CONSEQUENCES OF SEXUAL LUST
There are many people in the bible who made mistakes involving their testosterone or sex drive. I find this interesting because the bible is God’s blueprint for us. Why would God allow the stories of those who failed sexually to be included in His bible? From a ‘public relations’ perspective; it’s not a good look. But we have to remember that the people who God wants us to learn about redeemed themselves when they humbled themselves and asked for forgiveness.
These characters are just like you and me. They are human. All of us have a sexual drive. Sex was created by God and is a gift for use in marriage between a husband and his wife.
Samson was born at a time when Israel was under the control of their enemy. An angel of God visited Samson’s mother when she was pregnant. The angel told her that her son would lead Israel to victory against the enemy. She was also told that her son was to follow certain rules as he was to be a Nazarite (Judges 13.)
Two of the rules that Nazarites strictly followed were that they were not allowed to drink alcohol and they couldn’t cut their hair. Nazarites would have held the status of an NBA player or NFL quarter back. They commanded respect. Samson was destined for greatness. (Judges 14:6)
Because of his physical strength and character Samson was the senior judge in Israel for 20 years (Judges 15:20). He also defeated the enemy on many occasions on the battlefield. In one single battle he killed 1000 enemy soldiers (Judges 15:16).
God was with Samson. However, Samson had one vice that he chose not to control. Samson’s downfall was his inability to control his sex drive. (Judges 16:1)
Samson’s actions are no different than what many of us have done. Many men have visited prostitutes, had sex outside of marriage or married because the sex was good. All of us have failed to control our sexual desire in that most if not all of us have viewed pornography or looked lustfully at someone.
Samson married a woman who was from the enemy’s side of the valley. He eventually told her the secret of his strength. She cut his hair and his strength left him. With his strength gone he was captured by the enemy. Judges 16:13-21 explains his demise and capture.
Taken into the enemy stronghold and ridiculed publicly Samson lost everything that he stood for. Everything that God had destined him to achieve he lost through his actions. This is the price of sexual immorality for many of us. We lose everything.
Samson would have been at his lowest when he finally repented and asked for forgiveness (Judges 16:28)
With this prayer Samson was again given superhuman strength. In his last feat he pushed the building pillars apart. The walls of the auditorium fell on the enemy, and he died with them.
We can learn 4 lessons from Samson’s life (if not more).
1. Always strive to follow the rules that God established for our protection.
2. Stay away from places where you are tempted. If alcohol causes you to sin, stay away from pubs. If pornography is the area where you are tempted do not use the ‘incognito’ web browser. Do not walk through the area of the city where the brothels are or where the girlie bars are located. Be accountable to your wife or a close godly friend who can support you.
3. When you do stumble and stuff-up. Seek God and immediately ask for his forgiveness.
4. Samson chose poorly. Despite the calling on his life and his role as a Nazarite he sought sexual relationships that were not right. He paid a heavy price. Caught by the enemy, punished publicly and humiliated. God however forgave him for his sins. Likewise, God has forgiven me for my sins and God is waiting for you to ask for forgiveness for your sexual sins.
If you have engaged in sexual activity that is not based on God’s plan (between husband and wife) it is time to confess this to God and ask for His forgiveness. That’s the reality. You have no other choice. Man up and own up. Seek God now.
It is wise to seek support in beating sexual temptation. Especially if there has been ongoing sexual sin. We are here to help. We are nonjudgmental and we want to see you set free. To contact us click on this link.
Anon – Alive in Christ and Free (Luke 6:37.)
