What's Wrong With God Series

What is Wrong With God?

Introduction

1. Illus: There was a little boy who was kneeling by his bed with his mom to say his nighttime prayers. He began to shout to the top of his lungs, “Dear God, I’ve been real good this year so please let me get a new bicycle for my birthday.” His mom said, “Son, God’s not deaf; you don’t need to yell.” He said, “God’s not deaf, but Grandma is and she’s in the next room.”

2. Illus: The economy is struggling. Teachers are getting pink slips. Where is the good in the world right now? GOD!

Explanation: Jeremiah asks “What’s wrong with God?” Why did the people turn away.

Proposition: We can understand that commitment to God is good for us by the following principles:

I. Know that God is Good:

A. Because His Nature is good

B. Matthew 19:17 (KJV) And he said unto him, Why do you call me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.

C. Helen Grace Lescheid: Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God’s goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God’s goodness, rooted in His character, is the same.

D. How has God been good to you? Shout it out!

II. Know that God’s gifts are perfect

A. God does not give second hand gifts.

B. James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

C. ILLUS: Brett’s knife. Why would I give my son something that might hurt him?

III. Understand that God loves us: He is Love

A. We are his treasured possession. Great Price!

B. We do not love God out of obedience; we obey because we love Him. Jn 14:5

C. Nothing can change God’s love for you (Rom 8)

D. Illus: Cody striking out: Remember your parents love you.

Song: Nobody loves me like you!

IV. Realize that God’s ways are better than ours

A. Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.

B. Philippians 2:13 for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.

V. Commitment is to God is our Goal

A. Jesus is the Road Jn 14:6

B. Jesus is not an event or a formula (sinners prayer)

C. Jesus is not a ticket to heaven or get out of hell card

D. Misconceptions: Many think they are committed but are not.

VI. Commitment is a decision, not a feeling.

A. Misconception: LOVE IS NOT A FALL!

B. We obey out of love; we do not love out of obedience.

C. If you love me, keep my commandments.

D. We are commited because we love God.

E. Illus: Martin Luther, greatest commandment

VII. Commitment is All or None

A. God does not want any part of you.

B. Some people do not give all to Jesus (Rich Man)

C. Full Time: If God is Good all the time, and His will is perfect for us, why do we act like commitment to Him is a bummer?

D. Spiritual Battle: There are no timeouts!

VIII. Commitment is Possible

A. Peter seemed commited. A few days later he was denying that he even knew Jesus.

B. Filled with the Spirit, he became a great preacher.

C. We can be commited to God.

D. Commitment is not perfection.

E. Illus: Gaston: I don’t have anyone to encourage me.

IX. Commitment to God fulfills our lives

A. Only You have the Words of Life: Holy, Complete, Whole

B. Col. 2:10 (KJV) And you are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:

C. What is the Gospel? GOOD NEWS!

D. Psalms 84:11 NIV For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.

X. Conclusion: Trust God: (With your life)

A. If we are fully surrendered and fully commited to God and His will, nothing can keep His will from happening and His will is perfect, so I can totally trust Him.

1. PRAYER OF A YOUNG CHILD "Bless my mommy and daddy...and dear God, take good care of Yourself. If anything happens to You, we’re sunk."

2. I have never seen the righteous forsaken…

3. I have never met anyone who regretted living the life for God.

4. Song: “If he carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, he will carry you.” Trust Him.