Solving Problems God’s Way
Part 2 : Finding The Root Causes
Joshua 7:1-26
* For every "effect" there is a cause.
Ex. -- Alvin missed the bus(effect) because he woke up late(cause).
Ex. – Janice got home late(cause) so she missed her favorite TV show(effect).
Ex. – Because the neighborhood is noisy(cause), my brother doesn’t sleep too well(effect).
* For every problem, there is a cause!
* Problems are the result of something.
* Problems do not happen by chance or by someone being unlucky! This suggests there is no rhyme or reason for problems.
* Sometimes we confuse the symptoms of a problem with the real cause of a problem.
* It’s not always easy to discern the true cause of a problem….the reason for a problem we may be experiencing.
Illus - By Anita Manning, USA TODAY 9-24-2006
Is it flu or just a cold? How do you tell?
Doctors say if it’s flu — real influenza, not just what everyone calls "the flu" — you’ll know it.
"Severity is really what makes the difference," says lung specialist Neil Schachter of Mount Sinai School of Medicine. "With a cold, people think about whether they’re well enough to go to work or school. With flu, there’s usually no question. You’re down and out and in bed."
The symptoms of colds and flu are enough alike that diagnosis may not always be easy, he says, especially in the winter months when lots of respiratory viruses are circulating.
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says differences include these:
Symptoms:
•Fever. Rare for a cold, common with flu. Fevers with flu can go over 102 degrees, especially in children, and can persist three or four days.
•Headache. Rare for a cold, common in flu.
•Aches and pains. Mild with a cold, often severe with flu.
•Fatigue. Sometimes occurs with colds, but flu usually starts with a period of exhaustion, with fatigue lasting two or three weeks.
•Sneezing, stuffy nose, sore throat. The most frequent symptoms of a cold, they also occur sometimes with flu.
•Chest discomfort, cough. Mild to moderate with colds, but can be severe with flu.
* Every medicine sold over-the-counter treats only the symptoms, NOT the real cause of your illness.
* Many viruses cause colds -
44% were rhinoviruses.
30% were respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Just over 5% were influenza viruses.
9% were para influenza viruses (PIV).
Just over 4% were human meta pneumovirus (HPMV).
7% were other viruses (such as adenoviruses).
* The real cause of a cold is a virus.
Treatment and Prevention-http://health.abqjournal.com/ConditionFactsheet.aspx?id=243&pg=2
We haven’t yet found a way to kill the viruses that cause the common cold. Some people ask their doctors for antibiotics, but these are completely useless against any virus. These medications work only if a bacterial infection develops on top of the cold. Since there’s no cure, a combination of coping strategies and medication can at least keep symptoms from getting worse.
Bed rest for a day or two can help you feel better. While it won’t clear up the cold any faster, staying in bed will avoid spreading it to others.
If you are suffering with a cold you should keep comfortably warm and drink plenty of fluids. Hot fluids (such as chicken broth) can cut down on congestion.
For a sore throat, a warm salt-water gargle may help. Humidifiers can keep the air moist in an effort to soothe coughs. The extra vapor, cold or hot, can also help loosen mucus in the chest.
Medications can be used to relieve cold symptoms, but they won’t make the cold go away any faster.
* We want to treat the real root problem not just the symptoms.
*Illus - sin of Achan…
* After the destruction of Jericho, came a battle with Ai
- 2 to 3 thousand men were recommended for the battle
-Israel couldn’t win this battle against Ai because someone had troubled Israel.
- The problem wasn’t that they didn’t send enough troops; it was deeper than that.
- There was sin in the camp and it brought trouble on all of Israel.
- God instructed Joshua to begin with the tribes and narrow down the cause of the problem.
- To get to the root, Joshua begins with the 12 tribes.
* Read - Joshua 7:16-18 – sin of Achan – read the story and note how Joshua narrows down the problem… tribe, family, etc.
-- Judah > Zerah > Zabdi > Camri > Achan
* Let’s look in the Bible at 5 basic fundamental causes of problems in our lives.
I. Disobedience: Some problems are caused by disobedience to God.
A. David’s disobedience II Sam. 12:1-14
Ex. “Thou shalt not commit adultery” …
--God gave this command for a reason.
--Believe me, you are going to have problems when you disobey this command!
--Problems from your spouse,,, (likelihood of divorce and years of substantial problems)
--Problems from the spouse of person you commit adultery with (He or she may come looking for you with a pistol in hand!)….
--Problems with children
* Some problems we bring upon ourselves by pure disobedience to God.
* When we choose to disobey God’s Word, we are bringing problems upon ourselves!
READ - II Sam. 12:1-14 David – disobeyed God’s command of “not committing adultery” and brought trouble upon his house!
2Sa 12:1-14 And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. (2) The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: (3) But the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. (4) And there came a traveler unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man’s lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. (5) And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: (6) And he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity. (7) And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul; (8) And I gave thee thy master’s house, and thy master’s wives into thy bosom, and gave thee the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I would moreover have given unto thee such and such things. (9) Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his sight? thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. (10) Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. (11) Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbor, and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun. (12) For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun. (13) And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die. (14) Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die.
B. Abraham’s disobedience, … brought trouble into his house when he followed the unwise suggestion of his wife that he should have a son by Hagar the handmaid. Many problems in the Middle East today can be traced back to Abraham’s disobedience to God
C. Jonah’s disobedience -- because of his disobedience to God brought storm upon himself and others with him.
D. Annanias and Saphira’s disobedience -- brought judgment upon themselves by lying about the price of the land donated to the church.
* If we decide to violate the principle of hard work (6 days shalt thou work) in the Word of God… and we decide we want to get rich quick – drive to casino – and lose our weekly paycheck… we bring problems upon ourselves!
Proverbs 28:22 – “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him.”
Proverbs 23:4-5 4 Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom.
5 Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.
* If we decide to violate the law “Thou shalt not steal” and walk into Wal-Mart and take what we want…. We are going to be in big trouble
* Or walk into neighbors yard and take his lawn mower… we are causing problems for ourselves.
* When will we learn that God is right and we are wrong?!!
* Let’s be honest; we deliberately disobey and bring problems upon ourselves.
Now, the next cause may surprise you.
II. Obedience: Some problems caused by obedience to God.
A. Disciple’s obedience Mark 6:45-52
Ex. Disciples in boat in midst of storm
Their problem was a result of obedience to command of Jesus, not disobedience!
Mark 6:45-51 And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. (46) And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. (47) And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. (48) And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. (49) But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: (50) For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. (51) And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
B. Paul’s obedience II Cor. 11:22-28
* Paul, obedient servant…all of these problems because he was obedient to God!
2Co 11:23-27 Are they ministers of Christ? I (speak as a fool) I am more; in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. (24) Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. (25) Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; (26) In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; (27) In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
C. Daniel’s obedience
* Daniel – thrown into lions den because of obedience to God!
D. Three Hebrew children’s obedience
* Three Hebrew children thrown into fiery furnace because of obedience.
E. Jeremiah’s obedience
* Jeremiah 1:1-19 God promises Jeremiah a life of trouble as he pronounces judgment upon Israel.
Jer 1:13-19 And the word of the LORD came unto me the second time, saying, What seest thou? And I said, I see a seething pot; and the face thereof is toward the north. (14) Then the LORD said unto me, Out of the north an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land. (15) For, lo, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, saith the LORD; and they shall come, and they shall set every one his throne at the entering of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls thereof round about, and against all the cities of Judah. (16) And I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, who have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands. (17) Thou therefore gird up thy loins, and arise, and speak unto them all that I command thee: be not dismayed at their faces, lest I confound thee before them. (18) For, behold, I have made thee this day a defensed city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the princes thereof, against the priests thereof, and against the people of the land. (19) And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.
III. Satan: Some problems caused by a direct attack from Satan.
A. Satan attacked Job Job 1
* No disobedience or sin on Job’s part caused multiple problems. He was a man that feared God and hated evil. Satan troubled his house.
Job 1:8-12 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? (9) Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for naught? (10) Hast not thou made a hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. (11) But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face. (12) And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
* Job suffered in the area of 1)finances, 2) family, 3) friends, 4) physical health
-- all a result of Satanic attack
-- God gave Satan permission to touch all Job had, even his body, but he could not take away his life.
B. Satan attacks Peter Luke 22:31-34
--Satan attempted to sift him as wheat!
Luke 22:31-34 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: (32) But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (33) And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison, and to death. (34) And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.
-- Peter’s denial was not just a weakness in his character but Satan using that weakness against Peter.
* Sometimes problems are the result of a Satanic attack upon us.
IV. Enemies: Some problems caused by enemies
A. David pursued by enemies Psalm 3:1 ; Psalm 9:13
- pursued like an animal by Saul… for what? … killing Goliath!
-- Psalm 3:1 “Lord, how are they increased that trouble me! many are they that rise up against me.”
-- Psalm 9:13 “Have mercy upon me, O LORD; consider my trouble which I suffer of them that hate me,…”
B. Jews hindered in rebuilding wall Nehemiah 4:1-8
- Sanballat & others against the people of God.
Neh 4:1-8 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we built the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. (2) And he spoke before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned? (3) Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall. (4) Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: (5) And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. (6) So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work. (7) But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, (8) And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
Ex. Joseph, his brothers hatred brought trouble upon him.
C. Jesus and his enemies John 15:18,; I John 3:13
* His enemies caused him trouble…. Troubles were not the result of His disobedience, but because of who He was!
John 15:18 “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
I John 3:13 “Marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you.”
Matt. 10:22a “And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake:” ;
* It may surprise you, but God will sometimes let your enemies prevail against you.
V. Parents (Irresponsible): Some problems are caused by parents.
Ezek. 18:1-20 each is responsible for own sin but…
Eze 18:19-20 Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. (20) The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.
Wiersbe – “We have already noted that the Lord doesn’t punish the children and grandchildren because of their ancestors’ sins (Ezek. 18), but He can permit the sad consequences of those sins to affect future generations, physically, mentally, and spiritually. Children are prone to imitate their parents, and Eastern peoples lived in extended families, with three and four generations often in the same home. It’s easy to see that the older members of the family had opportunities to influence the younger ones either for good or for evil. But the Lord also blesses successive generations of people who honor and obey Him.
-Not child’s fault… not disobedience, not obedience, not Satan
Ex. Father is alcoholic… brings problems to whole family
Ex. Mother addicted to crack… physical, mental, & emotional problems
-Sometimes the actions of parents have lingering consequences throughout the life of a person.
-Because parents didn’t teach the value of hard work, a child can grow up poor and struggle to survive through social programs.
* If a child is physically abused by their father, he/she will have a hard time experiencing the love of God in his/her life.
* The unforgiveness of a parent can cause lingering consequences in the life of a child.
Lessons For Life
1) Problems are inevitable!
* Some will be caused by us and our disobedience… some by enemies of ours, … some by Satan, …some by obedience to God, …some will be inherited from our parents!
* You will never reach a plateau where from this day forward there will be no more problems at all!
* "Man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble."
2) Because we bring some problems upon ourselves by our disobedience, we can rid ourselves of some problems in our lives.
* We don’t need to pray for God’s deliverance, we need to quit disobeying Him!
* We don’t have to live with all of our problems!
* We can choose not to disobey God and live a happier life!
* We can rid ourselves of many problems simply by being obedient to the Word of God. (not all our problems, but some)
3) When we only deal with the symptoms of a problem, we delay the real solution.
* When David committed adultery he began by dealing with the symptoms of his problem.
- When he called Uriah from the front lines to come home and spend the night with his wife; he was dealing with a symptom.
- When he assisted Uriah in getting drunk so he would go home and spend the night with this wife; he was dealing with a symptom.
- When he had Uriah sent to the front lines of the military battle so he would be killed; he was dealing with a symptom.
- When David took Bathsheba to be his wife; he was dealing with symptoms.
* David’s problem was his sin… sin of committing adultery
- For approximately a year the guilt consumed him (ate away at his insides)
Psa 32:1-5 A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. (2) Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. (3) When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. (4) For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah. (5) I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.
* Don’t allow guilt to destroy you!
* God has a remedy for guilt – confession and repentance!
* Did David continue to experience problems after his confession of his sin to Nathan the prophet? Yes, but David confessed and forsook his sin! He didn’t allow the guilt to keep him from being a man after God’s own heart!
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