Solving Problems God's Way: Part 6 Steps To Solving Problems God's Way Series

Solving Problems Part 6 – Steps To Solving Problems God’s Way

James 1:1-8

Intro>

The words “Solving problems God’s way” suggests there is more than one way to solve problems.

* There is God’s way and man’s way.

* There is a right way and wrong way.

* We get into a rut in the way we solve problems.

-- We approach problems the same way every time.

-- We develop a consistent response to problems.

-- The problem is that it’s often the wrong response.

* Too often our response to problems is based on human logic rather than Scripture.

Ex. – Jesus & feeding of 5000 - Mark 6:35-44

-- Problem = no food for everyone to eat

-- Logical response #1 – Send them home and let them eat there (v. 36a)

-- Logical response #2 – Go to the grocery store and buy 200 penny worth of food (v. 37)

* It never entered into the minds of the disciples that Jesus could solve the food problem a totally different way.

* This morning I want us to get down to the nuts and bolts of solving problems God’s way.

* Let’s take a look at the steps to take to solve problems God’s way!

--An attitude to embrace

--4 things to remember when problems are encountered

--4 steps to take when problems are encountered

I. An attitude to embrace Jam. 1:2-4

A) The attitude 1:2

*Jas 1:2 Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides.

* Count it a privilege!

* Here is an attitude of acceptance and not rejection.

* Don’t have the attitude that this is going to hurt me, but that it’s going to help me.

* Too often our attitude is, "Oh no, here comes another trial (problem)!"

* Rather than joy, it’s groaning and complaining.

* James is asking us to take another look and gain a different perspective.

* Problems are not to be dreaded; that’s the wrong attitude

* Problems or trials should produce “pure joy” (lit., “all joy”; i.e., joy that is full or unmixed), not just “some joy” coupled with much grief.

* If we are going to get the greatest benefit from our problems our attitude is critical

* Not just "don’t worry, be happy" as the song goes…. We need a basis for this attitude…

B) The advantage 1:3-4

Why be joyful? What’s the reason?

- Because when you receive it, rather than resent it, it will benefit your life.

* There are advantages to problems. They do something inside us.

* "Knowing this"…You already know this, but I’m going to remind you that the testing of your faith will develop patience in you.

BKC – "A test is given to see if a student can pass, not pass out!"

* When God gives us a test, He’s not trying to hurt us, He’s trying to help us.

1) Perseverance is developed in us v.3

2) Spiritual maturity is developed through trials. V. 4

3) Wisdom is gained through problems we experience in our lives. V. 5

II. Things To Remember

A. Remember - I’m Not In This Problem Alone. II Tim. 4:16-17

* I may have caused the problem, I may not… it doesn’t matter – I’m not in this problem alone.

* As a Christian, there is not situation in which we are alone!

* We may FEEL alone (like Job), but we are never alone!

* Ex. Prodigal Son – He was not really alone… solution to problem was at home waiting on him. (Luke 15:16-17)

* God doesn’t forsake us when we get into trouble… not even when we bring problems upon ourselves.

* Our tendency is to separate God from our problems…. To go it alone!

* “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

* God is more concerned about your problems than you are!

* 2 Tim 4:16-17 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. (17) Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

* You’re not in this alone, so don’t go it alone!

* Sometimes we have to say, "This is my fault…I messed this up BUT you promised never to leave me."

B. Remember - God is Bigger Than Any Problem I Have.

* Bigger than your spouse, neighbor, enemy, Mother-in-law, Father-in-law, boss, child, parent, …anyone.

* “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?”

* Jesus – miracles- He proved Himself ruler over Satan, demons, disease, & nature!