Dealing With Doubt Series

DEALING WITH DOUBT

Romans 8:31-39

Introduction:

A lie can be the most damaging force in the world. More powerful than an atomic bomb or a hurricane, the most harmless lie can damage your good name forever. Satan is the master liar and he will wreck your mind if you let him. He will distort your thought patterns and destroy your confidence in God. Just like lies and half-truths ruin the reputation of a leader, Satan slanders our great God with duplicity. There are four basic areas where Satan attacks us to detroy our confidence in God

1) The Protection factor. God, Whose side are you own? God where do you come down in my situation. Are you for me or against me?

a) The Lie: God is against me. All your trouble is coming from God. He has let you down. He has let calamity befall you.

b) The Truth: God is for me. Look back at verse 29 & 30…He knew you, predestined you, called you, justified you and glorified you. Look at Isaiah 49:15 & 16 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, And not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, Yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Jesus has a constant reminder of His love for you in the scars of His hands.

2) The Provision factor. Are You holding out on me? Is the Christian life it is all cracked up to be? God will you really provide all my needs?

a) The Lie: God is cheating me. Everybody else is having fun and the Christian life is a drag. Party not a funeral. If can’t convince you of that will try but that was yesterday in the bible times, today god just isn’t like that. Same yesterday, today and forever.

b) The Truth: God is blessing me. Paul uses classic reasoning here from the greater to the lesser. What was our greatest need? Salvation! Is your need as a saint greater that your need as a sinner? If he saved me he will sustain me. Phil 1:6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;

3) The Prosecution factor. Will You condemn me to hell?

a) The Lie: God is accusing me. It is a court room scene with the devil as the DA. He skillfully builds a case against us painting us as the vile creatures we are.

b) The Truth: God is defending me. The back door flies open and in runs your attorney. Jesus Christ for the defense, your honor. And the judge looks down, smiles and says Good to see you son. The truth is you don’t have to please me, this church, your family or anyone, but God. Live for an audience of one.

4) The Desertion factor. Where are You? Have You left me? I feel so alone.

a) The Lie: God has abandoned me. God is far away and unconcerned about your life. Don’t you believe it.

b) The Truth: God will never leave me. Nothing can separate you from God. Not the world’s situation or the need of common necessities.

In closing, let me remind you of four truths that will help you through all of life storms. Be rock solid and resolute as you face life with these assurances:

1. GOD IS FOR ME

2. GOD SUPPLIES ALL MY NEEDS

3. GOD HAS FOUND ME NOT GUILTY BECAUSE OF JESUS

4. GOD WILL NEVER LEAVE ME