Judges 15: Let Christ Deliver You

Judges 15 shows how Christ fulfills Samson’s story, defeating sin at the cross and giving believers victory and eternal life through His Spirit.

Introduction

Judges 15 portrays Samson as a flawed deliverer who accomplishes God’s purpose despite his personal failures. The chapter opens with vengeance (Judges 15:1–8), proceeds with betrayal (Judges 15:9–13), climaxes in supernatural victory (Judges 15:14–17), and ends with God’s gracious provision of water (Judges 15:18–19). Though Samson acts from pride and anger, God turns his weakness into an instrument of deliverance. This chapter reminds you that only the Lord can deliver, and only the Spirit can empower true victory. Samson points to Christ—the righteous Deliverer who was betrayed, bound, and struck, yet triumphed through the cross to give everlasting life. You must let Christ deliver you.

Proposition

You should let Christ deliver you.

Because He Showed Indignation (Judges 15:1–8)

Samson’s story begins with personal outrage. When his father-in-law gives his wife to another man, Samson burns the Philistines’ fields and vineyards in revenge. The Hebrew word for “avenge” (naqam) means to seek vindication, but Samson’s vengeance was self-centered. It escalated destruction and sorrow rather than righteousness. Yet Christ also displayed indignation—but His anger was holy. When He cleansed the temple, He declared, “Zeal for your house will consume me” (John 2:17). His indignation expressed the heart of God, not wounded pride. God desires that you share His righteous hatred for sin, not out of spite toward people, but out of love for holiness. You should hate the sin that ruins your fellowship with God and brings destruction into your life (Psalm 97:10).

Israel had resigned to the idea that the Philistines were their rulers. When you see sin corrupting your heart, don’t treat it casually. Samson’s wrath destroyed fields; Christ’s zeal destroys sin’s grip. God wants you to let His Spirit kindle righteous indignation toward anything that dishonors His name. You show that same zeal when you turn from sin, confront temptation, and guard your heart against compromise. Let Christ’s zeal for righteousness shape your own, so your life reflects His purity and passion for holiness.

Because He Defeated Your Enemies (Judges 15:9–17)

When Samson was bound by his own people and handed to the Philistines, God’s Spirit rushed upon him, and the ropes that held him melted like flax in fire. With a donkey’s jawbone, he struck down a thousand men. The victory was God’s, not Samson’s, for only the Spirit made such power possible. The jawbone—a weak, unclean instrument—became a weapon in the Lord’s hand. This points to the cross. What seemed foolish and weak became the means by which God conquered sin, death, and hell (Colossians 2:15). Just as Samson broke his cords and triumphed over his enemies, Christ broke the cords of death and rose from the grave. You should let Christ deliver you because He alone has defeated every spiritual power that enslaved you and every spiritual force who opposed you.

But this victory has personal application. Christ’s triumph over sin now becomes yours when you unite with Him by faith. The believer’s victory begins by knowing that he died with Christ to sin and rose with Him to new life (Romans 6:6–11). You must count this to be true and yield yourself to God as an instrument of righteousness. When you walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13–14), you experience daily freedom from sin’s power. Like Samson, you may face enemies that seem stronger than you, but the Spirit who raised Christ from the dead dwells in you. Depend on Him. Let the same power that broke Samson’s cords break sin’s hold on your heart. Yield every thought, word, and action to Christ’s control, and you will see victory through His Spirit.

Because He Gives Everlasting Life (Judges 15:18–20)

After the battle, Samson grew faint with thirst and cried out to God. The Lord opened a hollow in the rock and brought water to revive him. That place was called En-hakkore—“the caller’s spring.” It reminded Israel that God answers the cries of His servants. This provision points to Christ, the Rock struck for our salvation (1 Corinthians 10:4). By His death, living water now flows to all who believe (John 7:37–38). Samson’s water sustained him for a moment; Christ’s living water satisfies forever. You should let Christ deliver you because He alone can quench the thirst of your soul and give eternal life.

For you who belong to Christ, that same living water continues to flow. His Spirit dwells within you as a fountain that never runs dry. When you feel drained by temptation or weary from battle, draw from that well. The Lord calls you to abide in Him and let His life flow through you. Eternal life is not only your future possession—it is your present source of strength and joy. When you drink deeply from His Word and walk in His Spirit, He renews your soul and makes your life a channel through which others can find refreshment. The spring that flowed for Samson still reminds you that God revives the fainthearted and strengthens those who call on Him in faith.

Invitation

Judges 15 shows that deliverance belongs to the Lord. Samson’s strength failed, but God’s purpose did not. Like Israel, you cannot free yourself from sin’s bondage. You need the Deliverer God has provided—Jesus Christ. He was betrayed, bound, and handed over, just as Samson was. Yet He bore your sin upon the cross, taking your judgment and paying your debt in full. His death satisfied God’s righteous wrath against sin, and His resurrection proved that salvation was complete (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He now offers you living water—eternal life that springs up forever.

You must change your mind about sin. Stop trusting in your own goodness, and rely completely on Christ’s finished work. Call on the name of the Lord, and He will save you (Romans 10:9–13). Do not stay bound by sin’s cords when the Deliverer stands ready to set you free. He broke the power of death for you, and He promises new life to all who believe. Trust Him now, and drink freely from the fountain of His grace.

For those who already know Christ, this chapter calls you to live in the power of His deliverance. Hate sin as He hates it. Walk daily in the victory He has won for you. Yield your life to the Spirit who empowers you. Drink deeply from the living water He provides. Let Christ deliver you—not only from sin’s penalty, but from its power and weariness. The same Lord who split the rock for Samson still refreshes His people today. Keep calling on Him, and He will strengthen you to walk in His freedom and joy.