July 31 2016 Prevailing Through Opposition

The Tactics of Opposition

First Tactic: ridicule. (Vs. 1-3)

He ridiculed the Jews.

Second Tactic: organized resistance. (Vs. 6-8)

They all plotted together.

Third Tactic: rumor. (Vs. 11-12)

Two Characteristics of Rumors:

1. They are always spread by those closest to the enemy.

2. They are exaggerated the more they are repeated.

Effective Christians don’t swallow rumors.

The Effect of Opposition

Verses 10-11 – Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, the strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall. Also, our enemies will attack.

The Effect is discouragement.

When does this usually occur in a project?

When the wall half done.(Vs. 6)

Four Causes of Discouragement:

1. “Strength, giving out” Fatigue

2. “So much rubble” Frustration

3. “We cannot rebuild” Failure

4. “Enemies will attack us” Fear

The Right Response to Opposition

What do you do when you’re under attack?

• Rely on God. (Vs. 4-5)

Proverbs 26:4 – Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will be like him yourself.

The Effective Christian says, when you’re ridiculed, don’t take it out on people, talk it out with God.

• Respect the opposition. (Vs. 9)

Petition without precaution is presumption.

“Watch and Pray”

Matthew 26:41; Colossians. 4:2; 1 Peter 5:8

• Reinforce your weak points. (Vs. 13)

Effective Christians know: where they are the weakest and they post a guard. (Vs. 16-18)

Effective Christians must build and battle at the same time.

• Reassure your position. (Vs. 14)

“Remember the Lord.”

• Refuse to quit. (Vs. 15)

(Vs. 21-23)

Effective Christians are persistent.

A fundamental principle of the Christian Life - Never Give Up

April 3 2016 Your Future And God's Faithfulness

YOUR FUTURE AND GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

Psalm 34:4 – I sought the Lord and He answered me, He delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 145:13 – The Lord is faithful to all His promises.

GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

1.  Helps me keep standing when I’m tempted.

1 Peter 5:8 - Watch out for attacks from the devil, your great enemy.  He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for some victim to devour.  Take a firm stand against him, and be strong in your faith.

1 Corinthians 10:13 - The temptations that you have are the same ones that all people have.  But you can trust God.  He will not let you be tempted more than you can stand.  When you are tempted, God will also give you a way to escape.  Then you will be able to stand it.

2.  Helps me keep standing when I’m overwhelmed.

2 Corinthians 1:21-22 - It is God who gives us the ability to stand firm for Christ.  He has commissioned us, and He has identified us as His own by placing the Holy Spirit in our hearts.

Philippians 2:13 - For God is at work within you, giving you the will and the power to achieve His purpose.

3.  Helps me keep standing in the storm.

Isaiah 41:10 - So don’t worry, because I am with you.  Don’t be afraid, because I am your God.  I will make you strong and will help you.  I will support you with my right hand that saves you.

Psalm 46:1 - God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.

HOW TO RECEIVE GOD’S STRENGTH

1.  Call out to God.

James 4:6-8 - God gives grace to the humble.  So give yourselves completely to God.  Draw close to God, and God will draw close to you.

2.  Fill your mind with God’s Word.

Psalm 119:25 - I am completely discouraged; revive me by your Word.

3.  Accept support from God’s people.

Galatians 6:2 - By helping each other with your troubles, you truly obey the law of Christ.

4.  Hold on to God’s promises.

Isaiah 40:29-31 - He gives strength to the wary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

2 Corinthians 4:18 - So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen.  For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

Philippians 4:13 – I have strength for all things in Christ who empowers me.  I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses inner strength into me.

February 10 2013 Maintaining Moral Integrity

MAINTAINING MORAL INTEGRITY IN 2013

Exodus 20:14 - You shall not commit adultery.

How To Stay Pure In A Polluted World

1. Make a commitment to God’s standard.
Proverbs 119:9 - How can anyone keep his way pure? By living according to Your Word.

2. Never consider yourself above temptation.
1 Corinthians 10:12 - So be careful if you are thinking, oh I would never behave like that. Let this be a warning to you. For you too may fall into sin.
Proverbs 16:19 - Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

3. Keep a close watch on your Spiritual temperature.
Proverbs 4:23 - Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
1 Corinthians 9:22 - I discipline my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

4. Maintain your marriage.
Solomon 1:6 - They made me take care of other’s vineyards while my own vineyard I have neglected.
Proverbs 5:15-21 - Drink water from your own cistern.

7 Suggestions
• Involve mate in life, work
• Keep reminders of family around
• Keep lines of communication open
• When attracted, redirect it towards your mate
• Date your mate
• Make much of your marriage in public
• Don’t discuss your marriage problems with someone of the opposite sex

5. Develop healthy outlets for emotional energy.
Romans 12:21 - Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

6. Guard your mind.
James 1:14-15 - Sin begins with the desire and then when it’s conceived it brings forth sin and then when it is finished, brings forth death.
2 Timothy 4:5 1 Corinthians 10:5 Psalm 101:3
1 Peter 1:13 Ephesians 6:17 Romans 16:19

7. Remind yourself of damaging consequences.
James 1:15 - Sin, when it is finished, brings forth death.

8. Take necessary precautions.
Matthew 26:41 - (Jesus says) watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.

1 Peter 5:8 - Be careful, watch out for attacks from satan, your great enemy. He prowls around like a hungry, roaring lion looking for some victim to tear apart.

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who perseveres under temptation, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the victor’s crown, the life God promised to those who love Him.