Why are there so many inactive preachers? Problems overwhelm them, minister’s life not as glamourous as it seemed to be. Problems became too great, flesh weakened, a large % of our prospects are people who dropped out of church because of some problem that came up in the church.
Adversaries:
Physical affliction, 1 Corinthians 12:8-9
People, Matthew 5:11-12
Affliction again, Genesis 32:24-28
People are not made great though education, platform ability, family names, great achievements, money. Trouble makes more people great than any other thing. Not good fortune, money, friends, surroundings, but trouble, problems, heartaches, and disappointments. Trouble is the theme of this hour. Every man rises or falls on his response to trouble. Sin causes all. Don’t make trouble by foolishness. Don’t rejoice in trouble of others. Don’t ignore trouble, don’t try to get away from it. Don’t adopt an attitude of, “Who cares.” Don’t try to escape it, face it.
I. Trouble Energizes
1. Reason Paul wrote to the Galatians was because of false doctrine.
2. Reason Paul wrote to the Corinthians was because of carelessness and indifference.
3. The reason for the sermon on Mars Hill was to rally those who are active. Those who want to win.
4. Elijah on Mt. Carmel, Prophets of Baal.
5. Jeremiah in the pit.
6. Peter in jail.
7. Best songs and poems come from the deserted and lonely.
II. Trouble Clarifies
1. Educates
2. Gives insight into problems.
3. 2 Corinthians 11:30, 12:7
4. Trouble has a way of humbling us.
5. Proverbs 16:18, pride goeth before destruction.
6. Vanity and vain glory must be abased.
7. Trouble gets emphasis on right things: David said, “Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now have I kept thy word.”
8. Possible to get so busy and taken up with blessings from God, we forget. Psalm 78:41-42
III. Trouble Magnifies
1. Human weakness; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Mark 9:14-29
2. Power of God
a. Read Sea
b. Lion’s den
c. Fiery furnace
3. Cross of Christ was the greatest examples of the power of God.
