How To Handle Life’s Problems

 

Romans 8:28-31 (MSG)  That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good. God knew what he was doing from the very beginning. He decided from the outset to shape the lives of those who love him along the same lines as the life of his Son. The Son stands first in the line of humanity he restored. We see the original and intended shape of our lives there in him. After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what he had begun. So, what do you think? With God on our side like this, how can we lose?

·         WHAT IS JESUS LIKE? _________________________

Galatians 5:16 (LB)  I advise you to obey only the Holy Spirit’s instructions. He will tell you where to go and what to do, and then you won’t always be doing the wrong things your evil nature wants you to.

 

·         Not becoming a god, but becoming  ________________

·         Not imitation, but _______________________________

·         Not trying to be like Jesus, but letting Jesus be _____________________________________

·         HOW DOES THE HOLY GHOST IN US MAKE US LIKE JESUS?  IN THREE WAYS:

1.    The Holy Ghost uses ___________________ to produce Christ-like character.

2 Timothy 3:15-17, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 119:9, 50, 105, 130, Colossians 3:16, Hebrews 4:12, Romans 15:4, 1 John 5:13, Psalm 1:2-3, Matthew 4:4, John 15:7,  John 17:17, Ephesians 6:17, Acts 20:32

2.    The Holy Ghost uses ___________________ to produce Christ-like character.

Ephesians 4:11-16, Titus 1:13, 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Hebrews 13:16-17, 1 Peter 4:8-10, 1 Corinthians 13:1-7, 1 Peter 5:5, Galatians 6:1-5, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 5:23-24

3.    The Holy Ghost uses ___________________ to produce Christ-like character.

2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV)  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.

EXPECT FOUR KINDS OF PROBLEMS IN LIFE:

1.    TRIALS:  designed by _____________ to draw us closer to Him and build our character

2.    TEMPTATIONS:  designed by the ___________ to draw us away from God and destroy our character

3.    TRESPASSES:  hurts caused by the sins of __________

4.    TROUBLES:  usually the ____________________ of our own sinful choices

·         If it’s a TROUBLE, you should _________________ of it.

 

Genesis 22:41 (NCV), Psalm 31:10 (NCV), Psalm 40:12 (NCV)

 

Psalm 18:6 (NCV)  In my trouble I called to the Lord. I cried out to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my call for help reached his ears.

·         If it’s a TEMPTATION, you should ________________ it.

Matthew 26:41 (KJV), 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (KJV), James 1:14 (KJV)

James 4:7 (KJV)  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

·         If it’s a TRESPASS, you should __________________ it.

Joshua 22:20 (KJV), Ezekiel 15:8 (KJV), Luke 17:4 (KJV)

 

Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)  For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

·         If it’s a TRIAL, you should ____________________ in it.

Romans 5:3 (NLT), James 1:2-3 (TEV), James 1:12 (TEV)

 

1 Peter 1:7 (NLT)  These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.