Overcoming Life’s Problems

Preparing for the Problems of Suffering

 

FILING INFORMATION:

2000005

Subject: attitudes; patience; perseverance

Preached Originally: 01/16/2000 – Rapid City, SD

 

Introduction

A.     Series on overcoming Life’s Problems continues.  Hope you continue to enjoy the series.

1.        Want to do at least 2 more installments in the series.  Depression, lying.

2.        Suggestions for topics in this series – see me.

B.    Last week – 2 sermons devoted to talking about why God allows suffering & who/what causes suffering.

1.    Hopefully we understand that suffering can result:

a)    from our own actions

b)    from the work of Satan

c)    from the chastening of God.

2.    We also should understand that it can help us learn to depend on God; appreciate material things; keep the world from becoming too attractive.

C.    Today’s lesson:  want to discuss some ways that we can prepare ourselves for suffering that might come our way.

1.    Don’t pretend to have all the answers.

2.    Don’t intend to get everyone depressed – but we all need to be soberminded – must be prepared how to act in case suffering comes our way.  See Eph. 5:15-17

3.    Don’t be unwise in this area – even if it unpleasant to think about at the present.

D.    Perhaps when suffering comes our way – perhaps we can use it in our lives for good – so that we can be better in long run.

1.    Let us learn to use such occasions for the glory of God.

2.    There are several things that we can develop in our lives which will help us to deal w/the problem of suffering.

3.    What are they?

 

I.  Develop trust in God Through an active Bible life.

A.    Over/over God:  He will be there during times of trouble/trials.

1.    OT – Ps. 46:1-3, 10-11; 55:22

2.    NT – Rom. 8:35-39; 1 Pet. 5:6-7

B.    Above scriptures demand – FULL trust in God – if we to carry them out as He would have us to do.

1.     not halfway – not in way that just easy for us – but fully trust Him.

2.     Neh. 1:7 – God to be our stronghold in times of trouble.

3.     Isa. 26:3-4 – God = our peace/strength during times of trouble.

4.     Do you have this kind of trust in the Lord?  Have you learned to lean on Him during times of trial/suffering?

C.   Perhaps you haven’t.  But you want to.  You want to develop a sense of trust?  Where/how can this be developed?

1.    Meditation on the word of God.  Rom. 10:17; Psa. 119:165

a)      this can draw closer to God – which can sustain us through the severest of times.

b)      Done daily through Bible study

c)       Through BS w/family, friends, brethren

d)      Do this – can b/c truly blessed – Psa. 1:1-3

2.    Realizing the truth of the Scriptures

a)    1 Cor. 10:13; Rom. 5:3-4; 8:35-39

b)    personal experiences from the past can help us get through today’s problems

c)    Remember contents of 2 Cor. 4:16-5:1

3.    Develop a relationship w/brethren & observing how God is working in their lives can help bring a sense of trust in our lives.

 

II.  Develop your prayer life.

A.     As noted in last Sunday AM’s lesson – we tend to be prayerful during times of suffering.  This what God would have us to do.

1.    Jas. 5:13

2.    Note example of Jesus:  He faced more suffering than any of us will EVER go through.  Note 3 passages:

a)    Mt. 26:36-46 – night of His betrayal.

b)    Lk. 23:34 – while on the cross – praying for those who hurt Him

c)    Lk. 23:46 – in His dying moments.

d)    No one would argue that He did not lean heavily/totally upon His Father during this time.  We need to try to do the same thing – even though our suffering much less than His.

3.    Note conduct of FC Christians during times of suffering

a)    Acts 12:1-5 – w/Peters situation often being locked up in Herod’s jail.

b)    12:6-12 – those intense prayers led to results!

c)    Scholars:  it looked like the end of the line for Peter.

B.    Prayer = vital.  In prayer we can find inner peace.

1.    Phil. 4:6-7.  Want peace?  Give your problem to God!

2.    Time to develop prayer?  NOW – b/f suffering begins!

a)    through prayer right now during good times

b)    we can cultivate our friendship w/God so that…

c)    in future times of stress He will not be a stranger.

3.    Point:  we gain strength through prayer.

a)    fail to pray when dealing w/minor things in life

b)    how can we be able to stand when facing the major struggles that suffering brings?

4.    Get on your knees & pray!

 

III.  Become Actively Involved in Church Life.

A.    Why so important?  B/c you can find good, faithful, honest friends w/in the local congregation.  Note words of Solomon:

1.    Eccl. 4:9-12

2.    Friends/brethren can help you during times of trouble

3.    Woe to those who have to face suffering alone!

B.    Church is intended by God to provide this mutual encouragement.

1.    1 Thess. 5:14; 1 Cor. 12:24-27

2.    we as members together in the Lord’s body – should have the same care for each other.  We have been encouraged to help those who weaker.

3.    Are you as a bro/sis fulfilling your responsibility in this area?

C.   How can I develop such relationships?

1.    take an active role in the “family life” of the local congregation.

a)    bottom line:  get involved!

b)    Make your presence felt!

1)     by frequent/consistency in attendance.  Are you here more or less often than not?

2)     Are we surprised when you are not here?  Or….are we surprised when you are here.

c)    get involved in the work of the church

1)    teach class; hand out flyers, etc.

2)    have a singing in a home; teen-agers over, etc.

d)    visit sick; encourage the weak; welcome/assist new members.

2.    Why this so important?

a)       helping others in suffering can soften the shock of suffering in our own lives.

b)       Visit sick at hospitals; bereaved in time of death can help us prepare for the same thing when it confronts our own life.

3.    B/c more than just a pew-warmer.

D.   Those who practice such things – will never lack support during their time of trouble.

1.    if you diligent to visit others in their time of need:

2.    don’t be surprised if others are not quick to come to your side when the need there.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

A.       By developing a deep, abiding trust in God – by increased Bible study/meditation upon wholesome things – one can b/c better prepared when suffering comes his way.

B.      By having an active prayer life – our relationship with God can become stronger.  We can draw on that strength when we need it most.

C.      By developing Christian friendships through active prayer life in the church – we can go along way in getting ready.

D.      Burdens can either shatter our faith – or strengthen it.

1.    which will it be for you?

2.    Proper foundation for this life found by building upon His word – Mt. 7:24-27

E.      Are you prepared?  Are you prepared to meet God?

F.       I N V I T A T I O N