Attitude of Dealing With Problems

Announcements:

Foothill Pregnancy CTR

They are a non-profit and their mission is to save the lives of the unborn babies

They provide many services free of charge to women

Professional adoption agencies 

Parenting classes are designed for all expecting moms and dads to provide the basic fundamentals of parenting

Diapers

They are looking for high school volunteers to help with a fundraising event on April 26

2. Youth Worship Performance Fundraiser

A high school student called me from Christian Heights. He is looking for high school students to join him for his senior project

On April 12 from 6-8pm they will preform at the Heart Rock Cafe’ to raise money for their missions program

How many of you like problems?

How many of you deal with many problems?

How many of you have ever wonder why God, if He loves me allows so many problems to occur in my life?

1. (V2) Count it all joy when you fall into various trials

Attitude of dealing with problems

The wrong attitude in dealing with problems can cause anger, bitterness, and push away from the presence of God

I was talking to someone who is going through a difficult situation and they say they no longer believe in God (THAT’S WHAT CAN HAPPEN WITH THE WRONG OUT LOOK ON PROBLEMS)

A joyful attitude will help us grow through the trial

a) Its not if, its when you fall into trials

Trials are guaranteed

b) Various trials / What type of trials? Various trials

Life problems :

Academic pressures such as exams, sat’s or getting into a good school

Social issues, such as Peer pressure, bullying, family problems

Maybe you are growing up in a broken home like I did or maybe there’s disfunction

Spiritual attacks:

Persecution or problems because of your faith in Christ

Doubting the Word of God

Division between godly relationships

The Bible promises problems:

Matthew 24:9 ““Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake.”

1 Peter 4:12 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;”

c) Count it joy

Attitude or perspective in dealing with problems

Joy is based on a heavenly understanding that God is sovereign and He has allowed this situation to helps us grow in maturity

JOY (Jesus, others, yourself)

Illustration: The life of Joseph:

God’s favor was upon Joesph which caused jealousy between him and his 11 brothers.

Joesph was thrown into a pit and left for dead, he was sold into slavery, falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife, and it’s believed he was imprisoned for up to 13 years (Trial 13 years)

We never read Jospeh was angry about his trial, or bitter. Joesph remained faithful despite the unfair circumstances.

He had a heavenly perspective on his trial, in fact he tells his brothers not to be mad at themselves because it was the Lord who allowed it to happen for an important purpose.

Joesph was able to count his trial as joy because he trusted that God was in control of the outcome and Joesph’s heart was surrendered to the Lord

1.2 (V3) Knowing the testing of your faith produces patience

a) Knowing this trial and testing is to the benefit of helping you grow in patience

People often times get angry with God because they misunderstand the meaning of the trial is not to hurt but to help

Hebrews 5:8 “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

Wiersbe said this, The only way the Lord can develop patience and character in our lives is through trials. Endurance cannot be attained by reading a book, listening to a sermon, or even praying. We must go through the difficulties of life, trust God and obey Him

b) The testing of your faith

"Testing" (Gr. dokimion) implies demonstrating the true quality of something when it undergoes a trial. The true nature of gold becomes evident when the refiner heats gold over a fire. The same can be said about the character of God within a Christian, which is there because of the Holy Spirit's presence and activity, becomes apparent through trials if they are responded to properly.

It’s easy to praise God when everything is perfect, but how about praising Him when nothing makes sense

The test reveals whats hidden under the surface

c) Patience is produced as we wait upon Him

Romans 5:3–5 “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

The key to joy in the midst of the trial is knowing this testing is helping grow in patience, perseverance, character, and hope

Questions for discussion:

What are four essential elements for victory in trials?

Why can dedicated Christians have joy in the midst of trials?

What is the goal for us, as Christians?

What are 5 marks of a mature Christian?

How is a person born again?