The Blessings and Benefits of Problems (Part 3)
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Introduction:
1. We have learned that problems are a part of life. Because of the curse of sin on this earth, problems are woven into the fabric of everyday life.
2. There are many internal benefits and blessings of problems. Let’s examine some of those benefits.
First, problems can lead us to a state of humility.
Second, problems can teach us patience.
Third, problems can cause us to deepen our relationship with the Lord.
1. When we were saved, God did not only forgive us of our sin and justify us. As wonderful as these truths are, there is something else that God did that demonstrates to us how much God desires to fellowship with us.
2. God placed His very Spirit within us. He became one with us. He entered into an eternal union of oneness with us. God shared His very Spirit and life with us. 1 Corinthians 3:16, 6:17, 19-20; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 4:6-7; Ephesians 1:13-14, 5:30-32; Colossians 1:27, 3:1-4
3. God’s desire is that we know Him in a deeper way each day (Philippians 3:10). God desires that we remember Him and rely on Him in everything we do. Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19; Colossians 2:6-7
4. The Christian life is supposed to be an intimate relational walk (with Christ), not an empty religious work.
5. But, it is so easy to become self-sufficient and self-reliant. This is called walking after the flesh. We do what we do (and it may even be good things) through our own power and strength as opposed to doing what we do out of a love for and relationship with Christ.
• When everything is going our way and we are materially prosperous it is so easy to walk in our own fleshly power. Paul knew this and gave a specific warning about this in 1 Timothy 6:17.
6. Problems and trials have a way of bringing us to the end of our self-sufficiency and causing us to remember how much we need that daily walk with Christ.
7. God’s desire is that we be brought to the place where we truly see the utter insufficiency of our flesh and our total need of Him. 2 Corinthians 4:5; Philippians 3:3, 4:13; Galatians 2:20
• Example: Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
8. This is another reason why God is not going to stop problems from entering into our lives. He desires that close, intimate relationship with us.
9. When problems enter into a believer’s life, I often will hear it said, “Why is God doing this to me?” Or I will hear, “Why is God allowing this to happen in my life?”
• These are the wrong questions to be asking. God is not in heaven sending lightning bolts down upon you. Problems are a natural part of life on planet earth.
10. The questions we should be asking are, “What can I learn through this problem? How can I deepen my relationship with Christ during this trial? What areas can I grow in during this trial?”
11. This changes your entire perspective. Instead of despising your problems and looking for somebody to blame, you embrace your problems as an opportunity to grow and change. 2 Corinthians 12:9
