We see a consistent pattern in Samson's life as described in these three verses:
"The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him . . ." (Judges 14:6).
"Then the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him" (Judges 14:19).
"The Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him" (Judges 15:14).
The Spirit did not come to make Samson feel better or give him revelation. The Spirit came to help him fulfill his purpose, which was to confront and defeat the Philistines. Of course, Samson is a type of Jesus who also operated in the same power (but without the moral and character flaws): "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about him spread through the whole countryside" (Luke 4:14).
Today the Spirit does not randomly come upon a few like in Samson's or Jesus' day, but is freely given to all who have surrendered their lives to Christ: "He anointed us and set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come" (1 Corinthians 1:21-22). Paul explained how he was able to do what he did when he wrote, "My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power" (1 Corinthians 2:4).
Paul fulfilled his purpose to the Gentiles in the Spirit's power and you will fulfill your purpose in the same way: "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21).
"Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good" (1 Corinthians 12:7). Where is the Spirit's power most evident in who you are or what you do? In other words, what does God's Spirit empower you to do? Work with children? Write poetry? Organize events? Provide hospitality?
Samson is a perfect example of a flawed man whom God used in spite of himself. How much more will He now use you who have the Spirit in you, not only to empower you but also to conform you to the image of Christ and give you the thoughts of God.
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