The Holy Ghost

The Holy Ghost

 

What do the scriptures teach us about the Holy Ghost:

The Holy Ghost is a comforter that will abide with us forever.  He will “dwell with you and shall be in you”.  He will “teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you”.  The Holy Ghost will give you peace.  He will testify of Christ.  The Holy Ghost was not sent to us until Christ left.  He will reprove the world of sin, righteousness and judgment.  The Holy Ghost will guide you to all truth, show you things to come and glorify Christ.  He strengthens our body, quickens our intellect and senses, purifies our tastes and desires, and inspires us toward virtue, kindness, goodness, gentleness and charity.

The Disciples obtained the Holy Ghost by first keeping Gods commandments.  They had to be willing to receive it and not let their hearts be troubled or afraid.  The Holy Ghost also came to them as they bore witness of the truth and of Christ. 

The Holy Ghost was the Apostles right hand man.  Without the Holy Ghost the Apostles would not have been able to teach with the same power and authority, nor would they have been able to accomplish the many miracles documented in the scriptures.  The Holy Ghost testified to the hearts of those who were listening that the Apostles’ message was true.

I have come to realize that having the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost is probably one of the most important objectives to obtain in this life.  When I was on a religious mission in Kyiv, Ukraine I put the Holy Ghost to the test.  During this time in my life I spent each day teaching about Christ and looking for those who wanted to hear the message of the restored gospel.  I took a week and told myself I was going to try my best to secure the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  Obviously I had to be living righteously and obeying the rules for my respective mission, which I was.  I then spend the week pausing and reflecting several times a day, asking myself if I felt like the Holy Ghost was with me.  I can honestly say that I felt much of what is described above.  There was many times that I felt like my mind was clearer, I recalled things easier, I felt happier, and more loving, caring, and generous.  In an odd way, I felt lighter, not as though I was losing weight, but that my daily loads were easier to carry.  I know that the Holy Ghost can be with me always.  I know that its influence and effects on you are real.

 

 

The Savior Anointed

The Savior Anointed

 It seems that the woman who came into Simon’s (the leper) house with the box of precious ointment understood to what end she was doing the anointing.  The reason was two fold.  One, she knew that our Lord and Savior was important and “precious” to each one of us and she wanted to honor him.  The seccond, would be that she understood that he would soon be taken from us and she was anointing him to prepare him for burial.  That is really good foresight.  This woman must have studied the scriptures and was paying attention when Christ was speaking. 

The disciples seem to be caught up in the worldly cares and not as in tune with the spiritual matters.  The disciples wanted to do good with the ointment, but they failed to see that what the woman was doing was best.  I think sometimes the cares of the world, even though they sometimes be good, can prevent us from seeing the weightier matters.

This woman, I think, could be compared to the story of the widow’s mite.  This woman came to the Lord with something precious and expensive and offered it to the Lord.  Not only did she essentially give it to our Savior, but she took the time to serve him with it.  If the gospel is true and we trully are here to learn to return to our Father in Heaven, should we not be giving all that we have, all that is precious to us to spread the gospel and honor our Father in Heaven?   I think one of the most prescious and expensive gifts we can give the Lord is our time.  I think I could be better and using my time to visit those in need, to serve in the church and to do those things that would strengthen my testimony like scripture study, prayer, and temple attendance.

The Savior's Second Coming

Preparing for the Savior’s Second Coming

The Savior has said that he is going to come at an hour that no man knoweth, as if he were a thief in the night.  He has counseled us to be ready for his coming.  Two key words that he uses are “Watch” and “Heed”.  Here are a few of the things the Savior has counseled us to do in preparation. 

He has asked us to watch for those who would deceive you.  The way we are to prevent ourselves from being deceived is by treasuring up his words.  The Savior also asks us to stand in holy places.  To me this is referring to the Temple and also the various meeting houses of the Lord.  If I am regularly going to those places, I am probably doing what is right.  We are also told to take the Holy Spirit as our guide and to be faithful.  The Lord counsels us to be prepared for his coming.  I understand this to mean both temporally and spiritually.  There will be great calamities which we will need to prepare for temporally along with the attacks on us spiritually.  In the last days we should watch for those times when the Lord’s people are delivered up to councils and rulers and kings to be judged and beaten.  We should take comfort in knowing that Christ predicted all of this to happen.  Finally, we should pray always and watch for the saviors coming.  If we are vigilant and continually preparing we shall not fear.

I think the Widow’s gift was significant because shows how the Lord measures our sacrifice and obedience.  The Lord looks more upon quality not quantity and the value of it is based on capability and intent.  The widow, even though she was poor, gave willingly and her sacrifice was an amount very significant to her.

The Lord requires much from us.  He requires us to sacrifice many of our own selfish wants and desires.  He also expects us to do all that we can to build up the kingdom, spread his word and serve those around us.  By doing these things, we show the Lord our love for him.  Loving the Lord with all our heart, soul and mind is the first and great commandment.

The widow gave all that she had, not 10%, not 50%, all that she had.  That is amazing.  It truly is an example of consecration.  She was living by the covenants that I have made to give of all my time, talents and all that I possess.  The Lord requires us to give all and do all that we can for the kingdom of God.  After we have done our best at this, then the Lord comes in and makes up the difference.

I think I could better follow the Widow’s example by giving more service in the church and to those around me.  There is much service to give.  All need to do is be available for the opportunities.

Luke 10- The Seventy

 

The Lord called seventy others, to assist the Apostles in the work.  The Lord gives the seventy charge to preach his gospel.  He tells them to go out two by two to all of the cities he himself would go.  I thought that was the Lords way of saying, do what I would do.  That’s a big responsibility.  He warns them that they will be few, even though the harvest is great and that they will be lambs among wolves.  If they understood this statement, I imagine it would have been scary for them.  The Lord then gives them instruction on how they would preach.  They are not to go house to house, nor take any items with them.  He tells them how to deal with those who receive them and those who do not.  He told them to heal the sick where those are who receive them.  The Lord explains that their voice will be his voice and that they will have power over the serpents and scorpions and that the enemy will not hurt them.

The fact that Christ called, commissioned and sent the seventy forth to help spread the gospel, is a testament to me that the Lord has an organization set forth for spreading his gospel and keeping his sheep.  As our Article of Faith #6 states, we still believe in that organization.  That is why we have quorums of the seventy today.  The seventy then and now have great responsibility given to them.

Our scriptures testify of the Lords organized church and calling of the quorums of the seventy. The seventy were called and ordained to the Melchizedek priesthood.  They are general authorities in the church and are given apostolic authority, but not ordained as apostles.  In modern day scripture the duties of the Seventy are set forth.  They are special witnesses of Christ.  They act under the direction of the Apostles.  They build up the kingdom and are considered traveling elders.

 

 

 

Events on the Mount

Matthew 17:1–9. The Mount of Transfiguration

1.    Study the following references and compile a list of important events that happened on the Mount of Transfiguration:

a)      Matthew 17:1–9

b)      Luke 9:31 (see footnote a)

c)       2 Peter 1:16–18

d)      Doctrine and Covenants 63:21

e)      Institute student manual commentary for Matthew 17:3–4, “What Was Important About the Appearance of Moses and Elijah?” (pg. 103)

f)       Bible Dictionary, “Transfiguration, Mount of” (pg. 786)

2.    In what ways would this experience have prepared the three Apostles for the responsibilities they would soon have as leaders of the Church?

Important events on the Mount:

1.       I think the event happened on the seventh day of the week

2.       Peter, James and John were apart from the others

3.       Christ was transfigured

4.       Moses and Elias (Elijah) appeared to them

5.       Heavenly Father declared Christ to be his son from a cloud and instructed the apostles to hear him (Christ)

6.       The Apostles showed humility and respect for the event by offering to build tabernacles

7.       The Apostles were told to keep the event sacred.

8.       Moses and Elias spoke to Christ of his death and resurrection. 

9.       All these things were the apostles witnesses

10.    The apostles must have been shown many other things, one of those was the transfiguration of the earth

11.   On the mount is where Peter, James and John received the keys to the priesthood

12.   The relationship between Christ and his prophets was demonstrated.

It was important for Moses and Elijah to appear because they each held important keys pertaining to the priesthood that would be necessary to confer upon the apostles.  Moses held the keys to the gathering of Israel and Elijah the keys to the sealing power.  Another important aspect of their appearance we learn, is that they came as translated beings, not resurrected beings.  They did not taste of death, but were translated.  This was important as they would need bodies to confer these keys by the laying on of hands, but could not be resurrected as Christ was to be the first to resurrect.

This is a grand moment in the scriptures.  One that I think I take for granted.  I think the difficult part is that much of the doctrine about the event is spread out through ancient and modern revelation.  I think in order for Peter, James and John to take over the affairs of the church, this event was necessary.  This event would have made them even more of a “Special” witness of Christ.  The event opened their understanding to many future event, which no doubt strengthened their faith and resolve.  Hearing the voice of our Father in Heaven would have given them a testimony on how the god head works.  Most importantly they had the keys of the priesthood conferred upon them.  This was necessary to continue the work of salvation among men.  I think this would have been a mind blowing event for me.  I’m sure their physical states had to be altered to endure such an event.  I would have marveled for a long time on what transpired.

Matthew 14:22–33. Walking on the Sea

1.       Review Matthew 14:22–33. Identify in writing what the reaction of the Apostles was when they first saw the Savior walking on the water toward them.

2.       What did Peter’s response indicate about him?

3.       According to Matthew 14:30, why did Peter begin to sink?

4.       What did Peter do when he began to sink? What word in the verses describes the expediency or the timing when Jesus responded to Peter’s request?

5.       Read Doctrine and Covenants 88:67. Write a paragraph describing what principle from this verse relates to what Peter did to successfully walk on the water. How can this same principle be applied to your life to assist you in walking over the storms of life?

So, right after the Savior performs an amazing miracle of feeding 5,000 people with 5 loaves of bread and two fishes, he then performs another miracle just for his chosen apostles.  It seems odd that he did it.  Possible he perceived that the apostles did not think the previous feeding miracle was that grand.  I feel like the Savior knew this and purposefully set up the scenario wherein he would walk on the water.  Why else would he have sent the apostles away in a boat while he labored to send the multitude away?  I know that it says he later went apart into a mountain to pray, but he could have done this while the apostles waited for him on the shore.

Oddly, when the disciples saw Christ walking on the water, they cried with fear, believing it was a ghost.  They must have been hard of learning.  We know that Peter asked to go out and meet the Savior, essentially asking the Savior to allow him to walk on water.  I think this showed Peter’s initiative, and leadership, to speak up first and actually be brave enough to make such a request.  I know that it also shows his faith, but I think the faith was more of a hope or strong curiosity.  We have all been there, when we see someone do something amazing and our first thought is, “I want to do that also”.  Is that first thought faith?  To some degree yes.  You have to believe that you can actually do what the other did, but it is more of a desire to accomplish what the other has done.  I think this is why Peter began to sink when the wind was “boisterous”. 

Now the Lord “immediately” saved him, which obviously shows the Lords love for us and his ability to immediately help us in anything we do.  I think it is amazing that such a fear could come upon you when you are already walking on the water.  I think I would feel invincible if I were walking on water.  I am sure the Savior had the foreknowledge that Peter would ask to come out.  I also think that the wind was brought forth to further test Peters faith.  Interesting how the wind ceased when they entered the boat.  The scriptures teach that the Lord tests and tries those whom he loves.  Peter was to be the lead apostle, Christ had to continually test and try him.

I think that as we travel through the storms of life we need to have a focused mind and heart.  Our mind and heart should always point to the Lord and we should ever be striving to become as he is and living the gospel he has given to us.  If we do this, we shall be filled with his light and be able to comprehend all things.

John the Baptist's Role

Matthew 11:1–19; Luke 7:18–35. John the Baptist

1.       Read Matthew 11:1–19 and Luke 7:18–35. What did the two disciples of John the Baptist ask Jesus Christ? The Savior told them to go back to John and tell what they saw and heard. After reading these accounts, explain three things you would have told John if you had been with those two men.

The disciples of John asked Christ if he was the “one” who should come or if they should be looking for another. (Apparently they were asking him if he was the Savior).  I think the first thing I would have told John was that we should not be ashamed (or offended as Christ said) of Christ or his Gospel, but rather embrace it and show it to the world.  I would reassure John that Christ testified that John was the one prophets foretold would come before the Savior and prepare the way.  Finally I would speak of how I felt (implying the spirit) in Christ’s presence while he was yet preaching and performing great miracles among the people. 

2.       Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:2–3, “Did John Doubt That Jesus Was the Messiah?” (pg. 66). Explain why John wanted his disciples to go to Jesus Christ.

John did not doubt that Jesus was the Messiah.  He had a sure knowledge that came from revelation and visitations of angels.  John had an issue with his disciples not wanting to leave him and follow Christ.  John sent his disciples to Christ to help strengthen the testimony of the disciples in Christ.  John needed to persuade them that Jesus was the messiah

3.       Read the institute student manual commentary for Matthew 11:11, “No Greater Prophet than John the Baptist” (pg. 66). What did the Savior say about John the Baptist in Matthew 11:11 and Luke 7:28? Provide three reasons given by Joseph Smith why John the Baptist is considered among the greatest prophets.

Our Savior said that John the Baptist was the greatest of any born among women, but that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than him.  John was entrusted with the responsibility of preparing the way for the Savior.  He was also the one who had the job of baptizing the Messiah.  Lastly, John held the rights and keys to the kingdom by being born in the blood lineage that he was born into.

4.       What does John 3:30 suggest about John the Baptist and his attitude toward the Savior? Briefly describe how we could apply a similar attitude in our own lives.

I think this shows John’s full understanding of who the savior was and what his mission was.  John was the prophet that prepared the way for the Savior and he had to amass a large following.  Therefore in this verse it shows not only his understanding, but his humility and willingness to give up whatever power or following he had accumulated.  John had faith knew the Savior needed to fulfill his work.

Apostleship

What is an Apostle and who were the originals?

A search of the scriptures shows these men as the originally called apostles:

Peter (Simon), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James (son of Alphaeus), Lebaeus (Thadaeus), Simon (Canaanite), Judas Iscariot

I looked up a few of them in the bible dictionary and found these interesting facts:

James & John:  I never caught that the Savior called these two “the sons of thunder” in Mark 3:17.  How cool is that?  I would take that as a nickname from the Savior.

Bartholomew: He is also possibly Nathanael, who is spoken of as being an apostle.  His name means, “God has given”.

Thomas: His name means “twin”, which is the Greek word Didymus.

An Apostle is one who is sent forth.  The calling of an Apostle is to be a special witness of Jesus Christ.  Twelve of these constitute an administrative council in the ministry.  This council is equal in authority to the first presidency.

The Savior gave the Apostles instructions before he sent them out to preach.  The Savior gave them specific direction on whom to preach to.  He instructed them to freely use their priesthood power to bless and serve others.  He gave specific instructions to help them focus on the spiritual matters and not temporal matters.  Knowing that the work of Apostleship would be dangerous, he told them to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves”.  He taught them to rely on the Spirit.  He taught them to be bold and fearless.

It was a magnificent event when Peter, James & John were called by the Savior.  I thought Peter’s reaction was a sign of humility.  He immediately expressed his weak immortal state, which could be perceived as the first fruits of repentance.  He and James and John then immediately left all and followed the Savior.  I think this incident was much more than just a miracle for the eyes.  The spirit of the Lord must have been very strong for them to make such a drastic decision.  I think I could be more like them by doing all that is asked of me by the servants of our Father in Heaven.  I think my devotion could be better shown by living the Gospel principles fully.  I also think that the more in tune with the spirit I am, the better I will recognize when the Lord is calling for my service.

Born of the Water and of the Spirit

John Chapter 3

We Must Be Born Again

The Savior declared that we must be “born again” (John 3:3). Review John 3:1–8; Mosiah 5:7. Then respond in writing to the following questions and instructions:

1.       What is the difference between “seeing” the kingdom of God and “entering” the kingdom of God?

“Seeing” refers to being ready for, or being able to see the signs of the Lords coming.  D&C 56:18 clarifies this meaning.  The verse states that only the pure in hear, whose hearts are broken, and whose spirits are contrite shall “see” the kingdom of God coming.  “Seeing” is the precursor for entering.  It is the spiritual change that has to occur before you can physically enter the kingdom.  I believe entering is just that.  We shall enter into the kingdom of God with our perfect bodies after being spiritually reborn.

2.       What did Jesus Christ teach Nicodemus that he must do to enter the kingdom of God?

Jesus taught Nicodemus that he needed to change.  He needed to be spiritually reborn.  Nicodemus needed to change from his carnal fallen state to a state of righteousness.  Implied in the statement was that Nicodemus needed to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Ghost in order to facilitate this change.

3.       What does it mean to be “born of water?”

Being “born of water” is to be baptized. 

4.       Read Moses 6:59 and list ways that baptism is a symbol of rebirth. Read Romans 6:4 and list how baptism can be a symbol of death.

We believe in baptism by immersion.  This means that one is fully immersed into water and raised back out.  This process symbolizes a death when immersed, and a rebirth when pulled back out.  We came into this life having been born in water in blood.  Therefore, baptism of water is as though we are being reborn, except this time it is a spiritual rebirth and not a physical one.  This process also is symbolic of washing away sins to be clean, and essentially start anew.

5.       What does it mean to be “born of the Spirit?”

Being “born of the Spirit” means to receive the Holy Ghost.  The Holy Ghost has cleansing and sanctifying effect on us.  It has been compared to being baptized by fire.  The Holy Ghost purifies us.

6.       What natural element does the Lord compare with the Spirit? Why is it an effective comparison?

The Lord compares the Spirit to the wind.  He seems to imply that the wind is somewhat of a mystery and that we do not fully comprehend how it works, or why it blows a certain way.  But, if we are born of the spirit we will feel it and hear it and know that it (the wind) is there.  Just like the wind, the spirit can have a great influence and many people in many different areas.

Review John 3:14–17, 35–36. Write a paragraph that describes who the Father loves, what He has done to show his love for his children and for Jesus Christ, what the purpose of the Savior was, and what blessings will come to those who accept the Son.

Our Father in Heaven loves the entire world.  He loves us so much that he has sent us help in the form of his Only Begotten Son.  This help was not sent to condemn us of our mistakes that we will inevitably make, but to save us from those mistakes.  This help is contingent on us believing in and following the Only Begotten Son, our Savior.  Not only does he love us enough to send us help, but if we follow his Son we are then blessed.  One of the greatest blessings God has in store for us is everlasting life.

I think each of the principles discussed in the verses and questions above requires much studying to fully comprehend.  I think my answers scratch the surface on many of the principles.  I have realized that full understanding of these principles requires the help and guidance of the Holy Spirit.  Many of Christ’s teachings are done through symbolism and parables.  This requires each of us to put forth effort to comprehend the teachings.  Putting forth effort requires us to have faith.

How do you know the Savior?

Luke 1:39–45; 2:8–38; Matthew 2:1–18. Others Who Learned of the Birth of Jesus Christ

1.    Fill in the chart below as you study the scriptures indicated:

Who	How they learned about the Savior	What they knew about the Savior	What they did with their knowledge
Elisabeth (Luke 1:39-45)	She learned that Mary carried the savior, when her baby leaped in her womb upon Mary’s visit	She knew that Mary’s baby was her Lord.	She blessed Mary and blessed the fruit of her womb
Shepherds (Luke 2:8-18)	An angel appeared to them and told them of the Saviors birth.	He would be wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger	They went with haste to see the baby and then made it known abroad what they were told concerning the child
Simeon (Luke 2:25-35)	The Holy Ghost told him he would not see death before seeing the Christ. Christ entered the temple and the Holy Ghost prompted him.	Christ was to bring salvation.  Christ was a light to lighten the gentiles.	He blessed Mary and told her that her son would be part of the rise and fall of many in Israel.
Anna (Luke 2:36-38)	She knew because of the Holy Ghost as she served God with fasting and prayers	She knew that he was going to bring redemption	She spoke of him to all in Jerusalem
Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12)	They studied astrology and saw the new star that told of his birth	He was King of the Jews, and should be born in Judea.  He was to be a governor to rule Israel	Went to the child with gifts and rejoiced.  They did not go back to Herod.
Herod (Matthew 2:1-18)	He was told by the three wise men.	He was King of the Jews, and should be born in Judea.  He was to be a governor to rule Israel. He was under 2 years old.	Slew all of the children in Bethlehem
Chief Priests (Matthew 2:1-6)	They learned by the writings of the prophets	That he was the Christ and he was to be born in Bethlehem of Judea.	They told Herod, so Herod could use the information to kill the Christ child.
Nephites (3 Nephi 1:12-22)	Signs of his coming- no darkness for a night & a star appeared.	The Son of God must shortly be born.	They fell to the earth.  They believed and were converted unto the lord

2.    Write a response to the question: What do I know about the Savior, how have ​I learned it, and what am I doing with what I know?

I know that the Savior is my friend, and that he loves me.  I know that he suffered for my sins and will be the Savior of the world.  I know that he is God’s only begotten son.  That he came to earth to fulfill the will of the Father and that he did so will giving all the glory to the Father.  I have learned this through study of the scriptures and prayer.  I also have learned this through hearing others testimonies.  I always try to be an example to others.  I live the gospel and understand that I represent my Savior.  I also try and share this knowledge of what I know and have learned to those who are close to me.

King David

Choice 2: 2 Samuel 1-10. David Anointed King

Search 2 Samuel 1-10 and make a list of King David’s accomplishments.

·         King David’s Accomplishments

1.       Slayes the killer of Saul and Jonathan

2.       Anointed King over house of Judah

3.       Defeated Abner and his followers

4.       Brings justice to two men who slew a righteous man

5.       All Israel anoints him king

6.       He takes Jerusalem

7.       He conquers the Philistines.

8.       He defeats many nations

9.       The Lord is with him

10.   Pays tribute and respect to the house of Saul

11.   Defeats Ammonites and Syrians

Read 1 Chronicles 22:7-8 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for 2 Samuel 7:1-17, “Why Was David Not Allowed to Build the Temple?” (pgs. 289-90). Write your explanation of why the Lord did not want David to build a temple.

·         The Lord did not give David specific reasons as to why he could not build a house of the Lord.  In fact, it is mentioned that David had good intentions for building the house.  The Lord did tell David that he could not build the temple because he had made too many wars and shed too much blood.  I am not sure why that would be a factor.  David eventually had his son Solomon build the temple.  Maybe the Lord needed this to be for Solomon’s sake.

Read 2 Samuel 7:12-17 and write one or two sentences describing how you would feel if you were in a situation similar to David’s. Write one or two sentences describing how 2 Samuel 7:16 is a Messianic prophecy. Then read 2 Samuel 7:18-29 and summarize David’s response to the Lord’s message to him.

·         David is denied permission from the Lord to build a temple.  It almost seems as though the Lord was upset that David wanted to build a permanent house without the Lord giving approval on the location and time at which it should be built.  I think, if I were David, I would feel chastened at the Lords response.  The Lord praises David and tells him he has been blessed, but says he will establish his house after David has died.  The fact that David had to hear this from Nathan makes me think that David was not totally in tune with the Lord and that maybe his desire to build a temple was blinding him to what the Lord was trying to tell him.

·         The Lord tells David that his house and kingdom shall be established forever.  We know that Christ came through the lineage of David.  Being established forever probably has reference to our Savior and his power and glory.  

·         David responds to the Lord with thanks and asks that the Lord do as he has said.

Sampson-The Nazarite

Choice 1: Judges 13-16. “The Woman Bare a Son, and Called His Name Samson”

1. Study Judges 13-16 looking for both the possible greatness of Samson and his failings. Fill in the chart below, indicating Samson’s blessings and his sins.

Promises and Blessings	Sins
Blessed at birth	Took wife of the uncircumcised philistines
Will deliver Israel from Philistines	Anger and retaliation
Spirit of the Lord moved him	Was with a Harlot
No razor to touch his head	Trusts evil women
Slays a lion, then ate meat and honey from it
Lord miraculously provides water	Slew 30 men
Blessed with strength one last time to kill 3,000 philistines.	Slays a thousand men

1. After completing the chart above, write one or two paragraphs explaining why you think some people with so much potential make such bad decisions.

Here is one of my favorite quotes, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power.” (Abraham Lincoln).  I think our potential or power can sometimes blind us.  It can make us believe we are more than just the dust of the earth, and we can begin to either forget or ease God out of our lives.  We all know the pride cycle.  When we have success we forget our God.  With power and potential comes the trial of humility.

1. Read Judges 13:5; Numbers 6:1-9 and the Institute Student Manual commentary for Judges 13:5, “What Is a Nazarite?” (pg. 259). Make a list of the requirements for a Nazarite. From Judges 14-16 write a statement that describes which of his vows Samson broke.

What does it mean to be a Nazarite:

• They shall make a vow with the Lord
• No razor shall come on their head
• Must not drink wine, strong drink, vinegar of wine, vinegar of strong drink or liquor of grapes
• Must not eat moist or dried grapes
• Must not eat anything of the vine tree, from the kernels to the husk
• Must not come at a dead body
• Must not be unclean for father, mother, brother or sister at their death
• Must be holy unto the Lord
• If they kill anyone they must shave their head

The Nazarite was a special calling.  It almost seems similar to that of a nun or priest who have devoted their life to God.  Sampson was to separate himself from others “by a special vow of self-dedication to Jehovah”. (Old Testament manual)  Of all these requirements, Sampson broke many of them.  Instead of separating himself, he marries a Philistine.  Sampson killed several people.  He was immoral by being with a harlot and was deceived by devious women.

1. Using the account of Samson’s life, write a paragraph about how you could avoid yielding to temptation in your own life.

The story of Sampson, and Delilah deceiving him, makes me think of how persistent satan is.  Just because you have resisted him a couple times, or even a thousand times, he is still going to try and tempt you so that you will fall.  And he will do it in a way so as to target your weakest links.  For Sampson this was a lust for women.  This is why it is so important that we continually build our spiritual strength, just like our physical muscles, we need to use it or we will lose it.