9/19/22

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Discontent by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_07.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Discontent

INTRODUCTION
  1. I trust that as we are making our way through this series that the value of faith in Jesus is becoming ever more apparent...
    1. In overcoming sin
    2. In overcoming anxiety, boredom, depression, and despair
    -- I.e., "Faith Is The Victory!" in overcoming the world with its many ills - cf. 1Jn 5:4-5
  2. Another ailment that afflicts many people is "discontent"...
    1. It appears to be closely related to "boredom"
    2. Just as "anxiety" and "despair" are closely linked
  3. In my study on the subject of "discontent", I found what seems to be conflicting views...
    1. Some describe discontent as evil: "A man's discontent is his worst evil." (George Herbert, 1593-1633)
    2. Others speak of it as something good:
      1. "Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation." (Oscar Wilde, 1854-1900)
      2. "Restlessness and discontent are the necessities of progress." (Thomas Alva Edison, 1847-1931)
      3. "Show me a thoroughly satisfied man - and I will show you a failure." (Edison)

[Is it wrong to be "discontent"? Or is it necessary for progress? The problem may be one of semantics, so let's start with seeking to understand exactly what it is we are talking about...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING DISCONTENT
    1. DISCONTENT DEFINED...
      1. According to the American Heritage dictionary: Absence of contentment; dissatisfaction; a restless longing for better circumstances
      2. There appears to be two different kinds of "discontent"...
        1. "There are two kinds of discontent in this world: the discontent that works, and the discontent that wrings its hands. The first gets what it wants, and the second loses what it has." (Gordon Graham)
        2. It is the discontent that "wrings its hands" that we are discussing in this lesson
          1. It is the absence of contentment as a result of covetousness
          2. It is that dissatisfaction which is often accompanied by grumbling and complaining
    2. THE DANGER OF DISCONTENT...
      1. It affects our relationship with God!
        1. When we are discontent because of covetousness, we become idolaters! - cf. Ep 5:3-5; Col 3:5
        2. When we are discontent because of dissatisfaction with what we have, are we not being ungrateful for what God has given us?
          1. "Whenever you find yourself disposed to uneasiness or murmuring at anything that is the effect of God's providence, look upon yourself as denying either the wisdom or goodness of God." (William Law, 1686-1761)
          2. "Complaining about our lot in life might seem quite innocent in itself, but God takes it personally." (Erwin W. Lutzer)
      2. It hurts ourselves!
        1. Contentment is a virtue that is highly praised and valued:
          1. "He is richest who is content with the least." (Socrates)
          2. "He who is content can never be ruined." (Chinese proverb)
          3. "The contented man is never poor, the discontented never rich." (Unknown)
          4. "...godliness with contentment is great gain." - 1 Ti 6:6
        2. But discontentment hurts those who possess it:
          1. "Those who want much are always much in need." (Horace, 65-8 B.C.)
          2. "It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, who is poor." (Seneca, 4 B.C.-65 A.D.)
          -- We only make ourselves unhappy by being discontent
      3. Those discontented also hurt others!
        1. When we are discontent, we become grumblers and complainers
          1. Affecting our friends, families, and brethren
          2. Ruining not only our own selves, but those closest to us
        2. Nothing destroys a friendship and congregation quicker than the grumbling and murmuring of those discontent
          1. "Grumbling is the death of love." (Marlene Dietrich)
          2. Which may be why such complaining is condemned in the Scriptures - 1Co 10:10; Php 2:14-15

          [So much unhappiness is the result of discontent in our own lives. If we wish to overcome discontent, we must look to the One who helps us overcome the world...]

  2. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME DISCONTENT
    1. JESUS PROVIDES CONTENTMENT...
      1. Through His teachings...
        1. By telling us what is truly important in life
          1. Not material abundance - Lk 12:13-15
          2. But being rich toward God! - Lk 12:16-21
        2. By telling us to lay up our treasure in heaven
          1. For earthly treasures will decay or be stolen - Mt 6:19
          2. Whereas treasures in heaven are safely guarded - Mt 6:20; cf. 1Pe 1:4
          -- Thus ensuring that our hearts are set upon that which cannot be destroyed - Mt 6:21
      2. Through His promises...
        1. Promising to always be with us - Mt 28:20; cf. He 13:5-6
        2. Promising God's providential care - Mt 6:30-33; 7:7-11; 10:29-31
    2. THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS, THE CHRISTIAN CAN BE CONTENT...
      1. Even as Paul was content - cf. Php 4:11-13
        1. It was something he learned as a disciple of Christ!
        2. It was something he had through the power of Christ!
      2. It has been said that "Contentment is the power to get out of any situation all there is in it."
        1. Paul had certainly made the best of his imprisonment! - cf. Php 1:12-14
        2. He saw how his circumstances enhanced that which was truly important - the spread of the gospel!
      3. It has also been said that "Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have."
        1. If anyone realized how blessed he was, it was the apostle Paul!
        2. For he served his God who could supply all one's needs! - cf. Php 4:19
        3. Even when he knew his life was near its end - cf. 2Ti 4:18
CONCLUSION
  1. "All the world lives in two tents--content and discontent."
    1. Which "tent" do you live in?
    2. Paul, as a disciple of Jesus, lived in a constant state of contentment
    3. A contentment learned and enjoyed through his relationship with God through Jesus Christ
  2. He encourages us to follow his example, if we desire to have the same relationship with God - cf. Php 4:9
    1. To learn of his "ways in Christ" which he taught in every church - 1Co 4:16-17
    2. Such "ways" certainly included those taught by our Lord Himself! If we desire to overcome discontent, then let's be inspired by the example of Paul who wrote:
      "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. (Ga 2:20)

When one can truly say they "live by faith in the Son of God", then "Faith Is The Victory!" in overcoming discontent!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Despair by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_06.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Despair

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this series I have attempted to show how faith in Jesus gives us the victory over such things as:
    1. Sin
    2. Anxiety
    3. Boredom
    4. Depression
    -- For I am persuaded that in overcoming the world and whatever it throws our way, "Faith Is The Victory!" - cf. 1Jn 5:4-5
  2. Closely related to "depression" is the problem of "despair"...
    1. Those who are depressed are often in a state of despair as well
    2. Despair may be a cause for their depression, or at the least making it worse
  3. As I hope to illustrate in this study...
    1. Despair (i.e., hopelessness) is a serious problem, not one to be taken lightly
    2. It is damaging to our health, our society, and our relationship with God
    -- Certainly Christians should seek to dispel despair in their lives, and in the lives of those around them!

[Let me begin, then, by sharing some things I learned in my own study on the subject of despair...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING DESPAIR
    1. DESPAIR DEFINED...
      1. According to the American Heritage Dictionary: To lose all hope; to be overcome by a sense of futility or defeat; complete loss of hope
      2. Synonyms for despair include hopelessness, despondency, discouragement
      3. Mark Twain described despair as "...a time when one's spirit is subdued and sad, one knows not why; when the past seems a storm-swept desolation, life a vanity and a burden, and the future but a way to death."
    2. THE DANGER OF DESPAIR...
      1. Despair takes its toll on society
        1. According to researchers at the University of Missouri- Columbia Health Sciences Center, a lack of hope has been linked to poor behavior in children
        2. As reported by Reuter's Leslie Lang, children with high levels of hopelessness...
          1. Tended to engage in harmful and destructive behavior to themselves and others
          2. Tended to be defiant, refusing to obey rules, take turns, share, and skip school
        3. The researcher quoted indicated that hopelessness may be an indicator for children and teens who are prone to act in anti-social or aggressive behavior
      2. Despair takes it toll on your physical health
        1. It can have the same detrimental effect on the heart as smoking a pack of cigarettes, according to a study published in the August, 1997, issue of Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology,
        2. "a high level of hopelessness exacerbates the atherosclerotic process in middle-aged men" (Dr. Susan A. Everson)
        3. I.e., it increases the thickness of the arterial walls
      3. Despair is certainly detrimental to one's spiritual health
        1. To be in despair is a slap in the face of God
          1. "He that despairs degrades God." (Owen Felltham, 1602-1668)
          2. "When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." (Charles L. Allen, 1913- )
          3. "It is impossible for that man to despair who remembers that his Helper is omnipotent." (Jeremy Taylor, 1613-1667)
        2. To be in despair renders one ineffective in helping others: "He that is fallen cannot help him that is down." (unknown)

        [The pervasiveness of despair in our society is reflected in the words of Thoreau: "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation." But as Clare Boothe Luce said, "There are no hopeless situations. There are only people who have grown hopeless about them."

        Charles Swindoll has said that "Surrendering to despair is man's favorite pastime. God offers a better plan, but it takes effort to grab it and faith to claim it." With that I agree, and so now wish for us to consider how...]

  2. FAITH IN JESUS HELPS US TO OVERCOME DESPAIR
    1. JESUS PROVIDES HOPE FOR THE HOPELESS...
      1. Through His teachings...
        1. Telling us of God's providential care - Mt 6:30; 7:11; 10:29-31
        2. Telling us of God's love for the lost - Lk 15:7; Jn 3:16-17
      2. Through His promises...
        1. Telling us of the abundant life He offers - Jn 4:13-14; 6:35; 10:10
        2. His promise of the resurrection He offers - Jn 11:23-27
        3. His promise of His return and the place He is preparing - Jn 14:1-3
      3. Through His actions...
        1. His death on the cross provides the hope of our forgiveness!
        2. His resurrection provides the hope for our own resurrection!
        -- Jesus is truly "our hope"! - cf. 1Ti 1:1
    2. THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS, THE CHRISTIAN...
      1. Has hope in God regarding the resurrection - Ac 24:15; cf. 1Pe 1:3
      2. Can rejoice in hope regarding the glory to come - Ro 5:1-2
      3. Use the Scriptures as a constant replenisher of hope - Ro 15:4
      4. Can abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Ro 15:13; Ga 5:5
      5. Has the hope of salvation as a "helmet" to protect our minds - 1Th 5:8
      6. Can look forward to the "blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" - Tit 2:13-14
CONCLUSION
  1. It has been said that "Life with Christ is an endless hope, without him a hopeless end."
    1. For those who are in Christ, they have every reason to hope!
    2. For those outside of Christ, one can understand why there is often despair!
  2. For those in Christ, we are charged to hold fast to our hope...
    1. "but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end." - He 3:6
    2. "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." - He 10:23
    -- And for good reason, for "This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast..." - He 6:19

Through faith in Jesus, we can hold fast to our hope, and gain the victory!

God be praised, that to believing souls Gives light in darkness, comfort in despair! - WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (1564-1616)

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Depression by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_05.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Depression

INTRODUCTION
  1. In this series we have been considering how faith in Jesus gives us the victory...
    1. In overcoming sin
    2. In overcoming what are often the consequences of sin or sinful thinking
    -- Using as our basic text 1Jn 5:4-5
  2. We have stressed that faith in Jesus involves...
    1. A strong trust and conviction in who Jesus is, what He did, what He taught
    2. Accepting and acting upon His words and those of His apostles
  3. We have looked at how faith in Jesus can address the problems of...
    1. Sin itself
    2. Anxiety
    3. Boredom
  4. Now we will consider how faith in Jesus can help us overcome "depression"...
    1. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)...
      1. During any one year period, 17.6 million people suffer from a depressive illness
      2. Depressive illnesses often interfere with normal function, causing pain not only to those with the disorder, but to those who care about them
      3. Serious depression can destroy family life as well as the life of the ill person
    2. Christians certainly are not immune to the problem of "depression"...
      1. Great men of God have been known to suffer depression: Elijah, David, Jeremiah
      2. I know mature Christians who have had to deal with the problem of depression

[Overcoming depression is not easy, but it can be done. As before, let's start by trying to understand the problem we face...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION
    1. DEPRESSION DEFINED...
      1. According to the American Heritage Dictionary: A psychotic or neurotic condition characterized by an inability to concentrate, insomnia, and feelings of extreme sadness, dejection, and hopelessness
      2. According to NIMH:
        1. Depression is a "whole-body" illness, involving your body, mood, and thoughts
        2. It affects the way you eat and sleep, the way you feel about yourself, and the way you think about things
        3. It is not the same as a passing blue mood, nor a sign of personal weakness
        4. It is not a condition that can be willed or wished away; without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, years
      3. Two serious types of clinical depression are...
        1. Major depression - manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to work, sleep, eat, and enjoy pleasurable activities. These disabling episodes of depression can occur once, twice, or several times in a lifetime.
        2. Bipolar Disorder - formerly called manic-depressive illness. Involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Mood switches can be dramatic and rapid, but normally are gradual. When in the depressed cycle, one can have any or all the symptoms of a depressive disorder. When in the manic cycle, any or all of the symptoms of mania may be experienced. It affects thinking, judgment, and social behavior in ways that can cause serious problems and embarrassment. It is often a chronic recurring condition.
    2. SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION AND MANIA...
      1. Depression
        1. Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
        2. Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
        3. Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including sex
        4. Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
        5. Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
        6. Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
        7. Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
        8. Restlessness, irritability
        9. Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
        10. Recurring aches and pains that don't respond to treatment
      2. Mania
        1. Excessively "high" mood
        2. Irritability
        3. Severe insomnia
        4. Grandiose notions
        5. Increased talking
        6. Disconnected and racing thoughts, easily distracted
        7. Increased sexual desire
        8. Markedly increased energy
        9. Poor judgment
        10. Inappropriate social behavior
    3. CAUSES OF DEPRESSION...
      1. Other illnesses can bring on depression (e.g., strokes, some cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, hormonal disorders).
      2. Some medications cause depressive symptoms as side effects (e.g., certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure and arthritis).
      3. Genetics and family history - Depression runs in families. Some people probably have a biological make-up that makes them particularly vulnerable.
      4. Certain personalities - People with low self-esteem or who are very dependent on others seem to be vulnerable to depression.
      5. Life events, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, moving to a new place, money problems or any sort of loss can be linked to depression. People without relatives or friends to help have even more difficulty coping with their losses.
    4. TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION...
      1. Medication - Useful for relieving symptoms, they include antidepressants and are usually administered through trial and error to see which medications and dosage are beneficial to a particular patient
      2. Psychotherapy - Talking with a trained therapist can be effective in treating certain depressions. Therapy includes:
        1. Cognitive therapy - Aims to help the patient recognize and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression
        2. Interpersonal therapy - Focuses on dealing more effectively with other people; improved relationships can reduce depressive symptoms
      3. Biological treatments - This includes electroconvulsive therapy; research is also being done on the use of light for the treatment of depression

      [As a member of a family with a genetic predisposition toward depression, I am particularly sensitive to the problem of depression. I don't discount the value of medical efforts to treat depression or any other illness, for even Paul counseled the medicinal use of wine to treat stomach ailments (cf. 1Ti 5:23).

      I am persuaded, however, that faith in Jesus can greatly complement any effort to overcome depression...]

  2. OVERCOMING DEPRESSION THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
    1. JESUS ADDRESSES MANY ISSUES THAT CAN DEPRESS PEOPLE...
      1. Among many things that can make people depressed, there are such things as:
        1. Guilt for sins committed in the past
        2. Concern regarding one's relationship with God in the present
        3. Fear for what might happen in the future
      2. As we have stressed before, what Jesus has done, is doing, and will do, addresses such problems
        1. He addresses the problem of sin, through His death on the cross!
        2. He teaches us how to pray, and maintain a healthy relationship with God!
        3. He gives us hope and promise concerning the future, through His resurrection and ultimate return!
    2. JESUS PROVIDES POSITIVE COGNITIVE THERAPY...
      1. Cognitive therapy seeks to help one recognize and change negative thinking patterns that contribute to depression; sample suggestions include:
        1. Don't set for yourself difficult goals or take on a great deal of responsibility
        2. Break large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, do what you can as you can
        3. Don't expect too much from yourself too soon as this will only increase feelings of failure
        4. Participate in activities that may make you feel better
        5. Try to be with other people; it is usually better than being alone
      2. In His teachings, Jesus stressed similar principles!
        1. Reminding us of God's providential love and care - Mt 6:25-32
        2. Teaching us where to place our priorities in life - Mt 6:33
        3. Revealing our own limitations - Mt 6:34
        4. Pointing out the kind of selfless service can provide true joy - cf. Jn 13:12-17; Ac 20:35
        5. That God is longsuffering, willing to forgive and comfort the downhearted - cf. Mt 5:3-6; the parable of the Prodigal Son, Lk 15:11-32
    3. JESUS PROVIDES POWERFUL INTERPERSONAL THERAPY...
      1. Interpersonal therapy focuses on one's disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate the depression
      2. Jesus certainly addresses interpersonal relationships!
        1. Our relationship with God - cf. 2Co 5:18-21
        2. Our relationship with our fellow man - e.g., Mt 5:23-24; 18:21-22
      3. Through His death and teachings He strengthens interpersonal relationships!
        1. Reconciling us back to God and man - cf. Ep 2:14-17
        2. Teaching us how to love God and one another - e.g., Jn 13:34-35; 1Jn 5:2-3
        3. His church is to be a family, providing strength and encouragement, even bearing one another's burdens - cf. Ga 6:1-2; 1Th 5:14
CONCLUSION
  1. Depression, like anxiety and boredom, is not something to be taken lightly...
    1. Many people suffer from it, including brothers and sisters in Christ
    2. It can have a debilitating effect on the one who suffers from it, and on those around them
  2. Yet Christ can provide a way out for those willing to have faith in Him!
    1. Not just faith in the one suffering from depression
    2. But faith in those who are in position to aid the suffering
    -- It is only when both the "patient" and the "care-giver" accept and act upon the words of Jesus can there be the kind of joy, peace and comfort Jesus intended
  3. Indeed, His teachings are designed to provide true joy and peace - Jn 15:11; 16:33
    1. As Paul wrote, God "comforts us in all our tribulation" - cf. 2Co 1:3-4
    2. But such comfort is intended to be shared, that "we may be able to comfort those who are in trouble..."

Is our faith in Jesus what it ought to be? Is it such that we can carry out Paul's admonition...?

Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. (1Th 5:14)
If so, then truly we can say: "Faith Is The Victory!"

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Boredom by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_04.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Boredom

INTRODUCTION
  1. Our theme in this series of lessons is "Faith Is The Victory!"...
    1. Based upon the words of John in 1Jn 5:4-5
    2. Proclaiming faith in Jesus as the Son of God as key to overcoming the world
    3. Not just the world of sin, but anything that might hinder our relationship with God
  2. Our previous lesson considered the problem of "anxiety"
    1. A problem which according to the NIMH...
      1. Afflicts more than 23 million people in this country
      2. Disrupts work, family, and social lives, with some becoming housebound
      3. Is the most common of all the mental disorders
    2. A problem which faith in Jesus can help us to overcome...
      1. For Jesus provides the solution to anxiety by what He taught - cf. Mt 6:25-34
        1. Reminding us of God's providential love and care
        2. Teaching us where to place our priorities in life
        3. Revealing our own limitations
      2. In addition, through Jesus' work on the cross and His current role as our High Priest, He becomes the means by which anxiety can be relieved through prayer - Php 4:6-7
  3. Another problem many people face today is the opposite of anxiety: "boredom"
    1. Whereas anxiety is a state of uneasiness and apprehension, boredom is a condition of mental weariness, listlessness, and discontent
    2. Anxiety is often the cause of thinking we have too much to do at one time, boredom is result of thinking there is nothing to do
    3. Anxiety is more often the bane of adults, whereas boredom is often the complaint of children (what parent hasn't heard their child say, "I'm bored"?)

[Like anxiety, boredom can have a debilitating effect in our relationship with God and on our usefulness to Jesus Christ. That is why we must overcome "boredom", and a good place to start is with...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING BOREDOM
    1. DEFINING BOREDOM...
      1. According to self-proclaimed boredom expert, Garfield the Cat offers these tips on how to tell if you are really bored:
        1. You paint little faces on your nails, and pretend each finger is a person
        2. You spend hours watching bread mold
        3. You braid your eyebrows
        4. You watch a 3-hour documentary on sewage treatment
        5. You start playing the spoons
        6. You wonder if you're really bored
      2. More seriously, boredom is: "a condition of mental weariness, listlessness, and discontent" (American Heritage Dictionary)
      3. What is of interest is the statement that "the word did not even enter the English vocabulary until the Enlightenment of the 18th century, the beginning of the modern era." (Gene Edward Veith, Boredom and the Law of Diminishing Returns)
    2. CAUSES OF BOREDOM...
      1. Boredom is often the result of too much wealth, and too much time on our hands
        1. Boredom is epidemic among children today, and according to one source...
          1. The problem is television, videos, and computer games
          2. Such activities which bombard children with fast-moving stimuli do not give them the chance to slow down, reflect thoughtfully, or learn to process new information (Nancy Samalin, Parent Guidance Workshops)
        2. Russian women are finding that boredom and depression are side effects of wealth (Alessandra Stanley, New York Times, March 11, 1997)
        3. "By his very success in inventing labor-saving devices, modern man has manufactured an abyss of boredom that only the privileged classes in earlier civilizations have ever fathomed." (Lewis Mumford)
      2. Boredom can also be traced to...
        1. A lack of faith in God ("Boredom: the consciousness of a barren, meaningless existence." - Eric Hoffer)
        2. A pre-occupation with self to the neglect of what is around us
          1. "Boredom: what happens when we lose contact with the universe." - John Ciardi
          2. "When people are bored, it is primarily with their own selves." - Eric Hoffer
      3. Boredom has also been attributed to...
        1. Unchallenging jobs
        2. Unfulfilled expectations
        3. Lack of physical activity
        4. Being too much of a spectator and too little of a participant in activities
    3. THE DANGER OF BOREDOM...
      1. When listless and discontent, we are susceptible to what promises excitement
        1. "Boredom has made more gamblers than greed, more drunkards than thirst, and perhaps as many suicides as despair." (Charles Caleb Colton)
        2. "Boredom is often the motivation for adultery and divorce, abuse of alcohol or drugs, and even suicide." (ibid., Veith)
        3. "Boredom is...a vital problem for the moralist, since at least half the sins of mankind are caused by the fear of it." (Betrand Russell)
      2. When a Christian is "bored"...
        1. He is not very active in his service to the Lord
        2. He is therefore not very useful to the Lord

        [Boredom has been called "a chronic symptom of a pleasure-obsessed age." (ibid., Veith). For the Christian with faith in Jesus, it is possible to overcome boredom! Here is how...]

  2. OVERCOMING BOREDOM THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
    1. JESUS CHANGES OUR FOCUS IN LIFE...
      1. Boredom is the result of an obsession with self and material possessions
      2. Yet Jesus teaches us to:
        1. Deny self - Lk 9:23-24
          1. People who are obsessed with self are never happy
          2. People who lose themselves in service to God are never bored!
        2. Change the object of your affections - Mt 6:19-21
          1. The pleasure of earthly things is fleeting at best, followed by the inevitable letdowns - cf. "the passing pleasures of sin" - He 11:25
          2. The only permanent possession we have is in heaven, and our affections should be placed on it
      3. His teachings are designed to give us great joy - Jn 15:11; e.g., Ac 20:35
      -- If we have enough faith in Jesus to follow His teachings, we will be attacking one of the root causes of boredom (a pre-occupation with self)
    2. JESUS ENLISTS US IN SERVICE DESIGNED TO TRULY SATISFY...
      1. Many people are bored because they know their efforts mean very little
      2. Yet Jesus would have us enlist in a service with eternal consequences:
        1. The saving of one's soul, and that of those around them! - Mk 16:15-16
        2. Which, in proper perspective, is more important than gaining the whole world! - cf. Mt 16:26
      3. The apostles found their service to God to be a source of great joy
        1. When John saw the fruits of his labors, he wrote he had "no greater joy" - 3Jn 3-4
        2. The prospects of seeing his converts in the presence of the Lord gave Paul hope and joy for the future! - 1Th 2:19-20
        -- When one is engaged in the work of Jesus, their labors are not in vain, and have cosmic consequences (cf. Ep 6:12-13); how can one be bored with that?
  3. CONCLUSION
    1. Solomon learned after a life of excess that this world has nothing lasting to offer...
      1. Though exciting at first, it all proved "vanity" - Ec 2:10-11
      2. He concluded that the true purpose of man was to "fear God and keep His commandments" - Ec 12:13
      -- If he had only listened to his father, David, who wrote about the "great reward" in keeping God's commandments (cf. Ps 19:7-11), Solomon might not have experienced so much vanity in his life
    2. Boredom is a result of pre-occupation with the "vanity" of this life...
      1. Jesus came to deliver us from any sense of listlessness and discontent
      2. He does so by giving us purpose and direction in life, that we might find great joy in serving God and His children!

When people are willing to believe in Jesus and become His disciples, there is no reason for boredom in their lives!

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Anxiety by Mark Copeland

 








https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_03.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Anxiety

INTRODUCTION
  1. With faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, we can overcome the world! - 1Jn 5:4-5
    1. As we saw in our previous study, we can overcome SIN...
      1. Both the guilt of sin, and the power of sin
      2. Through the blood of Jesus, and the gift of the Holy Spirit
    2. For such blessings are available to those who truly believe in Jesus! - cf. Ac 2:36-39
  2. But in overcoming sin, we must also deal with the "aftershocks" of sin...
    1. Such as the lingering consequences of sinful conduct
    2. Or the residues of sinful thinking; i.e., attitudes and perspectives that conflict with a life of faith in Jesus
    -- I have mentioned some of these in previous lessons: anxiety, boredom, despair ,etc.
  3. With this lesson, I would like to begin taking a look at each one of these...
    1. Seeking to gain a better understanding of what they are
    2. Hoping to provide an appreciation of how faith in Jesus can help us to overcome them!
  4. Beginning with "anxiety"...
    1. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)...
      1. More than 23 million people suffer from anxiety disorders
      2. People with anxiety disorders are heavy utilizers of emergency rooms and other medical services
      3. Anxiety disrupts work, family, and social lives, with some becoming housebound
      4. It is the most common of all the mental disorders
    2. Christians certainly are not immune to the problem of "anxiety"
      1. Jesus anticipated that His disciples would have it, and provided solutions to it
      2. Just as anxiety disrupts work, family, etc., so it can hinder our service to the Lord

[It is imperative as Christians that we overcome "anxiety" in our lives. Where do we begin? Perhaps with...]

  1. UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY
    1. ANXIETY DEFINED...
      1. According to the American Heritage Dictionary:
        1. A state of uneasiness and apprehension, as about future uncertainties
        2. A state of intense apprehension, uncertainty, and fear resulting from the anticipation of a threatening event or situation, often to a degree that the normal physical and psychological function of the affected individual is disrupted
      2. According to NIMH, there are different kinds of anxiety disorders:
        1. Panic Disorder - Repeated episodes of intense fear that strike often and without warning. Physical symptoms include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal distress, feelings of unreality, and fear of dying.
        2. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Repeated, unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviors that seem impossible to stop or control.
        3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Persistent symptoms that occur after experiencing a traumatic event such as criminal assault, war, child abuse, natural disasters or crashes. Nightmares, flashbacks, numbing of emotions, depression and feeling angry, irritable, distracted and being easily startled are common.
        4. Phobias, of which there are two major types
          1. Specific - In which people experience extreme, disabling, and irrational fear of something that poses little or no actual danger; the fear leads to avoidance of objects or situations and can cause people to limit their lives unnecessarily.
          2. Social - In which people have an overwhelming and disabling fear of scrutiny, embarrassment, or humiliation in social situations, which leads to avoidance of many potentially pleasurable and meaningful activities.
        5. Generalized Anxiety Disorder - Constant, exaggerated worrisome thoughts and tension about everyday routine life events and activities, lasting at least six months. Almost always anticipating the worst even though there is little reason to expect it; accompanied by physical symptoms, such as fatigue, trembling, muscle tension, headache, or nausea.
    2. SOME CAUSES OF ANXIETY...
      1. A perceived threat, as to one's...
        1. Personal safety
        2. Self-esteem
        3. Relationship with others
      2. Pressures presented by conflict, for example...
        1. Having to decide between two desirable but incompatible goals
        2. Faced with a desirable goal, but concerned about undesirable consequences (such as whether to accept a good paying job, that may force you to relocate)
        3. Faced with having to choose between two undesirable alternatives (such as suffering pain, or an operation that may in time relieve the pain)
      3. An underlying fear, such as being fearful of...
        1. Failure, or even achieving success
        2. Rejection, intimacy, conflict
        3. Sickness, death, loneliness
        4. The future, meaninglessness in life
    3. MODERN TREATMENT FOR ANXIETY...
      1. Medication - Useful for relieving symptoms, they include antidepressants and are usually administered through trial and error to see which medications and dosage are beneficial to a particular patient
      2. Psychotherapy - Two different forms have been found the most effective in treating anxiety disorders:
        1. Behavioral therapy - Tries to change actions through techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing, or through gradual exposure to what is frightening
        2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy - Teaches patients to understand their thinking patterns so they can react differently to the situations that cause them anxiety

        [Treating anxiety with medication can only relieve symptoms; it does not deal with the causes of anxiety. Even behavioral therapy focuses primarily on handling the symptoms.

        What is called "cognitive-behavioral therapy" appears to address the underlying causes of anxiety, and it is in this realm that I believe faith in Jesus can really help one to overcome!]

  2. OVERCOMING ANXIETY THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS
    1. WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO OVERCOME ANXIETY...
      1. Certainly because of how it affects our lives and our service
      2. It is also a reflection of "little faith" on our part
        1. E.g., worrying about things like food and clothing - cf. Mt 6:30
        2. E.g., worrying about preserving one's life - cf. Mt 8:25-26
      3. "The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith; and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety." (George Muller)
    2. REMEMBER WHAT TRUE FAITH IN JESUS ENTAILS...
      1. That one has a strong conviction or trust in Who Jesus Is
        1. The Son of God - Mt 16:16
        2. The only source for life eternal - Jn 6:68
      2. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Said
        1. That He speaks the words of truth, which can make one free - Jn 8:31-32
        2. That whatever He says is true, for grace and truth come by Him - Jn 1:17
      3. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Did
        1. That He died on the cross for our sins - 1Co 15:3
        2. That His death is an adequate sacrifice for our sins - 1Jn 2:2; 4:10
      4. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Is Doing
        1. That He is preparing a place for us - Jn 14:2
        2. That He is even now interceding for us - He 7:24-25
      5. That one has a strong conviction or trust in What Jesus Will Do
        1. That He will come again one day - Ac 1:9-11; Re 1:7
        2. That He will receive us unto Himself - Jn 14:1-3
        -- This kind of faith in Jesus comes from the Word of God! - Ro 10:17; Jn 20:30-31
    3. JESUS HELPS US TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY THROUGH HIS TEACHINGS...
      1. By reminding us of God's providential love and care - Mt 6:25-32
        1. He who provides the body and life, can surely provide food and clothing
        2. He who provides for the birds and flowers, can surely provide for His children
        3. If worry (anxiety) can't make us grow taller, how can it affect the future?
        4. God is mindful of our true needs, and is able to provide
      2. By teaching us where to place our priorities - Mt 6:33
        1. The kingdom (rule) of God in our life is the most important thing
        2. Put Him first, and He will provide for our true needs
        3. As Jesus said to worried Martha, "one thing is needed" - cf. Lk 10:38-42
      3. By revealing our own limitations - Mt 6:34
        1. Don't worry about the future, we can only handle what we face today
        2. In keeping with what Jesus said, here are some thoughts from others:
          1. "Your ship is equal to the load of today; but when you are carrying yesterday's worry and tomorrow's anxiety, lighten up or you will sink." (Unknown)
          2. "God never built a Christian strong enough to carry today's duties and tomorrow's anxieties piled on top of them." (Theodore Ledyard Cuyler)
          3. "Man, like the bridge, was designed to carry the load of the moment, not the combined weight of a year at once." (William Arthur Ward)
          -- When we truly accept what Jesus taught, many of the causes of anxiety are gone!
    4. JESUS HELPS US TO DEAL WITH ANXIETY THROUGH HIS ACTIONS...
      1. His actions in the past
        1. By dying on the cross, He has paid the full price for our sins
          1. Any anxiety about our guilt, past actions, can be relieved through forgiveness!
          2. A forgiveness that cleans even the conscience! - He 9:14
          3. Such forgiveness comes to those who believe on Him - Ac 10:43; 2:36-38
        2. By rising from the dead, He has demonstrated power over death
          1. Ensuring our own resurrection, of which He spoke - Jn 5:28-29; 11:25-27
          2. Freeing us from the bondage of the fear of death - He 2:14-15
      2. His actions in the present
        1. Interceding as our High Priest
          1. Making it possible to find mercy and grace when needed - He 4:14-16
          2. Providing an avenue of peace to dispel our anxiety through prayer - Php 4:6-7
        2. Reigning as King of kings and Lord of lords
          1. He is truly the "ruler over the kings of the earth" - Re 1:5
          2. He is the One who holds "the keys of Hades and of Death" - Re 1:18
          -- He is in ultimate control, and we are in His hands!
      3. His actions in the future
        1. He has promised to never forsake us - Mt 28:20; cf. He 13:5-7
        2. He has promised to take us one day to be with Him - Jn 14:1-2
CONCLUSION
  1. When one has faith in Jesus...
    1. Willing to change their thinking patterns and conduct to reflect His teachings
    2. Believing in what He has done, is doing, and will do ...they will be attacking the underlying causes of anxiety!
  2. Jesus certainly desires that we not let such concerns control us...
    1. By rendering us unfruitful - cf. Lk 8:14
    2. By making us unprepared for the Judgment to come - cf. Lk 21:34-36
  3. But He has made it possible to overcome anxiety...
    1. Through faith in Him, which comes through the Word of God - Ro 10:17
    2. By the peace of God, which comes through Jesus Himself in prayer - Php 4:6-7

Are we willing to believe and heed Jesus? If so, then "Faith Is The Victory!", even in overcoming anxiety...

Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!" In Overcoming Sin by Mark Copeland

 







 

 

https://executableoutlines.com/topical_series/faith-is-the-victory/fv_02.html

"FAITH IS THE VICTORY!"

In Overcoming Sin

INTRODUCTION
  1. The theme for this series is "Faith Is The Victory!", with the following text as the basis for our study...
    For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world; our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? (1Jn 5:4-5)
  2. In our previous study, we saw that the faith which overcomes the world is...
    1. A strong conviction and trust in Jesus:
      1. As the Christ, the Son of God - cf. Ac 8:37
      2. As the way, the truth, and the life - cf. Jn 14:6-7
      3. Who alone provides the way to God and eternal life - cf. Jn 6:68-69
    2. A strong conviction and trust in Jesus that comes by:
      1. The Word of God - Ro 10:17
      2. The evidence provided by the Word of God - Jn 20:30-31
  3. The "world" we can overcome by faith in Jesus includes anything that can hinder our relationship with God, even such things as...
    1. Anxiety e. Discontentment
    2. Boredom f. Fear
    3. Depression g. Grief
    4. Despair h. Loneliness
  4. Our purpose in this series is to illustrate how faith in Jesus helps us to overcome such things, but it is important that we first talk about overcoming SIN...
    1. While sin is not taken too seriously these days, it should be
    2. The problem of sin must be overcome if we are to overcome anything else
      1. In some cases, sin may be the underlying cause of problems we face
      2. In any case, unless we overcome sin, we will not have God's help to overcome the problems before us! - cf. Isa 59:1-2; 1Pe 3:12
  5. In this lesson, I wish to do two things...
    1. Carefully define the problem of sin
    2. Explain how faith in Jesus can overcome the problem of sin

[Let's begin then by considering...]

  1. THE PROBLEM OF SIN
    1. THERE IS THE "GUILT" OF SIN...
      1. First, everyone is guilty of sin - Ro 3:23
        1. Even if one has committed just one sin, it as though they have committed them all! - cf. Jm 2:10
        2. That is because sin is so terrible, and God is so holy!
      2. There is both "legal" guilt and "emotional" guilt
        1. Legal guilt means you have violated God's law
          1. God has a Law, and if we break it, He holds us accountable - 1Jn 3:4
          2. The price of such guilt is "death", i.e., eternal separation from God - Ro 6:23; Re 21:8
        2. Emotional guilt pertains to one's conscience of sin
          1. When we know we have done wrong, we feel "guilty"
          2. Our conscience becomes burdened by such "guilt" for our sins
      3. Even if we have so hardened our conscience that we feel no "emotional" guilt, the "legal" guilt remains
        1. God still holds us accountable, and will judge us on the last day - Jn 12:48; Ac 17:30-31
        2. Until then, unforgiven sin also prevents God from coming to our aid - Isa 59:1-2; 1Pe 3:12
          1. Which means we must bear our burdens alone
          2. Whatever comfort, peace, and strength God might provide, is not for one who remains in their sin! - Isa 57:19-21
    2. THERE IS THE "POWER" OF SIN...
      1. The problem of sin is not limited to guilt
        1. As if the guilt of sin weren't bad enough!
        2. Sin also has the power to enslave a person so that they can't do what they really want to do!
      2. Jesus described the power of sin - Jn 8:31-34
        1. In passage often misapplied to talk about truth leading to freedom (e.g., political)
        2. The freedom under consideration is freedom from the slavery of sin!
        3. When one commits sin, they become a slave of sin!
      3. Paul vividly depicted what his life was like under the bondage of sin, from which the Law of Moses could not deliver - Ro 7:14-24
        1. He was "sold under sin" - Ro 7:14
        2. He could not do what he wanted, and what he did not wish to do, he did - Ro 7:15
        3. He found that "sin dwells in me" - Ro 7:17,20
        4. Though he desired to do good, "how to perform what is good I do not find" - Ro 7:18
        5. He found himself brought "into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members" - Ro 7:23
        6. It made him "wretched", crying out for deliverance from "this body of death" - Ro 7:24

        [Sin is a like a powerful drug, to which we become enslaved (addicted). Until we somehow are set free from the power of sin, the guilt of sin separates us from God; any problem we have, therefore, we face alone, with no assistance from God!

        But through faith in Jesus, there can be victory in overcoming sin! Let's see how...]

  2. HOW FAITH IN JESUS OVERCOMES SIN
    1. BY PROVIDING THE FORGIVENESS OF SIN...
      1. Remission of sins is promised to those who believe in Jesus - Ac 10:43
        1. Made possible by the shedding of His blood - Ep 1:7
        2. Jesus became our "propitiation" (a sacrifice designed to appease) - 1Jn 2:2; 4:9-10
        3. Through His blood we are "justified" (i.e., declared "not guilty"), and therefore spared from the wrath of God to come - Ro 5:9
      2. Such forgiveness is promised to those whose faith in Jesus moves them to repent and be baptized - Ac 2:38; 3:19
        1. Repentance - that "change of mind" in which we turn from sin to serve God
        2. Baptism - that "burial" in which we are united with Christ into His death, that we might be crucified with Him and then rise to walk in newness of life - Ro 6:3-7
      3. Forgiveness continues as we repent and confess our sins in prayer - Ac 8:22; 1Jn 1:9
      -- In this way Jesus deals with the "guilt" of sin (legal and emotional - cf. He 9:14)
    2. BY PROVIDING THE POWER OVER SIN...
      1. In Ro 6:6-7, Paul speaks of freedom from sin...
        1. "we should no longer be slaves of sin"
        2. "...has been freed from sin"
      2. Later, in Ro 8:1-2,12-13 he describes where this "power" comes from...
        1. It is "the law (principle) of the Spirit of life in Christ" which frees one from "the law of sin and death"
        2. In particular, how the Spirit enables us to "put to death the deeds of the body"
        3. With the aid of the Spirit, we now have the help of God to overcome sin! - cf. Ep 3:16,20-21; Php 4:13
      3. The promise of the Spirit was given by both Jesus and His apostles
        1. To those who believe in Him - Jn 7:37-39
        2. To those who repent and are baptized - Ac 2:38-39
        3. I.e., to those who obey Him and become "children of God" - cf. Ac 5:32; Ga 3:26-27; 4:6; 5:16
        -- In this way Jesus deals with the "power" of sin
CONCLUSION
  1. To the one who is willing to believe in Jesus, with a trust and conviction to do what He says, then "Faith Is The Victory!"
  2. There is certainly victory over SIN...
    1. Over the legal and emotion guilt of sin
    2. Over the power of sin which easily enslaves us
    -- This He does through the gift of His blood, and the gift of the Holy Spirit!

With such wonderful gifts, we can now have the kind of relationship with God by which we can also overcome whatever else the world might throw at us...


Executable Outlines, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2022


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