Homilist Judges 16:1-31 Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in to her.… I. THAT IT IS DERIVED FROM A SPECIAL CONNECTION WITH GOD. All power comes from God: this is true not only of physical, but also of intellectual and moral power. 1. God is in a good man, morally — dwells in him as the favourite author dwells in the mind of the devoted reader. God's thoughts live in his intellect, God's love glows in his heart: he is filled with all the fulness of God. 2. That God is with a good man operationally. Without Him we can do nothing in His cause. II. THAT SIN DISSOLVES THIS SPECIAL CONNECTION BETWEEN MAN AND GOD. 1. By destroying our sympathy with God. 2. By awakening a dread of God. 3. By generating an opposition to God. III. THAT THIS DISSOLUTION MAY OCCUR WHEN THE SUBJECT IS UNCONSCIOUS OF IT. 1. Because of the gradual way in which it takes place. God does not give a man up at once. 2. Because external circumstances continue the same. Providence pursues its wonted course; health continues, business prospers, the sun shines as usual, and temporal blessings fall free and full as ever on the path. 3. Because the mechanical habits of religion are maintained. There may be family worship, regular attendance on the house of God, but no soul in anything. IV. THAT A PERIOD WILL ARRIVE WHEN THE DISSOLUTION WILL BE PAINFULLY REALISED. In the hour of severe temptation — in the hour of suffering — in the dark hour of death — in the solemn hour of judgment the want of Divine moral strength will be deeply felt. Its lack will be ruin. (Homilist). Parallel Verses KJV: Then went Samson to Gaza, and saw there an harlot, and went in unto her.WEB: Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a prostitute, and went in to her. |
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