Encouraging Others to Address the Heat of the Moment

Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ #5
Encouraging Others to Address the Heat of the Moment
Matthew 8:18-27 Page # 965

 I. Understanding the basics of God given troubles.

     1. The Lord sent them into their troubles.
     2. Their troubles came because they obeyed the Lord.
     3. Their troubles were overwhelming.
     4. Their troubles exposed them.

II. What troubles are meant to accomplish.

     1. Wake us up to the importance of trusting in God and His
         promises.
Psalm 119:67 - “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word.” 

James 1:2-3 - “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.”

     2. Remove our deceptive confidence in trusting in something
         other than God.

2 Corinthians 1:8-9 - “For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction…that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life. Indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead.”

Psalm 73:25-26 - “Whom have I in heaven but you? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

     3. Cause us to keep on asking, seeking, and knocking
         (Matthew 7:7)

James 1:5 - “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

     4. Draw us back into God’s Kingdom purposes. (Matthew 5:38
         48, 6:33)

     5. Make us more like Christ by correcting and completing us.

Romans 8:29 - “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Romans 8:32 - “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?”

III. Our role in other’s troubles.
     1. Listen. (Proverbs 18:13)
     2. Pray. (Ephesians 6:18)
     3. Offer assistance. (Philippians 2:3-4)
     4. Encourage others toward Christ and His promises.
         (John 15:7-8)
     5. Offer opportunity for confession and change. (James 5:16)

 Faith Sheet
Transformation Verse -   A friend loves at all times…
Proverbs 17:17
Main Points: Troubles not only shape us, but they also reveal what is inside us. How we continually respond to the heat of the moment greatly determines how we will grow spiritually, impact others, and our ability to proclaim to others that God is
worthy of worship.

 #1- Reviewing this Past Sunday  

Encouraging Others to Address the Heat of the Moment
Matthew 8:18-27

1. Read Matthew 8:18-27. Discuss Sunday’s message.
2. How did Jesus address the disciple’s fears? (26)
3. How have troubles made you more Christ-like?
4. What great works has God done for you in the past that you can
    remember when you are in the next storm?
5. Read James 1:1-8. Pray using this passage.

# 2- Preparing for Next Sunday
Encouraging Others in Their Identity in Christ
Isaiah 43:1-7  

1. Read Isaiah 43:1-7. Fear often keeps us from moving forward in our walk with God. List the reasons why God tells us not to fear in this passage.
2. Godly encouragement stimulates people towards Christ-likeness. God encourages His people in this passage by reminding them of who He is and their identity. How does understanding our identity in Christ change the way we respond to life’s adversities?
3. God tells us in Isaiah 43:3-4 how precious we are to Him by telling us what He is willing to give in exchange for our lives. Read 1 John 3:16. Ask God to convince you how much He loves and values you.
4. In what specific ways can you encourage a family member or friend this week by reminding them of who God is, their identity in Christ, and how deeply they are loved by God?