mean to you, and how have you experienced it in your life?
   • Context: The message emphasized the difference between remorse and true repentance.
   • Life Application: Identify an area in your life where you need to turn away from sin and towards God. What steps can you take this week to begin that process?
3. Surrendering to God's Purpose:
   • Question: What does it mean to surrender to God's purpose, and how can you apply this in your daily life?
   • Context: Samson found strength and purpose when he surrendered to God.
   • Life Application: Reflect on an area of your life where you struggle to let go of control. How can you invite God into that space?
4. Dealing with Failure:
   • Question: How do you typically respond to failure, and what can you learn from Samson's response?
   • Context: Samson's failures led him to a place of surrender and reliance on God.
   • Life Application: Share a recent failure and how you can use it as an opportunity for growth and reliance on God.
5. Living in the Light:
   • Question: How can you actively live in the light of God's purpose this week?
   • Context: The message calls us to turn from darkness to light, embracing God's plan for our lives.
   • Life Application: Identify one practical way you can be a light in your community or family this week.

This Week’s "I Will" Statement

• I will confess and turn away from one sin in my life.

Prayer Prompts

1. Prayer Requests: Begin by asking if anyone has specific prayer requests they would like to share.
2. Repentance and Surrender: Pray for the courage to confess and turn away from sin, asking God for strength to surrender fully to His purpose.
3. Living in the Light: Pray for opportunities to be a light in your community, asking God to guide your actions and words to reflect His love.

Rewatch the Message

• For further reflection, you can rewatch the message at www.pathwaychurch.com/messages.