|
God Does Not Forsake His People 06
Introduction:
1. The Bible states in many passages that "God does not forsake His people." a. In the Old Testament,: 1) Moses assured the Israelites that God would not forsake them (Deuteronomy 31:6) 2) God said that He would not forsake Joshua (Joshua 1:5) 3) David assured Solomon that God would not forsake him (1 Chronicles 28:20). b. In the New Testament we learn that God will not forsake Christians (Hebrews 13:5-6). 2. Even though God does not forsake His people, difficult experiences have caused some of His greatest servants to struggle with their confidence in God's faithfulness. 3. By studying Bible characters such as Job, David, Naomi, Elijah, and John the Baptist, we can learn information that will help us to maintain our confidence. 4. In this lesson we are concentrating on information that directly relates to Christians. Discussion: I. JESUS HAS SET A PERFECT EXAMPLE BEFORE US A. Jesus knew that the Father was with Him (John 8:29; 16:32). B. To avoid becoming weary and faint, we must look "unto Jesus" (Hebrews 12:1-3). II. JESUS HAS TAUGHT US HOW WE CAN KNOW THAT THE FATHER IS WITH US A. (John 14:23) In order for Jesus and the Father to abide with us, we must keep His words. B. (2 Corinthians 13:11) In order for "the God of love and peace" to be with us, we must: 1. "be perfect" [made complete] 2. "be of good comfort" 3. "be of one mind" (Romans 12:16) 4. "live in peace" (Romans 12:18). C. (Philippians 4:4-9) In order for "the God of peace" to be with us,: 1. we must practice the teachings of Paul a. (vs.4) We must "rejoice in the Lord always." b. (vs.5) We must practice "moderation" [forbearance]. c. (vs.6-7) We must avoid anxiety. d. (vs.8) We must think properly. 2. we must follow Paul's example (Acts 16:11-12, 22-25). D. (1 John 1:5-7) In order to have fellowship with God,: 1. we must not "walk in darkness" 2. we must "walk in the light." E. (1 John 4:16) In order for God to dwell in us, we must "dwell in love." | ||