𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗟𝗙-𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗟

STRENGTH MEANS NOTHING WITHOUT SELF-CONTROL

When Physical Power Is Defeated by Fleshly Passion

Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”

INTRODUCTION

Samson and David were both chosen by God, empowered by God, and used mightily by God.
Yet both men discovered a painful truth:
Uncontrolled lust can overpower unmatched strength.

This message is not about condemning great men—but about warning believers in this present Dispensation of Grace that victory in the flesh is never permanent without spiritual discipline.

POWER WITHOUT PURITY
Judges 16:1; 2 Samuel 11:2

A. Strength Did Not Remove Temptation
1 Corinthians 10:12
B. Power Cannot Replace Purity
Matthew 5:8
C. Privilege Increases Accountability
Luke 12:48
Dispensational Insight:
Grace does not excuse impurity—it teaches holiness (Titus 2:11–12).

DESIRE UNDISCIPLINED
Judges 16:4; 2 Samuel 11:3

A. Lust Begins with the Eyes
1 John 2:16
B. Delay Strengthens Desire
James 1:14
C. Desire Untamed Becomes Destructive
Romans 6:12
Dispensational Insight:
Believers must reckon the flesh dead (Romans 6:11).

SECRETS BEFORE THE FALL
Judges 16:15–17; 2 Samuel 11:4

A. Hidden Sin Weakens Strength
Proverbs 28:13
B. Private Compromise Precedes Public Collapse
Luke 8:17
C. Silence Allows Sin to Grow
Ephesians 5:11
Dispensational Insight:
Grace calls believers to walk in light, not secrecy.

CONFIDENCE IN THE FLESH
Judges 16:20; 2 Samuel 11:1

A. Samson Assumed Power Remained
Judges 16:20
B. David Assumed Safety in Idleness
2 Samuel 11:1
C. Flesh Always Overestimates Itself
Romans 7:18
Dispensational Insight:
Spiritual strength depends on daily dependence, not past victories.

PLEASURE OVER PURPOSE
Judges 16:1; 2 Samuel 11:4

A. Lust Distracts from Calling
Hebrews 12:1
B. Pleasure Becomes Priority
Philippians 3:19
C. Purpose Gets Postponed
Proverbs 25:28
Dispensational Insight:
The Body of Christ is called to run, not relax (1 Corinthians 9:24).

CONSEQUENCES CERTAIN
Judges 16:21; 2 Samuel 12:10

A. Samson Lost His Liberty
Judges 16:21
B. David Lost His Peace
Psalm 51:3
C. Sin Always Collects Interest
Galatians 6:7
Dispensational Insight:
Grace forgives—but consequences remain.

REBUKE AND REPENTANCE
Judges 16:28; Psalm 51:1

A. Samson Cried Too Late
Judges 16:28
B. David Confessed Fully
Psalm 51:4
C. God Honors Brokenness
Psalm 34:18
Dispensational Insight:
Repentance restores fellowship, not salvation.

RESTORATION BY GRACE
Judges 16:22; 2 Samuel 12:13

A. God Restores the Humble
James 4:6
B. Grace Is Greater Than Failure
Romans 5:20
C. Mercy Follows Confession
1 John 1:9
Dispensational Insight:
In this age, grace restores believers to service, not sacrifice.

SPIRITUAL STRENGTH SUPERIOR
Ephesians 6:10

A. Strength Comes from the Lord
Ephesians 6:10
B. Self-Control Is Spiritual Power
Galatians 5:22–23
C. Walking in the Spirit Prevents Lust
Galatians 5:16
Dispensational Insight:
Victory today is Spirit-led, not flesh-driven.

CONCLUSION

Samson conquered lions.
David conquered giants.
Yet lust conquered both.
Physical strength fades.
Spiritual discipline endures.

CALL TO ACTION

Crucify the flesh daily
Walk in the Spirit intentionally
Guard your eyes, heart, and mind
“But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.”
— 1 Corinthians 9:27

FINAL THOUGHTS

Lust does not attack the weak—it targets the strong.
The greatest battles are not outside—but within.
Strength without self-control = defeat
Grace with discipline = victory
Christ in you = power over lust
True strength is ruling your spirit.