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

May 15 2016 Managing Life's Rejections

MANAGING LIFE’S REJECTIONS

Proverbs 18:14 - A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a broken spirit, who can bear?

SIX SYMPTOMS OF REJECTION
1. Easily hurt.
2. Have a fear of failure.
3. Often suspicious of others.
4. Often isolate themselves from others.
5. Feel they have to prove themselves all the time.
6. Difficulty trusting God.

HOW TO RESPOND TO LIFE’S REJECTIONS

1. Release my pain.

Matthew 5:4 – Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Psalm 62:8 – Pour out your heart to God, for He is our refuge.

Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

2. Receive from others.

Galatians 6:2 – Carry each other’s burdens.  By helping each other with your troubles, you obey the law of Christ.

Hebrews 12:15 – Look after each other so that not one of you will fail to find God’s best blessing.

3. Refuse to be bitter.

Job 21:25 – Some people have no happiness at all; they live and die with a bitter heart.

Hebrews 12:15 – Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, it causes deep trouble hurting many in their spiritual lives.

The Antidote: 

-Accept what cannot be changed.

Job 11:13, 16 – Reach out to God, then face the world again, firm and courageous.

-Focus on what’s left not what’s lost.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – No matter what happens always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you.

4. Remember what’s important.

Luke 12:15 – Jesus said life is not measured by how much one owns.

1 Timothy 6:7 – We brought nothing into the world and we can take nothing out of it.

5. Rely on Christ.

Philippians 4:13 – I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens.  I can do all things through Christ, because He gives me strength.

HOW?

-Lean on Christ for stability!

Psalm 125:1 – Those who trust in the Lord are steady as Mount Zion, unmoved by any circumstance.

Psalm 112:6-7 – Such a person will not be overthrown by evil circumstances.  God’s constant care of him will make a deep impression on all who see it.  He does not fear bad news, nor live in dread of what may happen.  For he is settled in his mind that God will take care of him.

-Listen to Christ for direction!

Jeremiah 29:11 – I know what I am planning for you, says the Lord.  I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you.  I will give you hope and a good future.

-Look to Christ for salvation.

Job 2:7 – When I have lost all hope, I once again turn my thoughts to the Lord.

January 13 2013 Taking God Seriously

TAKING GOD SERIOUSLY

Exodus 20:7 - You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

What’s in a name?

Reputation

Character

Authority

I. Ways God’s Name Can Be Misused
• Using God’s Name to insult.

• Using God’s Name to indulge.
Leviticus 19:12 - Do not make a promise in My Name if you do not intend to keep it. That brings disgrace on My Name.

• Using God’s Name to intimidate.

• Using God’s Name to impress.
Titus 1:16 - They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.

• Using God’s Name impulsively.
Isaiah 29:23 - Those people Worship Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.

Matthew 6:7 - When you pray, don’t use a lot of meaningless words.

II. How Can I Use God’s Name Correctly?

1. Reverence God’s Name Continually.

Psalm 29:2 - Give to the Lord the glory due His Name.

Psalm 9:10 - Those who know Your Name will trust in You.

Psalm 61:5 - You (God) have given me the blessings You reserve for those who reverence Your Name.

2. Represent God’s Name Clearly.
2 Timothy 2:19 - A person who calls himself a Christian should not be doing things that are wrong.

Colossians 3:17 - Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus.

3. Rely on God’s Name Completely.
Psalm 33:21 - No wonder we are happy in the Lord! We trust His Holy Name.

Acts 4:12 - Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven by which we must be saved.

John 20:31 - Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and by believing you may have life in His Name.

Luke 6:45 - The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.