Prevail in the Present
Notes
Transcript
Handout
Intro
Joke - It’s okay to be frugal, but sometimes frugality borders on being a cheapskate? How many of you know someone who is a cheapskate? How many of you are a cheapskate?
You know you’re a cheapskate if:
1. you have ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise from fast food restaurants in your refrigerator.
2. you wash plastic forks, knives, spoons, and cups to use them again.
3. Your idea of taking your woman out on a date is going through the drive-through at McDonalds.
4. you make a roll of 2-ply toilet paper into two 1-ply toilet paper rolls
Scrooge was a cheapskate. At home on Christmas night; Scrooge is visited by Marley's ghost, who is forever cursed to wander the earth dragging a network of heavy chains, forged during a lifetime of greed and selfishness. Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three spirits that night, and that he must listen to them or be cursed to carry chains of his own that are much longer than Marley's chains.
Scrooge is then visited by the three spirits Marley spoke of – each visit detailed in a separate set – and these spirits accompany him on visits to various Christmas scenes.
Scrooge was saddened when he was made to view parts of His past by the Ghost of Christmas Past and the Ghost of Christmas present.
The first of the spirits, the Ghost of Christmas Past, which takes Scrooge to Christmas scenes of Scrooge's boyhood and youth, where he views his failures and frustrations from the past.
The second spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Present, takes Scrooge to several different scenes – a market where people are buying the things they need for Christmas dinner and to a miner's cottage and a lighthouse where people are celebrating Christmas.
Scrooge and the spirit also visit his nephew Fred's Christmas party, where Fred speaks of his uncle with pity.
A major part of this stave is taken up with Scrooge and the spirit visiting the home of his employee, Bob Cratchit, where he sees Cratchit’s youngest son Tiny Tim, who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Ghost of Christmas Present is reminding Scrooge that he and others have lots of big problems and sorrow in their lives.
Do you know people struggling with problems?
Physically? Illnesses…… Injuries?
Emotionally? bitterness, depression, discouragement, fear, frustration, guilt, hurt, loneliness, sadness, worry etc…
Financially? - inflation, jobs…
Relationally? Jacked up Families
People often struggle so much with daily problems that they miss out on experiencing the life and relationships that God wants them to have.
People often struggle so much with daily problems that they miss out on experiencing the life and relationships that God wants them to have.
Let me ask you…
What types of issues are you struggling with this Christmas season?
What types of issues are you struggling with this Christmas season?
We all struggle with something and it’s amplified during the holidays. If you are struggling this holiday season, I have some good news.
Jesus came not only to forgive our sins and heal us from past hurts, but he also came to help us triumph today
Jesus came not only to forgive our sins and heal us from past hurts, but he also came to help us triumph today
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!
These words were written 700 years before Jesus was born. They teach us that Jesus not only can forgive our past sins and free us from our past hurts, but that help us triumph today. Prevail in the present.
How can Jesus help us overcome our problems in the present?
How can Jesus help us overcome our problems in the present?
1. Jesus can help us overcome sadness in our lives.
1. Jesus can help us overcome sadness in our lives.
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Scrooge was dealing with sadness in his life, but he was also made aware that others were dealing with sadness in their lives. Maybe you know someone dealing with sadness this Christmas season?
Some struggle with sadness due to a loss of a loved one. Others struggle because of a loss of resources. Still others may be sad because they are hanging out with sad people.
Let me ask.
Who or what causes you to struggle with sadness in your life?
Who or what causes you to struggle with sadness in your life?
Death can make us sad. Remember the story of Lazarus, Jesus friend and the brother of Mary and Martha? His friend Lazarus died.
3 So the two sisters sent a message to Jesus telling him, “Lord, your dear friend is very sick.”
17 When Jesus arrived at Bethany, he was told that Lazarus had already been in his grave for four days.
33 When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. 34 “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Then Jesus wept.
Look at this.
Jesus valued friendships. If the SOG wanted them and pursued them, we need to do that as well.
Jesus had compassion for those who are sad and grieving … Mary and Martha
Jesus himself experienced sorry so he understand our sorrows. A lot of people think no one understands, but Jesus understands and he cares and he is able and willing to help us overcome our sorrows and sadness in our lives.
The story of Lazarus also teaches us that
When we are experiencing sorrow in our lives, Jesus will come to our aid to comfort, console and counsel us.
When we are experiencing sorrow in our lives, Jesus will come to our aid to comfort, console and counsel us.
Story of God coming through for me in times of sadness……
Jesus has helped me through times of sorrow and he will help you too.
28 “Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.
When we receive comfort and counsel from Jesus, He is able to transform sadness into gladness in our lives.
When we receive comfort and counsel from Jesus, He is able to transform sadness into gladness in our lives.
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow!
Look what Paul said,
11 So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.
Jesus wants to empower you and I to overcome sorrow and sadness this Christmas season. In a few minutes we will give you an opportunity to come to the altar and get free from the grip of sadness this Christmas season.
2. Jesus can help us overcome weakness in our lives.
2. Jesus can help us overcome weakness in our lives.
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Scrooge struggled with the same things his partner Jacob Marley struggled with – greed, selfishness, a critical spirit, a negative attitude, and many other things.
A lot of people struggle with sinful bondages that keep them from experiencing happy circumstances and relationships. Paul struggled as well…
15 I don’t understand myself at all, for I really want to do what is right, but I can’t. I do what I don’t want to—what I hate. 16 I know perfectly well that what I am doing is wrong, and my bad conscience proves that I agree with these laws I am breaking. 17 But I can’t help myself because I’m no longer doing it. It is sin inside me that is stronger than I am that makes me do these evil things.
Does anyone identify with that?
Paul was a great Christian who wrote most of the NT but he struggled with stuff just like we do. Have you ever wondered why we seem to struggle? … We struggle because we were each born with a sin nature. We inherited it from Adam and it gives us a predisposition to lie, hide, steal, cheat, to hurt others to get ahead…
Does anyone here struggle with your old sin nature? The rest of you are lying.
Our sin nature is a major cause of our problems, but Jesus, our Mighty God, can help us overcome our sinful struggles.
Our sin nature is a major cause of our problems, but Jesus, our Mighty God, can help us overcome our sinful struggles.
34 Jesus answered them, “I can guarantee this truth: Whoever lives a sinful life is a slave to sin. 35 A slave doesn’t live in the home forever, but a son does. 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be absolutely free.
Jesus is saying,
We can have victory over our weaknesses with help from the presence and power of Jesus. (Titus 3:3-7; Romans 8:37)
We can have victory over our weaknesses with help from the presence and power of Jesus. (Titus 3:3-7; Romans 8:37)
3 Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other. 4 But—When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, 5 he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. 6 He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. 7 Because of his grace he made us right in his sight and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.
37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.
3. Jesus can help us overcome loneliness in our lives.
3. Jesus can help us overcome loneliness in our lives.
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
One of the things we see in Scrooge was that he really struggled with loneliness. There are people all around us and even in here that struggle with loneliness as well. Just what is loneliness?
Loneliness is the feeling of being unnoticed, uncared for, unneeded, or unwanted, and it’s a problem for many people.
Loneliness is the feeling of being unnoticed, uncared for, unneeded, or unwanted, and it’s a problem for many people.
Loneliness permeates our society - We write songs about loneliness – Lonely Girl / Alone Again – Naturally / Bluer than Blue / Only the Lonely & my favorite all time – You Picked a Fine to to Leave Me Lucille… Blue blue Christmas… …
Lots of people are lonely today. Gallup – 30% of Americans are lonely. Psy. Paul Tournier – loneliness is the greatest malady of this age.
The reason loneliness is so terrible is that God made us to need each other. That’s why He looked at Adam and said, I can do better than that… really – It’s not good for the man to be alone.
A person can be alone but not be lonely or a person can be lonely in a room full of people. We have all experienced this.
Loneliness is not the absence of faces, but the absence of fellowship. Loneliness doesn’t come from being alone, but from feeling alone.
Loneliness is not the absence of faces, but the absence of fellowship. Loneliness doesn’t come from being alone, but from feeling alone.
Loneliness can cause us to make bad decisions in our lives because we are feeling rejected and / or deserted.
Loneliness can cause us to make bad decisions in our lives because we are feeling rejected and / or deserted.
Anyone besides me ever made a bad decision because you felt lonely? Most of us have. Dated the Wrong person / married the wrong person / given in to unwanted sexual advances / moved in with someone you were not married to / taken drugs / hung out at bars / or even like Tom Hanks – talking to soccer ball (castaway)
Loneliness leads us to feel rejected and deserted. (Job 19:13-19; Psalm 142:1-7)
Loneliness leads us to feel rejected and deserted. (Job 19:13-19; Psalm 142:1-7)
Job was lonely. Everyone had deserted him.
13 “My relatives stay far away, and my friends have turned against me. 14 My family is gone, and my close friends have forgotten me. 15 My servants and maids consider me a stranger. I am like a foreigner to them. 16 When I call my servant, he doesn’t come; I have to plead with him! 17 My breath is repulsive to my wife. I am rejected by my own family. 18 Even young children despise me. When I stand to speak, they turn their backs on me. 19 My close friends detest me. Those I loved have turned against me.
King David was lonely and knew who to turn to.
1 I cry out to the Lord; I plead for the Lord’s mercy. 2 I pour out my complaints before him and tell him all my troubles. 3 When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn. Wherever I go, my enemies have set traps for me. 4 I look for someone to come and help me, but no one gives me a passing thought! No one will help me; no one cares a bit what happens to me. 5 Then I pray to you, O Lord. I say, “You are my place of refuge. You are all I really want in life. 6 Hear my cry, for I am very low. Rescue me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me. 7 Bring me out of prison so I can thank you. The godly will crowd around me, for you are good to me.”
If you are struggling with loneliness, there are plenty of people here at River Church who would love to develop real friendships with you.
We don’t have to languish in loneliness because we have Jesus as our Everlasting Father to be with us every day.
We don’t have to languish in loneliness because we have Jesus as our Everlasting Father to be with us every day.
20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Always - is always. Psa 16:11
11 You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
The Lord is especially present with us during the difficult times of our lives.
2 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt as a ransom for your freedom; I gave Ethiopia and Seba in your place.
1 God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
tell a story of God helping someone through their grief.
5 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.”
5 Let your character or moral disposition be free from love of money [including greed, avarice, lust, and craving for earthly possessions] and be satisfied with your present [circumstances and with what you have]; for He [God] Himself has said, I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake nor let [you] down (relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]
People make promises they don’t keep, but isn’t it great that God keeps His promises. And He will help us overcome loneliness if we will turn our lives over to Him.
4. Jesus can help us overcome the craziness in our lives.
4. Jesus can help us overcome the craziness in our lives.
6 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Too many people live crazy lives filled with lots of business, stress and strife, which rob them of peace and joy in their lives. How many people here today could use a little peace from the Prince of Peace today?
Peace is something everyone wants but few people have.
Peace is something everyone wants but few people have.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how peace filled is my life?
On a scale of 1 to 10, how peace filled is my life?
Too many people don’t have peace in their lives. The top 5 happiest cities in US were in LA, but none were named New Orleans. Maybe you are not experiencing peace because of your job / your kids / a divorce / financial struggles / health issues..
What is robbing me of peace and joy this holiday season?
What is robbing me of peace and joy this holiday season?
Jesus came to bring peace to our lives and to our relationships.
27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.
The peace you want and need can only be found in a relationship with Jesus. When you turn to him, you will discover as I have, that he is the Prince of Peace and He can and will bring peace into your life no matter what you are going through.
To experience all the Lord has for us in the present, we must be willing to put him first in our lives.
To experience all the Lord has for us in the present, we must be willing to put him first in our lives.
Jesus wants to be first in our finances, our interests, our relationships, schedule, and troubles.
33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and Prince of Peace is able to conquer our problems and bring us joy, peace and purpose in the present as well as in the future.
Close
some of you may be sad / weak / lonely / going crazy
Let me ask, (come to the altar if these are you)
Who needs more peace?
Who needs more joy and happiness?
Who needs more strength?
Place God first this Christmas!