Sunday, February 7, 2021
Many Are My Foes
Psalm 3
We all know that trials are a
certainty in life. The presence of trials is not so much the problem as how we
handle them. Trusting and relying on God is the only sure way to victory.
What once was your greatest joy
may become your greatest area of bitterness or disappointment.
It is not easy to “believe”
Great energy must be expended and knowledge possessed.
The power of faith is best
expressed when to all around you it seems you are being destroyed but
you can see God's hand - and rest.
The greatest time of trial
in your life is the greatest opportunity for the exercise of your faith.
I. Trials Consume v.1-2 ESV
Troubles always come
in flocks.
Satan will use these
things to create false threats in our lives:
·
Rumors
·
Exaggeration
·
Lies
·
Ignorance
·
Prejudice
·
The Unknown
What will overcome fear that has broken through our borders?
·
Reason overcomes fear.
·
Experience overcomes fear.
·
Faith overcomes fear.
·
Confidence from the past overcomes fear.
·
Protection overcomes fear.
·
Knowledge overcomes fear.
·
Prayer overcomes fear.
God is not known for His keeping us FROM trial alone, but His
keeping us IN trial as well.
The doubting world can bring no hope but increases our fear.
If God's provision extends only to the saintly, then we
are all in trouble.
II. Faith is Confessed v.3 ESV
Recognizing God's Protection
Claiming God's Provision
III. Prayer Consoles v.4 ESV
A VERBAL cry to express emotion
When we know God hears, we know He will answer.
What man says to God is not so important as what God
says to man.
As we cry out in spirit, so God answers in spirit.
IV. Hope Constructs v.5-6 ESV
Creates a serenity for rest
Creates trust in providence
Creates strength to encounter the trial
V.God Controls v.7-8 ESV
A new focus on the power of God In place of the problem
A confident trust that God will save
