In Times Like These
In Times Like These
In times like these, many are distressed and despaired by the state of the world.
Despair is real and affects even believers:
• II Corinthians 1:8-9 – Apostle Paul was despaired.
• I Corinthians 15:19 – Our hope is not in this life.
There is good in a job, wealth, and possessions, but when we allow them to be our focus and utmost desire, we allow them to be a doorway to despair:
• Ecclesiastes 2:10-17 – He hated the vanity of life.
• Ecclesiastes 5:10-15 – Naked we came; naked we leave.
• Ecclesiastes 2:18-20 – Our labor is not our hope.
Our hope should not be in the things of this world:
• II Corinthians 4:6-11 – We are troubled but not in despair.
• Philippians 4:4-13 – Content through Christ.
Six reasons not to despair:
1. God promises us something better & permanent
• Romans 8:16-19 – Joint heirs with Christ
2. We should believe His promises:
• Romans 8:24 and 25 – Patience, wait for it.
3. We have a different spirit than the world:
• Romans 8:26 and 27 – The Spirit helps us.
4. We have different goals than the world:
• Romans 8:28-30 – Confirmed to His image.
• II Corinthians 4:15-18 – Temporal/eternal.
5. We have a different leader than the world:
• Romans 8:31-34 – God’s elect
• John 17:14-17 – We are not of this world.
6. The world hates us, but God loves us:
• Romans 8:35-39 – Nothing separates us.
• Psalms 39:7 – My hope is in Thee.
To avoid despair, we need to be patient:
• I Thessalonians 1:2-3 – Patience of hope
• Romans 12:12 – Patient in tribulation
• Romans 15:1-6 – Comfort of Scriptures