September 1 2013 Trusting God With Our Giants

Giants represent the problems that we face in life.

Examples: 

Wrong relationships with others.
Difficult circumstances.
A defeating habit.
Daily struggle with self image.

God allows giants to come into our pathway to stretch us spiritually.

The Setting Of I Samuel 17

Verses 1, 2, and 3

Verses 4-7

Verses 8-9

Sin is more that a match for you and me.

Sin is not a contest until it is our master.
Verses 10-11

Verse 12

Verses 17, 18, and 19

Verses 20-23

Four Things That Caused David To Handle The Giant

I.  Be convinced of God‘s reality.
Verse 24
Verse 26

Faith looks beyond the problem and sees the power of God.
Verses 28-29

II.  Be confident in the reliability of God.
Verses 31-37

You will never be able to handle the giants until you have learned to handle the lions and the bears.

Two Things About David’s Confidence
• Past victories will give present confidence.

• David did not forget what God had done for him in the past.

III.  Depend on the resources of God.
Verses 38-39

Verse 40

Verses 45-47

IV.  Be sure you are God‘s representative.
Verse 48

Verse 49
You Can Handle The Giants In Your Life!!!

August 5 2012 How To Handle Temptation

How To Handle Temptation

James 1:13-15 - When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one tempted when, by his own evil desire.

THREE FACTS ABOUT TEMPTATION

1. First, remember that temptation is natural.
1 Corinthians 10:13 - Every temptation that comes your way is the kind that normally comes to people. But, God keeps His promise, and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. At the time you are tempted He will give you the strength to endure it and so provide you with a way out. 

2. Temptation is neutral.
Hebrews 4:15 - For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

3. Temptation is necessary.
James 1:2-4 - Consider it pure joy my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
John 4:4 - Greater is He who is in you, than he who is in the world.

FIVE WAYS TO HANDLE TEMPTATION

1. Refuse to be intimidated.

• Three ways He works:
Alarmed - Frustration - Discouragement
Ephesians 6:10-11 - Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, put on the full armor of God so you can take your stand against the devil’s scheme.

2. Request God’s help.
Psalm 50:15 - Call to me when trouble comes, I will save you and you will praise Me.

• Daniel
• Joseph

Hebrews 4:15-16 - (Jesus) had the same temptations we do, though He never once gave way to them and sinned, so let us come boldly to God and find grace to help us in our time of need.

3. Refocus your attention.
James 1:14-15 - Temptation is the pull of your own evil thoughts and wishes. These evil thoughts lead to evil actions.
Be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.

4. Reveal your struggle to a friend.
Ecclesiastes 5:9-10 Two are better than one, because together, if one falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, there’s no one to help him.
James 5:16 - Admit your faults to one another and pray for each other, so that you may be healed.

5. Resist the tempter.
Ephesians 5:17 - Accept salvation from God to be your helmet and receive the Word of God to use as a sword.

•Example of Jesus: Filled with the Holy Spirit.
Instant NO. Quoted scripture.