Stay Focused…Even During the Pain

Stay Focused…Even During the Pain

Romans 5:3-4; 1 Timothy 4:15; Hebrews 5:14; Colossians 1:28-29; James 1:2-4

 

Theme: The chances of being sidetracked increase with trouble and pain, but we must remain focused on learning of the Lord and drawing closer to Him.

Relevance:

By the grace of God, we can stay focused during pain by fixing our eyes on Jesus, trusting God’s permanent presence instead of temporary suffering, and casting our worries on Him through prayer. Remember clarity frequently follows the act of following His guidance rather than preceding it. Scripture frames pain as a brief test that builds endurance, spiritual strength, and eternal hope.

Introduction:

The idea of maturing in Christ is a subject we have given substantial thought to and have even taught this on a regular basis.  As a missionary-pastor, I routinely encouraged, instructed, and coached others through the various stages of personal spiritual development. You see, spiritually we mature with diet and exercise much like we do physically. The word of God provides our meat, bread, milk, honey, water, and ‘green pastures.’ The encouraging and directing words of a spiritually minded coach help tremendously.

As we obey God we begin to understand and appreciate more of Him and His Word. Obedience acts as a pathway to spiritual growth. By putting our faith into practice, we often gain clarity, build a deeper trust, and experience a closer relationship with God. Obedience shows our love, trust, and faith in Him. Insight frequently arises from the act of following His guidance rather than preceding it. This trend of obedience will also feed our souls deeply as more clarity comes with our compliance; thus, our experiences of God’s truth teaches and trains us further (Luk. 11:28; Jn. 13:17; Prov. 2:9).

Still the possibility of distraction exists, especially during painful experiences; we must focus ourselves on spiritual growth still. The following thoughts help us do just that.

Lesson:

God Continually Recommends Incredible Spiritual Self-control to Overcome Serious Challenges to our Development.

A. Cooperate with God’s Work in You. Philippians 2:12-13, “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

·        We are to live out and show the reality of our salvation with deep respect and seriousness before God. Christ’s followers are responsible for actively living out and expressing the inner change God has already given us. It does not mean earning salvation by good performances; rather, it shows our efforts in obedience cooperates with God’s inner power, which supplies both the desire and the ability to please Him.

·        The verb “work out” carries the meaning of “work to full completion,” such as working out a problem in mathematics. In Paul’s day it was also used for “working a mine,” that is, getting out of the mine all the valuable ore possible; or “working a field” so as to get the greatest harvest possible. The purpose God wants us to achieve is Christlikeness, “to be conformed to the image of His Son” (Rom. 8:29). There are problems in life, but God will help us to “work them out.” Our lives have tremendous potential, like a mine or a field, and He wants to help us fulfill that potential.^[1]

o   Just as you unpack a box or exercise a muscle to display what is already inside, believers are called to let their internal faith manifest visibly in daily obedience and character.

o   “Both to will and to do of his good pleasure”: God changes our inner desires ("to will") and then gives us the strength and opportunity to carry them out ("to do").

     B.  Dedicate Yourself to Growth to Influence Others Likewise.  1 Timothy 4:15, “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all") indicates a Christian leader must deeply focus on spiritual truths, fully dedicate their life to practicing them, and let their ongoing personal growth be clearly seen by everyone.

·        “Meditate upon these things” that is spend time thinking deeply about and practicing sound spiritual teachings and our God-given duties rather than just knowing them.

·        “Give thyself wholly to them” literally dedicate our whole heart, time, and energy to these godly tasks without holding back or getting distracted.

·        “That thy profiting may appear to all” we must ensure our spiritual maturity and progress move forward visibly so other people can see the real, positive impact of our faith.

·        Paul is encouraging Timothy to give himself undividedly and undistractedly to the work of the Lord. He should be all-out in his efforts. In this way, his progress will be evident to all. Paul does not want Timothy to hit a plateau in his Christian service and then settle down into a comfortable rut. Rather, he wants him to be always advancing in the things of the Lord.^[2]

     C.  Keep Maturing and Developing Discernment Daily. Hebrews 5:14, “But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil”) shows that deep spiritual truth is for mature believers. True maturity comes from regular practice and using God's word to tell right from wrong.

·       “Strong meat” refers to deep and advanced teachings of the faith, unlike “milk” or basic beginner instructions.

·       “Of full age” indicates spiritually mature people who have grown past their early stages as new believers.

·       “By reason of use” means learning and growing through ongoing, daily practice of our faith.

·       “Exercised to discern both good and evil” that is training your mind and heart over time to spot the difference between right and wrong, or truth and false teaching.

·       Once more the writer betrayed his concern about his readers’ ability to reject the false ideas which confronted them. Had they been sufficiently mature they would be able to “distinguish” those ideas as “evil” over against the truths they should have known were “good.” But he feared that this capability was not yet really theirs, though he would make every effort to instill it in them.^[3]

D. Remain Focused and On Mission to Continue Developing Believers. Paul notes his toil and struggle, energized by Christ’s power, to present everyone fully mature in Christ. 

Colossians 1:28-29 states: “Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.” The great Apostle viewed his core mission as boldly proclaiming Jesus Christ, correcting and instructing all believers with godly wisdom to help them grow spiritually mature, while relying entirely on Christ’s powerful energy working inside him to do the hard work.

·       “Perfect in Christ Jesus” points to mature, complete, and fully grown in the faith, rather than completely sinless.

·       “Labour and striving” indicates ministry takes intense, hard work and personal sweat (“striving” is an athletic word for competing in a contest).

·       “His working in me mightily” Paul did not rely on his own strength; he depended on God’s power actively moving through him to accomplish spiritual results.

·       Spiritual adults in Christ, no longer babes in Christ (Heb. 5:14), mature and ripened Christians (4:12), the full-grown man in Christ (Eph. 4:13). The relatively perfect (Phil. 3:15) will on that day of the presentation be fully developed as here (Col. 4:12; Eph. 4:13).^[4]

The Word of God presents pain as a brief test that builds endurance, spiritual strength, and eternal hope. Still the possibility exists for distractions, especially during difficult experiences; we must focus ourselves even more tenaciously on spiritual growth during these seasons. Remember, obedience is our pathway to upward growth in Christ. We often gain clarity, build a deeper trust, and experience a closer relationship with God when we are compliant. Obedience to truth is an active choice turning basic facts into deep, everyday nuts and bolts understanding.

Matthew Henry noted, “We must continue in the faith grounded and settled, and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel; that is, we must be so well fixed in our minds as not to be moved from it by any temptations. We must be stedfast and immovable (1 Co. 15:58) and hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, Heb. 10:23.”^[5]

---

^[1] Warren W. Wiersbe, The Bible Exposition Commentary, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1996), 77.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 2094.

^[3] Zane C. Hodges, “Hebrews,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 793.

^[4] A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Nashville, TN: Broadman Press, 1933), Col 1:28.

^[5] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 2332.

Patiently Resting and Trusting

“Patiently Resting and Trusting”

Psalm 27:14; 59:9-10; 62:1-2; Isa. 40:31; John 11

                                                            

SUBJECT: GOD’S STRENGTH IN FRUSTRATIONS. 

THEME: You Can Overcome the Frustrations by the Wisdom and Strength of the Lord.  

RELEVANCE: Why is this important to us? We need to understand the source of our frustrations is Satan (these are spiritual battles) and trust the Lord to help us overcome these hindrances. God prescribes specific practices to escape the trap of impatience like patience, rest, and trust. 

INTRODUCTION: 

God wants us to actively participate in the work he desires to accomplish. Waiting strategically can cultivate good fruit in our lives such as patience, perseverance, and endurance. It also draws us closer to our Savior and points those who are watching us to the gospel.

MESSAGE:

FRUSTRATION COULD BE ROOTED IN IMPATIENT ATTITUDES

Psalm 27:14, Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. 

 A.  ARE YOU RUNNING AHEAD OF GOD?

B.  WAITING ON GOD BUILDS ADVANTAGES AND PATIENCE.

C.  WAITING ON GOD IS A CHOICE TO PATIENTLY REST IN HIS PLAN.

Again, the disadvantages of getting ahead of God are evident. Peter was notorious for trying to get ahead of God's plan, even to the slicing off of a man's ear in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Jesus, on the other hand, never showed up too early or too late. He always arrived right on time, in keeping with what the Father was doing. Learning to wait on God's timing is one of the hallmarks of the maturity. 

Psalm 59:9-10, Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence. [10] The God of my mercy shall prevent me: God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies.

Psalm 62:1-2, To the chief Musician, to Jeduthun, A Psalm of David.  Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation. [2] He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

The Lord doesn't catapult us into greatness; He grows us into spiritual maturity.

He stretches us slowly so that we don't break.

He expands our vision slowly so that we can take in all of the details of what He desires to accomplish.

He causes us to grow slowly so that we stay balanced.

The unfolding of God's plan for your life is a lifelong process. Relax in His presence and allow Him to lead the journey and do His work in you. (Dr. C. Stanley)

D. WAITING ON GOD IS AN ACT OF TRUST AND FAITH.

Waiting on God is not passive idleness, but a positive, active posture of trust, hope, and faithful endurance. Waiting with confident expectations are never put to shame and ultimately receive divine strength, justice, and deliverance.

1. King David Patiently Waiting on God While Trusting Him (Psalm 40:1-3)

a.      David details an agonizing season of waiting, often associated with his flight from King Saul. He emphasizes that this is not wasted time but a period where God hears prayers and prepares a firm foundation.

b.     Psalm 40:1-2, I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 

2. The Prophet Isaiah Waited on God’s Promise with Solid Confidence (Isaiah 40:31)

a.      Isaiah provides the ultimate promise for waiting on God, teaching that divine waiting exchanges our weariness for God’s supernatural strength.

b.     Isaiah 40:31, But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

Perhaps waiting on God feels impractical because we perceive a different outcome than God does…we want something quite different from what God has in mind. Sometimes we are guilty of wanting things far too small when God is thinking much bigger, grander, and strategically. Further, our expectations may even be more focused on ourselves and not necessarily the broader plan of God.

This kind of thing happen repeatedly in the Bible, but it was especially punctuated in John 11 with the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead. Often, we impose our limitations on God restricting Him to fit into our expectations, when God is not limited like that at all. Our need for Him and the opportunity to transcend normal is presented through life’s challenges, but few seldom realize the opportunities to trust Him and surpass the limitations of our experience. It is true death, the grave, and the stench of death are very real limitations we cannot overcome no matter how sincere we are. It is also true that we allow ourselves to ‘think’ within the confines of those limits and we don’t even consider possibilities beyond them…. We err when we impose those same limits onto God only expecting or even requiring Him to operate within our ‘level’ of comprehension. He is NOT obligated to function that way, and further He really knows what He is doing with each opportunity. He has a strategic plan!

It is precisely at this juncture we feel acutely the frustrations not realizing God is itching to introduce something mind-blowing and life changing! Jesus requires ‘faith’—believing Him to realize the greater realities! Sometimes we are so consumed with the past… ‘what we perceived should have been’, we haven’t even entertained future possibilities yet. We would have been happy with a ‘healing’, but God wants a ‘resurrection!’ We may envision the local impact of a ‘resurrection’ miracle but not yet perceive the farther-reaching impact of such a testimony for future disciples. We can influence a ‘healing’ with our prayers, but only God can work His divine plan for our future. The first instance courts our pride, but the second option illuminates the ‘grace’ of God!

“With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), means God is unlimited…His power transcends all the limitations that we must respect. Child of God, we have reassurance…that no obstacle is too great for God and that He can intervene in seemingly impossible situations. God's infinite ability and authority is not bound by natural, human, or earthly boundaries. So, whatever God calls us to do, He will empower and equip us to accomplish it. Beloved, let us align ourselves with His holy character, divine purposes, and eternal plans, rather than merely granting our personal whim, notions, or plans. 

You and I must trust Him to do the impossible…He knows no such limitations. We must stop thinking too small…too selfishly; start living by ‘faith’ in God’s limitless power and strategic plan. We will experience far less frustration when we do.

CONCLUSION: 

The Lord will do whatever it takes to prod us toward His higher places. He'll make us restless with where we are if it is time for us to move on. He'll cause us to hunger and thirst for more of Him. He'll plant within us a desire for things we never dreamed of desiring in our relationship with Him.

Trust God with all of the circumstances, relationships, and schedules in your life. Rest in Him. He desires to be your strong and sure haven in all times of frustration. (Dr. C. Stanley)

Exodus 20:8-11, Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. [9] Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: [10] But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: [11] For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

Mark 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath:

However, these difficult periods are meant to build endurance and draw us closer to God rather than just being empty time.

When the wait feels overwhelming, these perspectives and practices can help make the season a bit more manageable. When the future is unclear, focus on what you know to be true about God's character rather than what you don't know about your life. Instead of just being passive, you can channel this time into prayer, writing down what you are grateful for, and resting in the present.

Are you currently waiting for direction in a specific area of your life, or are you just looking for encouragement to help you get through today?

 

Strength to Overcome Poor Relationships

“The Strength to Overcome Poor Relationships”

                               Eph. 4:31-32; Phil 4:6-7, 11-12; Rom. 12:18                                                       

SUBJECT: GOD’S STRENGTH IN FRUSTRATIONS

THEME: You Can Overcome the Frustrations by the Wisdom and Strength of the Lord.  

RELEVANCE: Why is this important to us? We need to understand the source of our frustrations is generally Satan (these are spiritual battles) and trust the Lord to help us overcome these hindrances. When dealing with the frustrations of poor relationships, God provides guidance on managing conflict, setting boundaries, and guarding your heart against bitterness.

INTRODUCTION:

After multiple attempts ...is it time to give up on a person or relationship you once cherished? It may be shocking to many, but even the Lord Jesus recognize that divisions or separations were certain for his committed followers (Matt. 10:34-42; Luke 18:28-30). So, generally relationships might be frustrated for the Kingdom of God sake. 

MESSAGE:

FRUSTRATIONS COULD BE ROOTED IN POOR RELATIONSHIPS.

While a pervasive and long-standing feeling of frustration is nearly always something that resides within a person, there are also times when it is natural to feel frustration on a short-term basis. God seeks to comfort us in such frustrating times. (C. Stanley)

Psalm 34:17-19, The righteous cry, and the LORD heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

Isaiah 41:10, Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Romans 8:28, And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

God promises and reassures us believers when facing hardship or uncertainty that He will comfort, support, and actively provide strength, help, and security for us. Such passages afford some ease as we work through our frustrations before the Lord.  

Generally, frustrations in relationships often stem from unmet expectations, poor communication, and unhealed attachment wounds. When these needs are not addressed, underlying feelings of being unheard or unappreciated can manifest as recurring arguments, emotional withdrawal, or lingering resentment. Perhaps it would be helpful to ask ourselves a few questions….

1. WHAT LIES AT THE ROOT OF MY FRUSTRATIONS?

Uncovering the root cause is a great place to start when tackling these challenges. Understanding the exact source of tension is the first step toward resolving it. Common triggers of frustration:

1.     Sometimes there are Unspoken Needs and Expectations. Disappointment frequently takes root when an expected behavior or level of support is not realized, but never explicitly communicated. 

2.     Perhaps You’ve used Destructive Communication Patterns. Research has identified four highly destructive behaviors that cause relationship breakdown: criticism, defensiveness, contempt (such as eye-rolling or mocking), and stonewalling.

3.     Maybe there are Unhealed Suffering and Attachment Wounds (Anxious-Avoidant Trap, People-Pleasing, and Hypervigilance). Individuals with a history of insecure attachment or unresolved past trauma often perceive a partner’s words through a distorted filter, interpreting communication as an attack or a reason to shut down. (See Psychology Today, Better Help, Psycho Wellness and Impossible Psych Services)

B.  WHAT ARE WE TO DO WITH FRUSTRATING RELATIONSHIPS?

The Bible provides profound wisdom for dealing with the frustrations of poor relationships, offering guidance on managing conflict, setting boundaries, and guarding your heart against bitterness.

1. Prioritize Managing Frustrations Related to Anger—Master Yourself

James 1:19-20, Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Proverbs 15:1, A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

When tensions are high, responding with gentle kindness rather than reactive anger de-escalates the situation. This demands great spiritual discipline and commitment. 

2. Set Healthy Boundaries Regarding Toxic Relationships

Proverbs 22:24-25, Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul.

1 Corinthians 15:33, Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.

Setting healthy, Bible-based boundaries is about stewardship, not selfishness. Scriptural boundaries protect your heart and help you love others without enabling sin. Using the King James Version (KJV), you can establish limits by guarding your inner peace, practicing honest communication, and following the example of Jesus. (From Gospel Coalition)

·        Proverbs 4:23, Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Taking space from toxicity or sin is not selfish; it is guarding the life God entrusted to you—stewardship.

·        Philippians 4:8 requires us to focus our thoughts on what is true and pure. You are allowed to set boundaries on the information and negative conversations you allow into your mind.

·        Galatians 6:5, For every man shall bear his own burden. While you should help others in a crisis (Galatians 6:2), boundaries mean letting others carry the weight of their own daily responsibilities and consequences. 

3. Go Deeper in Your Ability to Forgive, Release Resentment, and Let Go of any Changes God Alone Must Make. Ephesians 4:32, And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Proverbs 19:11, The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

You are responsible for your own actions, reactions, and the pursuit of peace, even when others make it difficult. Letting go of bitterness and replacing it with forgiveness is foundational to future progress in the Lord. 

4. Overcome Conflicts Patiently with Emotional Control and Refuse to Retaliate.

Ephesians 4:31-32, Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

When frustrations arise in relationships, God provides wisdom to help navigate them. Ephesians 4:31-32 emphasize overcoming conflict through patience, forgiveness, and gentle communication rather than returning insult for insult.

Romans 12:19, Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Romans 12:21, Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 Peter 2:23, Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.

Believers are instructed to leave justice to God rather than taking matters into our own hands.

C.  HOW CAN WE FIND REAL INNER CONTENTMENT?

The Bible teaches that we can experience a continual feeling of inner contentment regardless of our outward circumstances. Beloved, it is futile and unfair to look to mere people to supply what only God can! Look to the Lord instead. The apostle Paul was sitting in a Roman prison, facing all kinds of persecution and ridicule from others, when he wrote,

Philip. 4:11-12, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. [12] I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.

Notice that Paul says he “learned” contentment. This holy skill does not develop naturally; it's a spiritual discipline built through experience. This is the secret to his spiritual resilience! How may we realize such contentment? 

   1.  By Focusing on the Sovereignty of God Rather than on the Will of People.

   2.  By Praising and Thanking God Rather than Criticizing Others.

   3.  By Putting Trust in God to Deal with the Future Rather than Continually Looking at the Past.

   4.  By Trusting in God to Make All Things Right Rather than Distrusting Human Ability.

It was when Paul turned his attention to Christ and away from his circumstances and detractors that he received such strength. His contentment did not rest in a denial of the outside world or the facts related to his situation. His contentment flowed from his trust in Christ Jesus for now and forever.

Whether your inner restlessness comes from unresolved issues in your past, is related to people or situations over which you have no control, or is a God-given restlessness intended to draw you deeper into the Lord's will, the answer to frustration comes as you trust God.

D. HOW MAY WE EXPERIENCE GOD-GIVEN PEACE?

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Philip. 4:6-7, Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Beloved, this “peace of God” …this profound, divine calmness that comes directly from God, rather than from comfortable circumstances or human efforts belongs to us when we meet God’s conditions of righteousness and prayerfulness. Also “keep” means to ‘guard’ or ‘protect’. It pictures peace acting like a sentry or guard, standing watch over our emotions and thoughts so that fear and worry cannot take over. This is God’s promise to the sincere believer.

Seek God’s Peace Regularly in Relationships where Possible.

Romans 12:18, If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Child of God, actively pursue peace and harmony with everyone, but realistically acknowledges that reconciliation requires cooperation and that believers should never compromise God’s truth to avoid conflict.

We must acknowledge a fundamental reality: it takes two people to maintain a peaceful relationship. God does not guarantee that everyone will like us or that conflict will never happen. God does require us to be willing to resolve disputes and maintain a peaceful spirit whenever the other person is also willing to cooperate.

The responsibility to create peace rests heavily on your actions and attitudes. You are called to control your own temper, forgive offenses, let go of pride, and avoid being the instigator of drama or division. Your goal should be to ensure that if a relationship breaks down, the fault does not lie with your behavior or unwillingness to reconcile. (From Got Questions)

This basic attitude applies to everyone—not just fellow Believers, but also strangers, difficult people, human enemies, and even those opposed to Christ! Brother this requires real courage! But always remember, pursuing peace does not mean sacrificing moral, ethical, or biblical principles just to avoid an argument. Sometimes you must agree to disagree; but there is zero permission to behave carnally!

God Understands

 A young grocery chain executive parked his car on the edge of a treacherous two-hundred-foot cliff at the edge of the Pacific Ocean some twenty-five miles south of San Francisco. Devil’s Slide, it was called, and to Bill Mansdoerfer it seemed an appropriate place to plan suicide.

 The next morning alone in his home, burdened with sin and guilt, the desire to take his life gripped him again. In the midst of writing a suicide note, on impulse, he went to the hi-fi and turned it on. It was turned to KEAR.

 What happened next has been described by doubters as a mere coincidence but to Bill Mansdoerfer it is looked upon as a miracle, a divine appointment. From the radio he heard:

God understands your heartache,

He knows the bitter pain;

O, trust Him in the darkness

You cannot trust in vain.

God understands your sorrow,

He sees the falling tear,

And whisper, “I am with thee,”

Then falter not nor fear.

 The song was being sung by Flo Price and it was written by Dr. Oswald J. Smith.

 Comments Bill, “If that had been a preacher, I would have turned him off, but that song … it broke me.”

 Bill telephoned KEAR’s Station Manager. Without any preliminaries, he blurted out, “Thank God, your station is on the air. You just saved my life.”

 That broadcast and phone call resulted in more than that. During the next six months, the station kept in touch with Bill, and finally offered him a job as Public Relations Director. Today he not only is the Station Manager of KEAR, but as Director of Communications and Operations, he is a vital part of the six-station family radio network.” —People’s Magazine

Child of God, when ONLY God understands…you can know the rest of the saved will eventually know also…perhaps even when we are finally in eternity. If His ‘knowing’ is all we have then that is enough for us for now. Reasonable explanations may seem logical to you, but not necessarily to someone focused on questioning your sincerity. Sometimes …a ‘peaceful’ break is inevitable. The Lord can be trusted to give us the strength we need when the relationship fails to met God's reasonable requirements. 

 

Strength to Overcome Greed

“Overcoming Greed”

Prov. 3:5-6; Luke 12:15; Col. 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:10

THEME: You Can Overcome the Frustrations by the Wisdom and Strength of the Lord.  

RELEVANCE: Why is this important to us? We need to understand the source of our frustrations is Satan (these are spiritual battles) and trust the Lord to help us overcome these hindrances. God prescribes specific practices to escape the trap of greed like contentment, generosity, and appreciation.   

INTRODUCTION:

Do you feel trapped in disappointing cycles? Never satisfied with your income? Perhaps you are encountering myriads of worldly desires? What about the many forms of wickedness working in your heart? Perhaps it’s unchecked cravings for ‘more’ or distractions to your faith? Periodically you sense your struggles are self-induced and soaked with conflicts, but aren’t sure what to do. You may even feel your greed destroying both internal peace and relationships.  

Frustration can be caused by greed. It seems the more people want, the more there is to want. Greed is the insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. Scripture explicitly warns against it, linking the “love of money” to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of “idolatry”. So, how do we experience victory?

MESSAGE: 

I.  FRUSTRATION COULD BE EVIDENCE OF GREED.

Proverbs 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

This famous passage offers a blueprint for faithful living and decision-making. It contrasts our own limited human perspective with God’s infinite wisdom. We are challenge to place complete, undivided reliance on God; placing our confidence in His character and promises, rather than just acknowledging Him when it is convenient. God urges us to invite Him into every area of our life. ‘Acknowledging Him’ entails intentionally seeking His will, praying about decisions, and aligning your actions with His principles.

“He shall direct thy paths” is a promise the Lord will give genuine direction as we trust Him. Seeking His guidance and wisdom requires prayer and scripture for clarity, and remain open to His leading, even if it differs from your plans. Also, surround yourself with God-fearing counselors to help discern God’s path.

John 10:10, The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Satan seeks to draw us away from God. Jesus was warning against false leaders, selfish motives, and legalism empowered by Satan that will rob us of peace and truth. Jesus’ promise does not guarantee financial wealth or an easy, trouble-free life. Instead, it refers to a rich spiritual life characterized by inner peace, joy, forgiveness, and a close walk with God that begins now and extends into eternity. While the religious leaders were acting like self-serving ‘thieves,’ Jesus came to bring protection, salvation, and real fulfillment.

But many people respond to this ‘promise’ with frustration that results in compulsive and obsessive behaviors. These ideas are also frequently associated with perfectionism to seize what we treasure. Compulsions and obsessions are traps, not blessings. They drive a person to pursue something until he gains it, regardless of who may be hurt in the process or what damage may be caused.

A.  OUR FRUSTRATIONS ARE OFTEN ROOTED IN GREED.

Luke 12:15, And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

This is Jesus’ definitive warning against greed and the false belief that material wealth equals a successful or secure life. The Bible teaches that frustration rooted in greed is a direct result of placing misplaced trust in wealth rather than God. Because selfish desires are insatiable, greed guarantees continuous disappointment, destroys peace, and traps people in a cycle of endless striving.

1.      The Deception of Disappointments: The pursuit of wealth breeds emptiness. “He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10). The very nature of greed thrives on insatiability and traps a person in perpetual dissatisfaction.

2.      The Cause of Multiple Evils: Unchecked craving for money distracts from faith and causes deep internal pain. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10). The pursuit of wealth often leads to ruin and destructive desires.

3.      Personally Brought on Conflicts: Greed destroys both internal peace and relationships. “He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord shall be made fat.” (Proverbs 28:25). The Book of Proverbs also warns that ‘a greedy person stirs up strife’ and ‘troubles his own household’ through dishonest or selfish actions.

If you struggle with a general feeling of frustration…that there's ‘more’ you believe you should have in your life. You find yourself craving more recognition, more approval, more validation, more likes, more opportunities, more rights, more ‘free’ stuff, more privileges, more things, more power, more money, and more appreciation. This desire for more is a form of disappointment, frustration, dissatisfaction, or even irritation.

This is why we have more psychiatrists, try to increase the bank accounts, use tranquilizers, lead mixed-up lives, and use sleeping pills. Some use drugs and alcohol to numb themselves of the disappointments. Take a good look at the average person…their minds and bodies, reveal a life of turmoil and frustration. 

Jesus’ Parable of the Rich Fool illustrate the inevitable consequences of greed (Luke 12:13-21): Jesus tells a story about a man who imagine building larger barns to hoard his wealth instead of being “rich toward God” (generous to others in need). The man dies that very night, highlighting the folly of hoarding things you cannot take with you.

B.  IT IS VITAL WE PINPOINT EXACTLY WHAT IS IMPORTANT.

Jesus insisted, ‘We cannot serve both God and money’ (see Matt. 6:24). He urges us to be on guard against all kinds of greed, adding that our life is not defined by the large quantity of assets we may have. Colossians 3:5 equates “covetousness” or greed to “idolatry” because it replaces devotion to God with the worship of material gain.

First, take God’s word on guarding against greed and keeping the proper perspective on wealth:

1.     Proverbs 15:27: "He that is greedy of gain troubleth his own house; but he that hateth gifts shall live."

2.     Proverbs 28:16: "The prince that wanteth understanding is also a great oppressor: but he that hateth covetousness shall prolong his days."

3.     Matthew 6:19-20: "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..."

4.     1 Timothy 6:6-10: "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out..."

5.     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."

Secondly, I invite you to pause for a moment and reflect about the things that you truly value in life. What would you not want to lose? What do you most desire to have when you are ninety years old?

Most people who identify what they truly value in life will list such things as

• a long, fruitful, and fulfilled life;
• good health and real growth in the Lord;
• a loving circle of family and friends;
• the blessings of eternal life now and with the Lord;
• a sense of achieving God’s purpose and will;
• inner peace and joy; and
• a solid impact on this world for Christ’s sake

I have good news and bad news regarding these things. The bad news is that you cannot get any of these things on your own no matter how much you want or think you deserve them. You cannot buy them from a department store, earn them with your dedication, or acquire them through really trying hard. The good news is that these are the very things that the Lord desires for many of us to have and that He will help us to experience as you trust in Him! (C. Stanley)

Again, greed is that insatiable, selfish desire for wealth, possessions, or power. God repeatedly and explicitly warn against it, linking the “love of money” (1Tim. 6:10) to all kinds of evil and classifying excessive, covetous desire as a form of idolatry (Col 3:5).

C. GREED CAN BE CONQUERED BY THE BELIEVER!

Instead of falling into the trap of greed, God prescribes “contentment.” True peace comes from a shift in perspective, recognizing that material accumulation does not define a person's worth. God prescribe specific practices to overcome the trap of greed:

1.     Watch Your Heart: “And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (Luke 12:15). Stay on guard against all forms of greed; there is far more to you than merely your stuff.

2.   Choose this Godly Perspective—Contentment: “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7). Godly contentment is an inward state of peace and satisfaction that relies on God’s control rather than external circumstances. It is rooted in the belief that God provides exactly what is needed for present well-being, it detaches happiness from wealth or changing situations. Paul taught that “godliness with contentment is great gain”, finding ultimate satisfaction in faith in Christ rather than mere possessions.

3.   Give Generously to the Needy: God encourages giving generously and sharing with the poor as a means of breaking the grip of materialism on the soul.

4.   Practice Gratitude Habitually: Believers are called to practice gratitude, recognizing that everything comes from God and that earthly wealth is temporary.

 Conclusion:

If you are dealing with a specific situation and would like to explore practical or spiritual guidance, consider these thoughts:

·        What area of life is causing you to feel this frustration? (e.g., finances, career, personal relationships)

·        Are there specific goals you are currently striving for?