So You Have A Problem.
Philippians 4:11-13NKJV
Rev. Mike Quarles writes, during the spring blizzard of 1993, our house was without power for a day. Therefore, I went over to my sons house. I was watching the video, Beauty and the beast with my four year old granddaughter Kaitlyn. In one of the scenes the beast was ranting and raving, breaking dishes and turning over furniture. Meanwhile, beauty was sitting quietly at the table and Kaitlyn turned to me and said, “Is it his problem or her problem?
Good question! What is your problem?
Is it sickness, addiction, your spouse or the lack of one, rebellious children, lack of finances, an overbearing boss, a sorry job?
What’s your problem?
Is it your problem, or their problem?
Do you have a problem, or are you the problem?
Most think others are their problem, or maybe some company that did them wrong is their problem. Something in the past, maybe even hearsay.
Anger resentment and anxiety have a hold of you. And it's time to take a hold of Jesus.
The apostle Paul writes in, Philippians 4:11-13NKJV “Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Many times our problems come as we seek for acceptance and approval from others. We think if I can just get their respect.
The apostle Paul is saying, “Whatever state I am in, or condition, stable or unstable, I have learned to be content through Jesus Christ.”
Are you living anxious? Let me give you a matter a fact statement, “Jesus is bigger and better.”
1 Peter 5:7NKJV “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”
Jesus died, and forever lives for your cares.
Usually we are not the problem but we have a problem. If we are the problem, the only way to solve it is to get rid of ourselves.
Listen well, you’re not the problem! You have a problem, but never are you the problem. P.H
Colossians 2:9-10NKJV For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.
The fullness of the godhead bodily dwells in Jesus Christ, and therefore, His fullness dwells in you. - You are complete in Him.
“If you have a problem, you need to know that you can seek God for the answer.” P.H
The prophet Jeremiah had a problem. In fact, He had a lot of problems, his biggest problem were the Israelites, they served idols etc...
Jeremiah 33:1-3NKJV “Moreover the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah a second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying, “Thus says the Lord who made it, the Lord who formed it to establish it (the Lord is His name): ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.”
Maybe you’re one who has tried to control circumstances, or maybe manipulate people in order to meet your own needs.
The Lord gave me a word for you, “Stop frustrating grace.”
Galatians 2:21KJV I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
It’s simple, trust Jesus!
Philippians 4:11-13TLB Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want; 13 for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power.
The opposite of Fruit is found in, Galatians 5:19-21NKJV Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, 21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
The apostle Paul's relationship with Jesus was ongoing, Paul sates, I have no needs.
Jesus continued to strengthen Paul with might and power.
In, Galatians 5:22-23 one of the fruit of the spirit is, self control.
Not Spouse or friend control, or church control- It’s self control.
Galatians 5:22-23NKJV “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.”
Listen to me, here’s the 9 fruit given to you:
1. Love. Jesus’ love isn’t fickle, It’s continuous; It’s pure. He loves you when you're good and he loves you when you're bad.
2. Joy. God’s joy becomes your strength. God's joy level is limitless.
3 Peace. Notice, it’s His peace. Jesus can stop the wind and waves. But if He doesn’t, He’s still your forever peace. (Whatever you face He speaks peace).
4. Long-suffering. Jesus never spoke a word out of turn. Long-suffering has everything to do with patience.
5. Kindness. Jesus is kind. That’s why children love him. We as his children are to be kind to everyone.
6. Goodness. He is filled with goodness. He’s given you His goodness.
7. Faithfulness. His résumé is 100% Faithfulness. Faithfulness is a fruit given to you. -Be faithful.
8. Gentleness. The gentleness of Jesus could always be felt. It is the undercarriage of who He is.
9. Self-Control. Jesus fought for your self-control. All temptation lead Him closer to His Father. (Jesus was never tempted that His Father didn’t know).
So You Have A Problem.
Think for a minute- Jesus never took a break, He never tried to hide and do His own thing.
That’s what sin does, it makes you hide.
How can you find contentment in your life?
Contentment is found through full surrender to Jesus Christ.
Again, from the text, Paul gives us a picture of what a fully surrendered life looks like:
Philippians 4:11-12AMP Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need.
I believe the apostle Paul went around reminding himself that he no longer lives, but it's Christ living in me. He reminded himself, “I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me!”
Galatians 2:20NIV I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
So I ask you once more, What, or who, can keep you from being the person God created you to be?
Questions:
What has you apprehended?
What's greater than Jesus that has your attention?
What's keeping you distracted and beaten down?
I want to point your attention to the Bride Groom and the Bride. (We are the bride)!
Song of Songs 5:10-16TPT “He alone is my beloved. He shines in dazzling splendor yet is still so approachable— without equal as he stands above all others, outstanding among ten thousand! The way he leads me is divine. His leadership—so pure and dignified as he wears his crown of gold. Upon this crown are letters of black written on a background of glory. He sees everything with pure understanding. How beautiful his insights—without distortion. His eyes rest upon the fullness of the river of revelation, flowing so clean and pure. Looking at his gentle face, I see such fullness of emotion. Like a lovely garden where fragrant spices grow — what a man! No one speaks words so anointed as this one — words that both pierce and heal, words like lilies dripping with myrrh. See how his hands hold unlimited power! But he never uses it in anger, for he is always holy, displaying his glory. His innermost place is a work of art— so beautiful and bright. How magnificent and noble is this one— covered in majesty! He’s steadfast in all he does. His ways are the ways of righteousness, based on truth and holiness. None can rival him, but all will be amazed by him. Most sweet are his kisses, even his whispers of love. He is delightful in every way and perfect from every viewpoint. If you ask me why I love him so, O brides-to-be, it’s because there is none like him to me. Everything about him fills me with holy desire! And now he is my beloved—my friend forever.”
Song of Songs 6:1-2TPT O rarest of beauty, where then has your lover gone? We long to see him too. Where may we find him? We will follow you as you seek after him. My lover has gone down into his garden of delight, to the flowerbeds of spices to feast with those pure in heart.”
Do you see that? The affections of the bride groom, attract others to surrender! That leads me to ask you, “Is your Christianity attractive?”
Remember this, There’s nothing we can mess up that God can’t turn into beautiful. He’s the Master Winemaker. He also obtains a doctorate in horticulture.
Once more, So You Have A Problem. Now you know there's only one correct answer!
In closing, now we know why the apostle Paul wrote, Philippians 4:13AMP I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
“Tonight throw all your dreams and desires into the faithful arms of Jesus.’ ‘Allow your whole surrounding to become His surroundings.” P.H
Benediction.
