Introductory Thoughts
Simply put, sin cripples a man. One songwriter described it as such, “Sin like a raging fever reigns, with fatal strength in every part; the dire contagion fills the veins, and spreads its poison to the heart.” King David confessed, “For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength faileth because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed” (Psalm 31:10). In another place David confirmed, “My heart panteth, my strength faileth me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me” (Psalm 38:10). Echoing the sentiments of his father, Solomon declared, “The way of the LORD is strength to the upright: but destruction shall be to the workers of iniquity” (Proverbs 10:29). Sin cripples an otherwise strong man.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Bible is clear that the Lord is our strength (Psalm 18:1-2; Psalm 19:14, Psalm 22:19). When we sin, we are separated from our Strength (Isaiah 59:2) and life becomes hard (Proverbs 13:15).
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(For everyone): How was this truth demonstrated in the life of Samson? When did he have his greatest strength? At what point did Samson lose his strength? Why did he lose his strength?
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Do you enjoy a lesser strength now than you did at some other point in your Christian life? What sin has deprived you of your strength?
Prayer Thoughts
- Confess your sins to the Lord and ask for renewed strength.
- Ask the Lord to remind you of the consequences of sin.
Song
ALONE WITH GOD
