Samson - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/cashiebaptistchurch/documents...Samson. God blessed Samson and made him strong. When Samson grew up, he saw a Philistine woman he wanted

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UNIT 9Session 4

Leader BIBLE STUDYSamson was the last of the major judges of Israel. He was born to parents who dedicated him to the Lord as a Nazirite after the Angel of the Lord announced that Samson would be born to save the Israelites from the power of the Philistines. Samson grew up, and God blessed him with great strength. But when Samson requested to marry a Philistine woman, his parents were confused. Samson was supposed to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. Why would he want to marry one of them? But God had a plan in all of this. (See Judg. 14:4.)

As Samson prepared for the wedding, he gave a riddle to the men with him about an event that occurred on his way

Use Week of:

Samson

BIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 13–16MAIN POINT: God gave Samson power.KEY PASSAGE: Isaiah 33:22BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How does God accomplish His plan? God uses

people for His glory and our good.

SMALL GROUP OPENING 1015 MINUTES

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LARGE GROUP BIBLE STUDY 2530 MINUTES

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SMALL GROUP ACTIVITIES 2530 MINUTES

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170 Older Kids Leader GuideUnit 9 • Session 4

4

Additional resources for each session are available at gospelproject.com. For free training and session-by-session help, visit www.ministrygrid.com/web/thegospelproject.

to Timnah. (See Judg. 14:9-14.) Days passed, and the men convinced Samson’s wife to tell them the answer to the riddle. This action sparked a series of events that would eventually lead to the death of Samson.

When the men solved his riddle, Samson was so angry that he torched the fields of the Philistines. He used the jawbone of a donkey to kill 1,000 men, and he left his wife. The Philistine leaders determined to kill Samson. When Samson fell in love with a woman named Delilah, the leaders bribed her into telling them where Samson’s strength came from.

A man came and shaved the braids from Samson’s head. He lost his strength and became helpless. The Philistines gouged out his eyes and took him prisoner. They had him stand between the pillars of a pagan temple. In a final plea to God, Samson asked for his strength back. God gave him strength, and Samson knocked over the pillars, collapsing the temple. In his death, Samson killed more Philistines than he had killed in his life. (Judg. 16:30)

Though Samson disobeyed God, God used him to accomplish His purpose of delivering the Israelites from the Philistines. Jesus would come as the last Deliverer, saving through His life and His death those who would trust in Him.

171God Judges His People

SamsonJudges 13–16

The Israelites disobeyed God, so God let their enemies, the Philistines, rule over them. One day, the Angel of the Lord appeared to two of God’s people: Manoah (muh NOH uh) and his wife. He told them they would have a son who would save the Israelites from the Philistines. God had special instructions for their son: He should never cut his hair.

Manoah’s wife had a baby, and she named him Samson. God blessed Samson and made him strong. When Samson grew up, he saw a Philistine woman he wanted to marry. He went with his parents to meet the woman. On their journey, a young lion jumped out at Samson. Samson killed the lion, but he did not tell his parents what he had done.

When Samson and his parents returned for the wedding, Samson found the lion. Some bees had made honey in the lion’s body. Samson scooped up some honey and gave it to his parents.

Some Philistine men came to help Samson prepare the wedding feast. Samson told the men a riddle:

Out of the eater came something to eat,and out of the strong came something sweet.

The riddle was about the lion and the honey, but the men could not figure it out. They asked Samson’s new wife for help. Samson told his wife the answer to the riddle, and she told the men. Samson had been tricked! He was angry, and he left his wife. When he went back to get her, she was gone. Samson was so upset that he burned the Philistines’ fields. This made the Philistines angry. They

The BIBLE STORY


wanted to kill Samson.Samson escaped to another city, where he fell in love

with a woman named Delilah. The Philistines offered Delilah money if she would find out why Samson was so strong.

Samson gave Delilah reasons for his strength, but none of them were true. Delilah tested his explanations, but Samson was still strong.

Finally, Samson told Delilah the truth. “If you cut my hair, I will not have my strength,” he said. So when Samson was sleeping, the Philistines cut his hair. Delilah shouted, “Samson! Wake up! The Philistines are here to kill you!”

But Samson wasn’t strong anymore. The Philistines grabbed him and made him blind. They took him away in chains.

Samson’s hair began to grow back. One day, the Philistines made Samson stand between two pillars in their temple. Samson cried out to God, “Lord, please remember me. Strengthen me once more.” So God strengthened Samson. Samson pushed on the pillars and collapsed the temple. Samson and everyone in the temple died.

Christ Connection: Samson’s sin led to his own death, but God used his death to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. Samson’s story reminds us of Jesus. Jesus never sinned, but God sent Him to die on the cross and rise again to rescue believers from sin and give them eternal life.

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devotionals.


Small Group OPENING

SESSION TITLE: SamsonBIBLE PASSAGE: Judges 13–16MAIN POINT: God gave Samson power.KEY PASSAGE: Isaiah 33:22BIG PICTURE QUESTION: How does God accomplish His plan? God uses


Welcome timeGreet each kid as he or she arrives. Use this time to collect the offering, fill out attendance sheets, and help new kids connect to your group.

As kids arrive, invite them to talk about a time they did something they regretted, or wished they hadn’t done. How did they feel? Were they able to make it right? (For example, if a kid insulted his sister, he could make it right by apologizing and asking for forgiveness.)

Activity page (5 minutes)Invite kids to complete the “Who Am I? Riddles” on the activity page. Provide Bibles and assist kids in looking up the Scripture references to find the answers. You may choose to form three groups and assign each group one of the riddles to solve.SAY • Who was the woman who lived in a tent?

(Jael, Judg. 4:17-24)• Who met with the king of Moab? (Ehud, Judg. 3:15-25)

• Who tested God by putting fleece on the ground? (Gideon, Judg. 6:11-16)

• “Who Am I? Riddles” activity page, 1 per kid

• pencils or markers• Bibles


Session starter (10 minutes)OPTION 1: “Doctor, doctor!” gameGuide kids to stand in a circle. Choose a volunteer to be the “doctor.” The doctor should go to the other side of the room while the kids quietly choose an affliction (flu, poison ivy, mosquito bites, and so forth).The doctor will ask kids yes-or-no questions. Kids will act out symptoms (scratching, coughing, and so on). The doctor will try to diagnose the group’s affliction. Play multiple rounds.SAY • Today’s Bible story is about Samson. Like we just

tried to figure out what made the group sick, a woman named Delilah kept asking Samson what made him strong.

OPTION 2: Boot camp raceInstruct kids to lie down on the floor. Make sure everyone has room to move around. Explain the drill.

1. On the count of three, everyone will quickly do one sit-up, one push-up, and one jumping jack.

2. Then players will begin another round: two sit-ups, two push-ups, and two jumping jacks. After each round, kids add a repetition to each activity (three, four, five, and so on).

3. Kids play until they tire. The kid who does the most repetitions wins.

SAY • Whew! This activity required a lot of physical strength. Today’s Bible story is about someone who was very strong, but his physical strength didn’t come from working out. His strength came from God.

Transition to large group

LOW PREP


CountdownShow the countdown video as your kids arrive, and set it to end as large group time begins.

Introduce the session (3 minutes)[Large Group Leader enters wearing khaki pants, a solid-colored shirt, an apron, and a hat. Leader is humming or singing to himself as he thumbs through the Bible.]LEADER • When the moon hits the sky with a colorful …

[Address kids.] Ah! There you are. I’ve been waiting for you. My break started a few minutes ago, so I was just finding our Bible story for today.

I must say, this new employee training has been going very well. Today, a new trainee named Sam is scheduled to learn the ins and outs of placing a restaurant order. Not as a customer, of course, but an order from our supplier! All that food in the kitchen doesn’t just appear, you know. So until then, let’s jump right into today’s Bible story.

Giant timeline (1 minute)LEADER • Our last Bible story was about a judge named

• countdown video

• leader attire• Bible

• Giant Timeline

Large Group LEADER




Gideon. What was so special about Gideon? How did God use Gideon? God used Gideon’s weakness for His glory. Today’s Bible story is about another judge. This judge was very strong. [Point to the Bible story on the timeline map.] I see here that his name was Samson.

Big picture question (1 minute)LEADER • Before we listen to the Bible story, do you

remember the answer to our big picture question? How does God accomplish His plan? God uses people for His glory and our good. As you listen to the story of Samson, think about how God used him to bring about His glory and the good of His people.

Tell the Bible story (10 minutes)Open your Bible to Judges 13–16. Tell the Bible story in your own words, or show the Bible story video “Samson.”LEADER • Joshua made a speech to the Israelites before

he died. Does anyone remember what Joshua said to them? (Worship only God, Josh. 24:14) Did the Israelites worship only God? (no; Judges 2:11-12) When they forgot about God, what happened? (God allowed their enemies to take over, Judges 2:14-15) The Israelites were miserable, and they remembered how good they had it when they obeyed God. So they cried out to Him, “Save us!” God raised up judges to lead Israel.

One of the judges was named Samson. Before Samson was even born, an angel appeared to Samson’s parents and told them that their son would

• Bibles• “Samson” video• Big Picture Question

Poster• Bible Story Picture

Poster


begin to save Israel from the Philistines. When Samson became judge, the Philistines were ruling over the Israelites and the Philistines were mean.

Samson married a woman who was a Philistine, and he ended up defeating many Philistines by fighting them with the jawbone of a donkey.

Can you tell me how Samson got so strong? God gave Samson power. God told Samson that he must never cut his hair. But Samson told too much to Delilah, and the Philistines cut Samson’s hair. Samson lost his strength. The Philistines made Samson a prisoner and they made him blind.

But Samson’s hair began to grow back, and God made Samson strong again. Samson used his strength to knock down the temple of the false god, and even though Samson died, he killed many Philistines too.

God raised up Samson as the last judge to deliver the Israelites from the Philistines. Samson made some wrong choices in his life, but God gave him power again so that in his death, he killed many Philistines and rescued the Israelites from their enemies. How does God accomplish His plan? God uses people for His glory and our good.

Jesus came into the world as the last Judge, saving through His life and His death those who would trust in Him. Jesus lived the perfect life we fail to live and died the death we deserve to die. By giving up His own life, Jesus provided life for sinners who trust in Him for salvation. Jesus is alive and wants all people to receive eternal life from Him.


The Gospel: God’s Plan for Me (optional)Use Scripture and the guide provided with this session to explain to boys and girls how to become a Christian. Assign individuals to meet with kids who have more questions.

Encourage boys and girls to ask their parents, small group leaders, or other Christian adults any questions they may have about becoming a Christian.

Key passage (5 minutes)Show the key passage poster. Lead kids to read Isaiah 33:22 together.LEADER • Who can tell me the first thing this verse tells

us about God? (He is our Judge.) And the second thing? (He is our lawgiver.) How about the third thing? (He is our King.) Remember that God put people in charge over Israel—Moses gave the people laws; people like Othniel, Ehud, Shamgar, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson served as judges; and later, God made people like Saul, David, and Solomon kings. No matter who was the ruler, we know that God was ultimately in charge. How does God accomplish His plan? God uses people for His glory and our good.

The last sentence of our verse says that God will save us. For the Israelites, that meant being saved from their enemies. But the Lord had a plan to save His people from something much greater than physical enemies. He planned to send His Son, Jesus. Those who trust in Jesus are saved from sin and death!

Invite boys to read the verse, followed by the girls. Then lead kids in singing “He Will Save Us.”

Tip: Provide I’m a Christian Now for new Christians to take home and complete with their families.

• Key Passage Poster• “He Will Save Us” song


Discussion starter video (4 minutes) LEADER • Have you ever seen something that was out of

control? Check out this video.Show the “Unit 9, Session 4” discussion starter video.LEADER • Was it bad that the plane was really fast? What

created the problem?Guide kids to consider whether Samson properly used his gift of strength. Lead them to discuss how God-given gifts or talents could be used for good or for bad. For example, how might a person with a lot of wealth use that gift to bless others? How might they waste the gift?

Sing (4 minutes)LEADER • Every good and perfect gift comes from God.

[See James 1:17.] Let’s praise Him now.Sing together “All for Your Glory.”

Pray (2 minutes)Invite kids to pray before dismissing to small groups. Thank God for His good gifts that enable people to live out His plan. Ask God to give kids wisdom to use their gifts and talents for His glory.

Dismiss to small groups

• “Unit 9, Session 4” discussion starter video

• “All for Your Glory” song


The Gospel: God’s Plan for MeAsk kids if they have ever heard the word gospel. Clarify that the word gospel means “good news.” It is the message about Christ, the kingdom of God, and salvation. Use the following guide to share the gospel with kids.

God rules. Explain to kids that the Bible tells us God created everything, and He is in charge of everything. Invite a volunteer to read Genesis 1:1 from the Bible. Read Revelation 4:11 or Colossians 1:16-17 aloud and explain what these verses mean.

We sinned. Tell kids that since the time of Adam and Eve, everyone has chosen to disobey God. (Romans 3:23) The Bible calls this sin. Because God is holy, God cannot be around sin. Sin separates us from God and deserves God’s punishment of death. (Romans 6:23)

God provided. Choose a child to read John 3:16 aloud. Say that God sent His Son, Jesus, the perfect solution to our sin problem, to rescue us from the punishment we deserve. It’s something we, as sinners, could never earn on our own. Jesus alone saves us. Read and explain Ephesians 2:8-9.

Jesus gives. Share with kids that Jesus lived a perfect life, died on the cross for our sins, and rose again. Because Jesus gave up His life for us, we can be welcomed into God’s family for eternity. This is the best gift ever! Read Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:21; or 1 Peter 3:19.

We respond. Tell kids that they can respond to Jesus. Read Romans 10:9-10,13. Review these aspects of our response: Believe in your heart that Jesus alone saves you through what He’s already done on the cross. Repent, turning from self and sin to Jesus. Tell God and others that your faith is in Jesus.

Offer to talk with any child who is interested in responding to Jesus.


Small Group LEADER



Key passage activity (5 minutes)Write words or phrases of the key passage on several paper plates or index cards. Punch a hole on each side of the plate or card. Cut lengths of string to fit between each plate.

Mix up the plates and challenge kids to put them in order. When kids finish, show the key passage poster for them to check their work. They should use the lengths of string to tie together the plates in order. Then lead them to read the key passage aloud.SAY • God sent judges to rule over Israel, but God

ultimately is in control. We can trust Him to lead us.

Bible story review & Bible skills (10 minutes)Give each kid a Bible. Instruct boys and girls to open their Bibles to Judges 13. To review the Bible story, call out the following verses and allow volunteers to read each verse aloud. Allow time for kids to find the verses in the Bible, and assist as needed.

Explain that when kids listen to the verse or passage, they should cheer if something good is happening or boo if something bad is happening.

• Judges 13:1—Israel disobeyed the Lord. (boo)

• Key Passage Poster• paper plates or index

cards• hole punch• marker• string or yarn

• Bibles, 1 per kid• Main Point Poster

Option: Retell or review the Bible story using the bolded text of the Bible story script.


• Judges 13:3-5—God promised a couple that their son would set Israel free from the Philistines. (cheer)

• Judges 13:24—Samson was born. (cheer)• Judges 16:6—Delilah tried to find out what made Samson strong. (boo)

• Judges 16:7,11,13—Delilah tried to make Samson weak. (boo)

• Judges 16:17—Samson told Delilah the secret to his strength. (boo)

• Judges 16:19—A Philistine man cut off Samson’s hair. (boo)

• Judges 16:21—The Philistines made Samson blind and made him a prisoner. (boo)

• Judges 16:22—Samson’s hair started to grow back. (cheer)

• Judges 16:25—The Philistines brought Samson to the temple of their false god. (boo)

• Judges 16:28-30—Samson prayed, and God made him strong again. (cheer)

SAY • Before Samson was born, an angel told his parents that Samson would rescue the Israelites from their enemies, the Philistines. Even though Samson made some wrong choices, God did ultimately use him to defeat the Philistines. How does God accomplish His plan? God uses people for His glory and our good.

Samson’s sin led to his own death, but God used his death to deliver the Israelites from their enemies. Samson’s story reminds us of Jesus. Jesus never sinned, but God sent Him to die on the cross and rise again to rescue believers from sin and give them eternal life.

Option: Review the gospel with boys and girls. Explain that kids are welcome to speak with you or another teacher if they have questions.


Activity choice (10 minutes)OPTION 1: God’s good giftsProvide a marker and a piece of construction paper for each kid. Instruct kids to write their names in large letters at the top of their papers.

Spread out the papers in a row on a table or on the floor. Instruct kids to write on each piece of paper something positive they see in the person whose name is on the paper. For example, a kid might write on Jaxson’s paper, You are a good friend, or on Abby’s paper, You make me laugh. Kids should write a phrase on each of the other kids’ papers.

Observe kids to ensure all remarks are positive. When kids finish, collect the papers and distribute them according to the name on the page. Allow a minute for kids to read their friends’ responses.SAY • Remember that God gave Samson power. Samson

did not become powerful on his own. The Bible says that every good and perfect gift comes from God. We can thank God for blessing us with talents or abilities or qualities that glorify Him.

As time allows, encourage kids to silently pray and thank God for giving them the things described on their pages. Prompt them to ask God for the power to use their gifts to glorify Him.

OPTION 2: Strength as weaknessGive each kid a piece of paper and scissors. Follow these steps to challenge kids to show off their strength:

1. Demonstrate how to fold the paper into thirds.2. Instruct kids to open the paper and cut along the

folds, leaving approximately one inch uncut at the top of each fold.

• construction paper• markers

LOW PREP

• paper• scissors


3. Point out that the paper is separated into three strips. Guide each kid to hold his paper by grabbing at the top of the two outer strips.

4. Challenge him to try to tear the paper so the middle strip drops out, separating the paper into three pieces.

You may provide more paper for kids to try several times, or instruct them to reuse the strips by folding them in thirds and making new cuts.SAY • Were you able to tear the paper into thirds? No

matter how strong you are, you cannot tear the paper into three parts. The cuts in the paper are weak points, and they are not perfectly equal. When you pull the paper, it tears at the weaker point.

In today’s story, God gave Samson power. But when Samson’s hair was cut, his strength left him. Even though Samson lost his strength, God made him strong again to help him defeat the Israelites’ enemies, the Philistines.

Journal and prayer (5 minutes)Distribute pencils and journal pages. Encourage kids to list three things they are good at. Invite them to pray and thank God for their talent. Then prompt them to write a few sentences about how they might use their skills to glorify God. Remind kids that we glorify God when we show others how great He is.

As time allows, lead kids to complete “Samson in Action” on the activity page. Encourage kids to look up each passage in the Bible. They should write a short caption and illustrate the scene to complete the comic strip.

• pencils• Journal Page• “Samson in Action”

activity page, 1 per kid

Tip: Give parents this week’s Big Picture Cards for Families to allow families to interact with the biblical content at home.


Documents

Samson - Clover Sitesstorage.cloversites.com/cashiebaptistchurch/documents...Samson. God blessed Samson and made him strong. When Samson grew up, he saw a Philistine woman he wanted