Overcome Loneliness

 

John 14:15-26; 16:16-33

 

SUBJECT: STRENGTH FOR THE CHALLENGE OF LONELINESS

THEME: You Can Overcome the Feelings of Loneliness by Building Friendships with Fellow Believers.

RELEVANCE: loneliness seems pervasive in our world today. I have met hundreds of people through the years who have felt utterly alone, abandoned, isolated, ostracized, and thus, lonely.  However, we can embrace biblical principles to develop and maintain intimacy with God and with others. The truth is that God intends us to be in touch with and comfortable with other Christians. And most importantly God intends for us to be in touch with and close to Him.

INTRODUCTION:

Usually, Loneliness is a Condition we Try to Avoid.

Loneliness is one of the most excruciating feelings a person can ever have and one that nearly every person attempts to avoid at all costs. Yet, loneliness seems pervasive in our world today.

Older people give frequent testimony to loneliness, especially after the death of a spouse.  2) Divorced people feel extremely lonely and terribly out of place.  3) Young people often think they are totally alone in their feelings, especially if they have indifferent, self-absorbed parents. 4) Salespeople on the road are lonely.  5) Mothers who stay at home all day with young children often speak of loneliness.  6) College students and those of you in the military and are on your own for the first time are lonely.  7) Those who have empty nests after years of raising children are lonely.  8) Newly retired people, accustomed to a wide circle of colleagues, are suddenly lonely.  9) Wives (and sometimes husbands) living in a culture different than their native culture tend to experience great loneliness, especially if they cannot speak the local language well.  Loneliness seems to abound in every sector of life.

MESSAGE:

I. Understand That Feeling Alone Is Different from Truly Being Alone.   John 16:32, Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.

In this one sentence the Lord Jesus express feelings of loneliness and the confidence of God’s presence.  No, he was not confused, but he was communicating the fact that feelings are not always true to reality.  Though the disciples would flee and run for safety, the Lord Jesus would not be left deserted because the Father would be with Him.  It was this union and communion with the Father that would actually support the Lord Jesus when his followers had escaped for their lives.

      *   Actually, being alone is a blessing to some people who find that they are continually surrounded by people or people-related demands.

      *   For others, being alone brings about great feelings of loneliness.

      *   For still others, loneliness is so pervasive in their souls that they can feel lonely even in a room full of people.

A.  GUARD AGAINST THINKING YOU ARE ISOLATED AND ALONE.   

1 Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

    1. Many People Struggle with Feelings of Loneliness.

One of the things you must continually guard your mind against is the idea that you:

         *   are an isolated example or

         *   one-of-a-kind in your feelings of loneliness.

    2.  Christ by His Spirit is Ever with You!

The truth is that you are never alone; the Holy Spirit is present and available to you always.  We must believe God and not our feelings.

John 14:17-18, Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. [18] I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

Hebrews 13:5, Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

God wants you to know you are not alone. You have the Holy Spirit to comfort you, teach you truth, and help you.

B.  RECOGNIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES TO MAKE GOOD FRIENDS.

There are also many other Christian people who have experienced what you are experiencing and who would like the opportunity to be a friend to you.

    1. Reach Out and Take the Initiative to Make Friends.

At times when we are lonely, we simply need to reach out to others and invite their presence in our lives.  Those feelings indicate that it is time to be pro-active.

ILLUSTRATION: The prophet Elijah once felt very isolated and alone. He cried out to God, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Kings 19:14). Can you hear the desperation and loneliness in Elijah's words? Not only did he feel forsaken, but he felt that all of Israel had forsaken the things that were most important to Elijah.

The Lord responded to Elijah, “Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: … Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1 Kings 19:15, 18). Not only was Elijah not truly alone as a follower of the Lord God and a keeper of God's covenant, but there were seven thousand people with whom he might associate!

APPLICATION: The same is likely to be true for you. Not only are you not alone, but there are more people who feel as you feel and believe as you believe than you presently know!  Look around you; there are many people just like you who may be very open to healthy friendships.  Seek them out.

    2. Caring for the Lonely Can be a Cure for Loneliness. 

3 John 1:5-6, Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

In the early days of Christianity, traveling prophets, evangelists, and teachers were helped on their way by people like Gaius, who housed and fed them. Hospitality is a lost art in many churches today.

APPLICATION: We would do well to invite more people for meals -- fellow church members, young people, traveling missionaries, those in need, and visitors. This is an active and much appreciated way to show your love. In fact, it is probably more important today. Because of our individualistic, self-centered society, there are many lonely people who wonder if anyone cares whether they live or die. If you find such a lonely person, show him or her that you care!

II. Spring into Action Wisely When You Feel Lonely.

You simply cannot be alone once you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. Even so, you can have a feeling of being alone even if you aren't alone. What, then, should you do when you have feelings of loneliness?

A.  REFUSE THOSE ACTIVITIES THAT ACTUALLY INCREASE LONELINESS.

Lonely people seem to turn to many things that create more loneliness, rather than to those things that can alleviate their feelings. We must exercise the wisdom of the prudent man who carefully considers where his choices will take him.

Proverbs 14:15-16, The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going. [16] A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident.

There are several evils, potentially, that we face when we are plagued with lonely feelings. We need to know our vulnerability to these very powerful evils and guard ourselves against them.

      1. Don’t Substitute Liquor for Relationships.

Some turn to drugs and alcohol, both of which tend to alienate and turn away the very people with whom they might enjoy companionship.  This is not meant to be mean, but to state a factual condition in our culture.  Women tend to secretly overuse drugs like tranquilizers and barbiturates, and they often turn to alcohol.  By the time anybody figures out what’s going on, it’s nearly too late.  Make up your mind about this and stay away from drugs and alcohol.  They only make the situation worse.     

      2. Don’t Substitute Entertainment for Relationships.

Sometimes people turn to television, internet, videos, or podcast programs, all of which tend to isolate a person from human-to-human communication.  Some of this can be healthy with carefulness and wisdom, but it can greatly hinder any growing or potential companionship the Lord may be directing you.

      3. Don’t Substitute the World’s Crowd for Relationships. 

Sometimes believers turn to the wrong crowd seeking friendship and belonging.  This is one reason why gangs attract young people, though it’s a poor substitute for a family, young people still turn to them for relationships and acceptance–that which they cannot find at home.  In addition, after living in military communities for many years, I must say that there is a very unhealthy expectation to live wildly to fit in with the party crowd.  In fact, I am literally shocked at some of the things that military organizations and support groups use to alleviate loneliness when the husbands are deployed for extended periods of time. I am appalled by the behavior of those who prey on lonely wives when the men are away for long periods because of duty.  A word to the wise—BEWARE!

ILLUSTRATION:  I remember a young man getting saved and beginning to grow by leaps and bounds in the Lord.  He was literally on fire for God.  He had quit the shady past and reputation. God had saved and changed his life. Then a certain woman entered his life, and they were seriously considering marriage.  They came to me for counsel, and I was glad to work with them and proceeded to give guidance from God’s perspective.  I was preaching one Sunday night during that same time frame, and he was leveled by the message.  I simply preached on sowing and reaping.  Well, his past life was haunting him.  He knew now that his past relationships with several wives in housing were wrong and wicked especially when their husbands were in the field or deployed.  Now, that he was planning to get married, he could not bear the thought of someone taking advantage of his lonely wife while he was away.  He never went through with the wedding; he ended up alone.  Sin always destroys relationships and can hinder any future ones also.

APPLICATION: Even though you feel lonely, remain very selective with your choice of close friendships. Stay away from the crowd that runs to the bars, night clubs and strip joints!  Remain at a distance from those who promote or tolerate this same form of activity.  While I do not advocate isolation from lost people, I do encourage biblical separation.  We simply cannot participate in sinful behaviors like they do. 

Ephes. 5:10-13, Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord. [11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. [12] For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. [13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

B.  REACH OUT AND BUILD FRIENDSHIPS AMONG GOD’S PEOPLE.

The foremost antidote that God has supplied for the person who feels lonely is this: good relationships with Christian people!

John 15:13-15, Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. [14] Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. [15] Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Obviously, God designed for Christians to share life and friendships with each other on a much deeper level! The ability to develop growing friendships is truly a mark of Christlikeness.

   1. Decide to be a Real Friend.

Proverbs 18:24, A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

        A.  Clearly, it Takes Being Friendly to Win and Keep Friends!

Friends. Who can overstate their value, their worth? They double our joy and divide our grief.

ILLUSTRATION: The Lord said about Adam when He realized that Adam was alone, “It is not good that the man should be alone;” and then the Lord took the necessary step to resolve this situation, “I will make him an help meet for him.” (Gen. 2:18). We often think this verse applies only to marriage but in a much broader sense, it applies to godly friendships. The Lord's desire is not only that you have a close, intimate relationship with Him but that you have satisfying and enriching personal relationships with other people.

QUOTE: Emerson once said, “We take care of our health, we lay up money, we make our roof tight and our clothing sufficient, but who provides wisely that he shall not be wanting in the best property of all—friends?”

QUOTE: William James said, “Wherever you are, it is your friends who make your world.”

QUOTE: Charles Haddon Spurgeon wrote, “Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life.”

QUOTE: Goethe wrote, “The world is so empty if one thinks only of mountains, rivers, and cities, but to know someone here and there who thinks and feels with us and who, though distant, is close to us in spirit, makes the whole earth a garden.”

QUOTE: An English publication offered a prize for the best definition of a friend, and among the thousands of answers received were the following:

“One who multiplies joys and divides griefs.”

“One who understands our silence.”

“A volume of sympathy bound in cloth.”

“A watch which beats true for all times and never runs down.”

But here is the definition that won the prize: “A friend is one who comes in when the whole world has gone out!”  — Gene Getz

        B.  What Are the Marks of Real Friendship?

               1. Real friendship involves face-to-face honesty.

Exodus 33:11, And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

God and Moses talked face to face in the Tent of Meeting, just as friends do. Why did Moses find such favor with God? It certainly was not because he was perfect, gifted, or powerful. Rather, it was because God chose Moses, and Moses in turn relied wholeheartedly on God's wisdom and direction. Friendship with God was a true privilege for Moses, out of reach for the other Hebrews. But it is not out of reach for us today. Jesus called his disciples -- and, by extension, all of his followers -- his friends (John 15:15). He has called you to be his friend. Will you trust him as Moses did?

               2. Real friendship involves loyalty.

Proverbs 17:17, A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

 What kind of friend are you? There is a vast difference between knowing someone well and being a true friend. The greatest evidence of genuine friendship is loyalty (1 Cor 13:7) -- being available to help in times of distress or personal struggles. Too many people are fair-weather friends. They stick around when the friendship helps them and leave when they're not getting anything out of the relationship.

APPLICATION: Think of your friends and assess your loyalty to them. Be the kind of true friend the Bible encourages.

               3.  Real friendship is found with Jesus.

John 15:15, Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.

Because Jesus Christ is Lord and Master, he should call us servants; instead, he calls us friends. How comforting and reassuring to be chosen as Christ's friends. Because he is Lord and Master, we owe him our unqualified obedience, but most of all, Jesus asks us to obey him because we love him.

Real friendship is imitating Christ in our relationships. We are to love each other as Jesus loved us, and he loved us enough to give his life for us. We may not have to die for someone, but there are other ways to practice sacrificial love: listening, helping, encouraging, giving.

APPLICATION:  Now ask yourself an important question, “Am I willing to be this kind of friend?” Friends are at the very heart of what makes life worth living. Good friends can enrich us, encourage us, help us, counsel us, and just be with us. To have a friend, you must be a friend. Think of someone in particular who needs this kind of love today. Give all the love you can, and then try to give a little more.

   2.  Trust God to Help You Develop Friendships.

Here are at least seven things you can do to put yourself into the “market” for developing friendships:

       A. Accept Invitations to Social Events with Godly People.

       B. Get Involved with Your Church and with Various Outreach Ministries Within Your Church. Be faithful in your attendance and in your participation in group functions. Serving the Lord in an active way with other believers is a wonderful way for friendships to develop.

       C. Invite Others to Join You for Lunch or After-church Brunch.

       D.  Join a Sunday School Class or a Church Sponsored Bible Study Group.

       E. Participate in Retreats That Are Sponsored by Your Church or by sound and faithful Christian organizations, especially ones that involve other people who live in your city. Getting away for a weekend or going to a seminar with other Christians is a great way to meet people who are likely to have common interests with you.

       F. Join Bible-based Christian Clubs or Hobby Groups —for example, a men's group that engages in outdoor activities or sports, the Christian ladies fellowship, men’s prayer breakfast,  an exercise class–find a power walking partner, or a theater group or start a church choir.

       G. Attend a Course Offered by a Local Christian College, Bible Institute, or Through Your Church. Studying with other Christians is a good way to make new friends who share an interest in similar topics. Sometimes “community learning programs” or “neighborhood schools” that offer non-academic courses in such things as gourmet cooking, photography, or art appreciation are good places to meet potential friends.

   3. Ask the Lord to Reveal to You the People Who May Be Your Friends.

At the same time, ask Him to bring to your mind those friends whom you may have neglected recently; ask Him to show you ways in which you might rekindle old friendships.

      A.  Is it Right to Ask God for Friends? I encourage you to reflect upon 1 John 5:14–15:

1 John 5:14-15, And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: [15] And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

Friendship is a good thing! It is God's will that you have friends. Therefore, when you ask the Lord to bring good Christian friends into your life, you are asking something that is according to God's will. Look for God to bring people your way. Look for new opportunities to arise for you to be a friend, and in the process, to gain a friend.

       B.  God Can Bring the Right People into Your Life.

In all things, remember Romans 8:28, which tells us that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” The good news of this verse applies to your friendships! God is the engineer of social relationships, and He has a way of bringing the right people into your life at the right times for the right purposes. Sometimes friendships last a lifetime. Sometimes they are intended only for a season of life.

APPLICATION:  Trust God to bring you the friends you need right now, and in turn, to be a friend to those who need your friendship. Hebrews 10:24-25, And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: [25] Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

1 Peter 4:8-9, And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. [9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

                1. Don’t Give Up on the Lord.

Do not give up on the Lord because you feel that He is distant from you. In reality, He is closer to you than your own breath.

                2.  Don’t Give Up on Your Christian Friends.

Do not give up on a Christian friend because you feel that your friend has disappointed you, has withdrawn from you, or conflicts with you. Ask your friend if you have done something to damage your friendship—for example,

                       *   if you have erred in a way you do not realize you have erred,

                       *   if you have required too much of your friendship, or

                       *   if you have failed at being a good friend.

If so, apologize to your friend and seek to make amends. Value your friendships enough to do your best to maintain them and develop them over time. 

CONCLUSION:

Remember, you can overcome the feelings of loneliness by creating bonds with fellow Believers. We must adopt scriptural values to grow and sustain closeness with God and with others.  

Always remain mindful that our own feelings can be deceptive to us. We simply do not have perfect perception, and especially so when we personally are involved. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to build your life upon the truth of God's Word and the consistent reliability of God's presence and power. Feelings come and go. God's love, forgiveness, and presence with us is eternal and reliable.

 

The Burden Bearer

ROMANS 15:1-3

SUBJECT: BUILDING UNITY & FELLOWSHIP

THEME: we are encouraged by the example of our Lord Jesus’ and his servant the Apostle Paul to bear one another's burdens. This kind of consideration for each other and ministry towards one another will forge unity in the church even though it may be ethnically diverse. 

INTRODUCTION:

Sometimes Believers from differing backgrounds find it difficult to respect/relate to each other. This challenge is amplified when their church is comprised of believers from different cultures. The first thirteen verses of Romans 15 continue the subject of the previous chapter—matters of moral indifference–questionable issues. Tensions had arisen between the converts from Judaism and those from paganism, so Paul here pleads for harmonious relations between these Jewish and Gentile Christians, saying, “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).

Those who are strong (that is, they have full liberty regarding things that are morally indifferent) are not to please themselves by selfishly asserting their rights and freedom. Rather, they should treat their weak brothers with kindness and consideration, making full allowance for their excessive scruples—weak conscious. Paul wisely goes on to say in Romans 15:2, “Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.” This type of selflessness will certainly bridge the cultural divides!  

The principle is this: don’t live to please yourself. Live to please your neighbor, to do him good, to build him up in the walk of faith. This is the Christian approach; we should seek to help, build-up, comfort, and strengthen each other. If we do this, we will forge unity and cooperation in the church regardless of our ethnic backgrounds and cultural moorings. Kindness and consideration will begat the like; other believers in the church will reciprocate!

LESSON:

CONSIDER THE EXAMPLE OF CHRIST, THE BURDEN BEARER  

When we catch the heartbeat of Christ and Paul for bearing the burdens of others it will not be long before their example must be translated into our own actions. Our Lord Jesus Christ “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). His whole life was characterized by helping others and by bearing their burdens. Paul was perhaps the greatest of the apostles. He was so because he had learned to follow Christ, especially in sharing the weaknesses, pains and personal sorrows of others. May the examples left by our Lord and His apostle teach us what it means to truly bear one another’s burdens.

CHRIST FOCUSED ON OTHERS, NOT HIMSELF (Rom. 15:1-3).

Romans 15:3, For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

Christ’s attitude of humility was constantly and consistently expressed in his willingness to forfeit his pleasures or advantages. Our Lord suffered because of his loyalty and commitment to the Father. So much so that those who resented the Father lashed out at Christ who was loyal to Him. Jesus did not live for Himself, but to please His Father. Instead of securing his own advantages or declaring his rights, He bore the reproaches of another. Ultimately our Savior took our complete sin burden on Himself at the cross of Calvary. Note these references to this very matter:

Matt. 8:17, That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.

1 Pet. 2:24, Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. 

2 Cor. 8:9, For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Jesus is the Burden Bearer like no other! It is Christ who took upon himself the sicknesses and physical infirmities of Israel, He bore the sins of the entire world at Calvary, Jesus sacrifice all and every advantage he had to secure a wealthy redemption for you and me! Aren’t you glad he willingly focused on our needs instead of his personal interests? Let us now consider and ponder astutely these simple observations. As a Burden Bearer, Jesus is…

The Supreme Example  

Paul points us to Christ's example in verse 3, “For even Christ pleased not Himself . . .”   And in Verse 5 says’ “be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus.”  Again, in verse 7, “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us….”

Christ has given us the highest example. He lived to please His Father, not Himself. He said, “The reproaches [Criticism] of them that reproached Thee fell on Me” (Ps. 69:9).

This means that He was so completely taken up with God's honor that when men insulted God He took it as a personal insult to Himself.  Christ loved the Father so much that when people cursed God, Jesus felt the pain! Jesus paid a tremendous price to minister to sinful humanity and to satisfy His Father’s will.  It would have been much easier to adopt His own will!  But, he didn’t; He went to Calvary any way! (W. MacDonald)

Paul is appealing to the stronger or mature saints to sacrifice their liberties for the benefit of their weaker brother in Christ. The stronger saint may feel like God is requiring too much and that the sacrifice he is being asked to make is too great.  But here Paul reminds us all that no sacrifice is great in comparison to Calvary where the Son of Glory died for a sinful undeserving world!  The next time you curtail your lifestyle because your actions could be offensive to a weaker Christian, remember the Example of our Lord and sacrifice your liberty to save your brother or sister from a fall.

The Sound Exhortation 

Paul instructs us now to follow our Lord’s Example of unselfishness in Verse 1. When he tells us “to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves,” we began to see how Jesus’ model can shape our behaviors and motives. While anyone can be self-absorbed, consumed with personal interests, and too busy to be bothered with others, Christians are called upon to weave ourselves into the lives of others. The stronger believers are to sense discipleship and mentoring opportunities and seize them unto a fellow believer’s edification. Yes, like a mother must put up with some things to raise her infant properly, so the mentor must put up with the weaknesses of the younger believer to aid his growth. Those who consider themselves strong in faith are to help weaker Christians with their burdens.

True Christian Love Is Not Selfish; Rather it Seeks to Share with Others, and it Seeks the Happiness of Others. It is even willing to carry the younger believer, to help them along with their spiritual development. We should not be merely enduring or tolerating them, we should be encouraging them! Remember anybody can criticize the new convert because they are novice indeed. What are you doing to help them grow and become stronger?  

A Christian’s Spiritual Maturity is Revealed by His Ability to Discern God’s Will, and the Sacrifices He is Willing to Makes for the Benefit of Others. Is he or she willing to temporarily give up his Christian Liberties and Spiritual Rights that others might be helped? Does he/she do this as a blessing and not a burden? Does he/she give up or quit and become cross and impatient with the younger believer?  If we answered these questions honestly, then we know if we are mature or if we are more like babies in the Lord.

    

Think about it…. Just as loving parents make sacrifices for their children, so must the mature believer sacrifice their liberties to help younger Christians grow in the faith. A good father will never tell his hungry young child to go out and earn some money so that he can have bread to eat.  He doesn’t say, “I have a right to eat because I worked for what I have.”  No, he gladly provides for his children the things they need even at his own expense. Often parents will forfeit their higher education, so their children can go to college. They may even be convinced a degree or a higher degree what help them professionally, but instead they opt for their children's future. Good parents may even wear simple inexpensive clothing to ensure their children are properly clothed. Some parents work two jobs to meet their children’s most basic needs. In addition, the children may not even appreciate it until they grow-up themselves, but a good parent will deny themselves certain privileges and rights to help their children. Beloved, the same is true regarding the way mature saint’s treat younger believers. They understand the younger believer needs time and opportunity to grow. 

The Serious Emergency 

There is not a person on earth today who is not hurting or needy in some way. Everyone you and I know has a burden—a heartfelt need. Behind every plastic smile there is a world of burdens that we are struggling and straining to cover up. We don’t want anyone to know our pain…we want to appear strong so that we don’t cause others to stumble. Remember, every set of eyes you will ever gaze into have shed hundreds of tears in secret when no one else but God was watching. That lady who is always smiling at church will one day need a shoulder to cry on. That guy who loves to laugh, cut up, and tell jokes will need encouraging one day.  Our world is in a state of emergency and the disease is “an overdose of hurts and burdens,” and the medicine they need is someone unselfish enough to help when they hurt. Someone to love them and reassure them of God’s great love for them!

Trials and Temptations are the Universal Lot of Us All, and Only Christ Can Give That Measure of Strength Necessary to Overcome Them. (See 1 Cor. 10:13)

1 Cor. 10:13, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Look to the Lord for that way of escape and the power to endure until the temptation pass. Be assured He will never lead you into a scenario that is more than you can deal with. His grace is sufficient for you and me.

Christians Desperately Need to be Sensitive to the Needs of Others and to Help Bear Another’s Burdens (Rom. 15:1). This is a repeated instruction in the Word.

Gal 6:2, Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1Thes 5:14, Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

Gal 5:13-14, For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14, For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

Because We All Face Similar Trials We May Be Used of God to Help Another overcome a Challenge We Have Previously Experienced Ourselves. That is one reason why God allows us to suffer hardships. We learn to accept His help, strength, and comfort and as a result we can be of aid to someone else. (See 2 Cor. 1:3, 4.)

2 Cor. 1:3-4, Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; [4] Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

God Himself comforts us when life hurts, and He provides fellow comforters among the brethren as we receive His comfort through our personal trials. All of this says that God cares about what hurts you. Many of you know exactly what I mean when I say, “The pain can overwhelm us at times….” We can become confused, perplexed, and our souls ache beyond our ability to express…. We can become lost in our sorrows were it not for the sweet Savior, the Lord Jesus.

So, what is your burden today?

What are some weighty challenges you must bear? Does anyone really care about your burdens? What can we do for each other to assist one another with our various burdens? Does God really care about our problems? 

Consider a bit of encouragement from Mr. Max Lucado,

 “When it comes to the major-league difficulties like death, disease, sin and disaster—you already know that God deeply cares.But what about the smaller things? What about grouchy bosses or flat tires or lost dogs? What about broken dishes, late flights, toothaches, or a crashed hard drive? Do these matter to God? John [the Apostle] added this phrase for you (1Jn. 3:2).
“Beloved, now are we the sons of God,” We really are His children!
As a result, if something is important to you, it's important to God.…  God wants to share your burden . . . .  He wants to Lift Your Burden . . . .
    
Heb. 4:15, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 

Heb. 4:16, Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

 So, go ahead. Tell God what hurts. Talk to him. He won’t turn you away. He won’t think it’s silly. For our high priest is able to understand our weaknesses. When he lived on earth, he was tempted in every way that we are, but He did not sin. Let us, then, with full assurance come before God’s throne where we can secure grace to help in our time of need . . . when the burden is too heavy to bare alone. . .  When no one else will understand . . . . when your secret is a dark one . . .  Take it to Him who cares and understands.
Does God care about the burdens and little things in our lives? You better believe it.If it matters to you, it matters to him.” (From He Still Moves Stones by Max Lucado)

I have had times when I could not help myself much less anybody else, but in those instances God Himself was faithful to comfort and encourage me when I needed it most. He has used His Word, afforded grace, imparted peace, provided relief, and met the needs! As my Pastor, Dr. Baldwin, says of Jesus, “He is a burden Bearer, and he is a heavy-load Sharer!” Like you, I have also been comforted by precious believers whom God had touched with His encouraging hands. I praise God for my precious wife, Patrice, God has used her repeatedly to comfort and encourage this preacher! Nothing knits people together like enduring painful times together. So, why not become a burden bearer like our Lord for the benefit of the brethren?

Take Your Stand

James 4:6-8

One of the most difficult things we as Believers are called upon to do is take a righteous stand. Whether it’s a matter of standing for God and right or standing firmly against sin and evil, the requirements are deeply held convictions and old fashion courage to spring into action. That is your belief and reasonable actions stemming from those well-founded values is our obligation before God. Taking a stand means we know the truth and are acting on that truth in responsible and Christ-honoring ways.

With such responsibilities and privileges, God affords us instruction to navigate this often emotionally charged terrain.  After all, much is at stake…sometimes it is necessary to take a godly stand with family or friends. Because we love them and treasure the relationship we obey God and confront the issue with them. Though such “talks” may feel a little awkward, we still take the initiative.

There will be occasions to take a stand in the work place to seek God’s honor, but you know He is not welcome nor is His Book…. You know you cannot go along to get along…yet you’ve invested so much, and you don’t want to jeopardize your professional future either. Conflicted within you sense your need for help.

Compromise may suddenly seem plausible, yet the desire to please the Lord with your family, friends, and professional pursuits outweigh all other concerns. So what help is available from God? What guidance does He afford the child of God wanting to do right, but sorely tempted to compromise? How can we resist the Devil’s manipulations as he applies more pressure?

So, How Does God Assist Embattled Believers?

Often when under such pressure, we feel completely alone…as if God has abandoned us to struggle under such pressures alone. As you know, we cannot trust our feelings to guide us because they often interfere with clear and accurate thinking. It is entirely correct to look to the Lord. God assists His people when we face such challenges. One thing God does is provide strengthen and reinforcing grace.

There is Powerful Grace from God (Js. 4:6).

He gives more grace (4:6). The first five verses of this chapter indicate how wicked the old nature can be. Now we learn that we are not left to deal with the lusts of the flesh in our own strength. Thank God, He gives more grace or strength whenever it is needed (Heb. 4:16). He has promised, “... as thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deut. 33:25). I am certain you would agree with the words of Annie Johnson Flint,

He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase,

To added affliction He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials His multiplied peace. 

Clearly, God wants us to depend on His grace, “But He giveth more grace,” (4:6) while the devil wants us to depend on ourselves. Satan is the author of all “do-it-yourself” spiritual enterprises. He enjoys inflating the ego and encouraging the believer to do it his own way. Despite Jesus’ warnings about Satan’s plans, Peter fell into the snare, pulled out his sword, and tried to accomplish God’s will in his own way. What a mess he made of things!

We Must Assume a Humble Spirit before God (Js. 4:6-7a).

Specifically, God provides “grace unto the humble.” Yes, we are called upon to shun pride and to humbly submit to God’s authority. He will supply incredible unmerited favor to those who understand the cure for conflict is a humble spirit. Beloved, this is how we secure God’s powerful aid in our battles.

MacDonald wisely observed,

To prove that God gives grace as it is needed, James quoted Proverbs 3:34, but here there is the added thought that it is to the humble, not the proud, that this grace is promised. God resists the proud, but He cannot resist the broken spirit. –Believer's Bible Commentary

We must all remember that God is the focus of all glory; there is no need or room for human pride (Rom. 7:18; 2 Tim. 1:6, 14). The correct posture before God is humbled on our knees acknowledging His excellence and supremacy. If you do not feel this way towards God, then spend time each day talking to Him from your knees. Your physical posture will help your brain catch up eventually. You see, humility recognizes the grandeur of God, our limitations before supernatural enemies, and our singular help in Almighty God. Beloved, the believer who kneels before God can stand against the flesh, the world, and the devil!

What Happens When We Stand Against the Devil? (Js. 4:7)

So, what can we expect as we engage in real spiritual battles?

Satan Will Flee When We Resist Him in the Lord.

James states a clear expectation for us to grasp, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” The flipside of the first command. “Resist” literally means “take your stand against.” Although our own evil tendencies (Js. 1:14) and the desires battling within us (Js. 4:1) are the immediate sources of our problems, to give in to those internal desires is to yield to the devil (see Matt 4:1-11; Luke 22:31; John 13:2,27). All people are either under the lordship of Christ or the control of Satan (John 8:44; Eph. 2:2; 1 John 3:8; 5:19); there is no middle ground. Those who transfer their allegiance from Satan to God will find that Satan “will flee from” them; he is a defeated foe.

So long as Satan can stimulate human pride, he can interrupt God’s plan, even if only temporarily. But as powerful as Satan is, his only power over believers is in his powerful temptations. The devil can be resisted—and our resistance will cause him to flee. Conversely, a lack of resistance will practically guarantee ongoing harassment by Satan (see also Eph. 6:10-18 and 1 Peter 5:6-9).

“Neither give place to the devil,” cautions Paul in Ephesians 4:27. Satan needs a foothold in our lives if he is going to fight against God; and we give him that foothold. The way to resist the devil is to submit to God.

After King David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and killed her husband, he hid his sins for almost a year. There was war between him and God, and David had declared it. Read Psalms 32 and 51 to discover the high price David paid to be at war with God. When he finally submitted to God, David experienced peace and joy. This too he recorded in Psalms 32 and 51. Submission is an act of the will; it is saying, “Not my will but Thine be done.” (W. Wierbe)

The Devil’s Primary Purpose is to Separate Man from God.

Destined for everlasting destruction in the Lake of Fire, the Devil desires to take as many individuals with him as he possibly can. So many people are deceived by the Devil’s lies and manipulations…just as Heaven is real so is Hell. As certain as Jesus Christ is a reality so is the Devil, the World, and the Flesh real enemies of humanity. The truth is all humanity is sinful and lost with no real relationship with God. If we die in this state Hell will be our eternal place of suffering and destruction. The painful fact is we can do absolutely nothing to improve or change our situation in a positive way. God, because of His great love and mercy, provided the solution for our sinful condition through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. Yes, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ paid for my sins and yours. You and I must turn from our unbelief, rejection of God, and sin to Jesus as our personal Savior. Acknowledge your sinfulness to God and ask Him for forgiveness based on Christ’s death and resurrection. Trust the living Jesus, the risen Son of God, to save you and give you a brand-new beginning and a new life with God. Dear friend, God is offering you real hope; believe Him with all your heart.   

Among the reasons we so desperately need God's grace is that we are locked in mortal combat with a superior enemy. We cannot handle him alone; he is far too strong. Beloved, we desperately need God’s help to resist Satan's separating schemes and instead draw near to God. We must realize that the Devil's power over us is only as strong as the illusion that he is more powerful than God's help. We must trust that the Spirit who is in us is greater than Satan who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

Acknowledge the assistance God provides to every humble and submissive believer embattled with the flesh, the world system, and the Devil himself. You have not been abandoned and you need not stand alone. Stand therefore, beloved assure of strengthening grace and power to overcome the manipulations of the wicked one. Stand with the assurance that Satan will flee before a child of God empowered by God’s mighty grace. So again, recognize God’s assistance, submit to God as your commander and chief, then resist the Devil. Beloved, take your stand!