July 31, 2005 Summit AM

Victors Regardless The Odds

Introduction

A. Text – 1 Kings 19:1-18

B. Prophet Elijah has had enough

            1. Powerful prophet – stood alone calling Israel to repentance in Ahab’s day

            2. Announced God’s coming judgment – drought for 3 ½ years

            3. Victorious over Baal prophets – called down fire from heaven

            4. Now struggle just too intense – only one left – just let me die

C. Sound familiar? Can you relate?

            1. Are there times you just can’t seem to take any more?

            2. Struggled & nothing seems to change – more struggles

            3. What are we to do?

                        a. God said to Elijah – get up – there’s more to do

                        b. Struggle isn’t over – more to do - your not alone – enemy can’t win

D. Pray

 

I. Reality – Live In A Negative Evil World

            A. Jesus to disciples – in the world you will have tribulation

                        1. Jesus saw the world as hating & despising Him

                        2. Refused to listen & repent – heading for destruction

                        3. Wanted disciples know – won’t be easy = going against the grain

            B. Look around – easily seen – life good at showing us our limitations

                        1. So many focusing upon the negative

                                    a. Won’t work – can’t rise above – just compromise

                                    b. Little or no encouragement to live righteously

                                    c. Everywhere turn = pressure to compromise

                                    d. Spiritual excellence is impossible; unattainable

                        2. Easily become fearful – feel alone, overwhelmed

                                    a. Why should I keep trying = give up; never get better - doomed

                                    b. Enemy seems to be everywhere – never win

                                    c. Lose focus – forget accomplishments in Lord

            C. More focus on negative – more hopeless it seems

                        1. Lord’s blessings seem distant & insignificant

                                    a. Enemy seems too strong

                                    b. Like Elijah – just give up – no use

                        2. Forget nothing is impossible with God

                                    a. Are fearful – can accomplish nothing

                                    b. Absolutely overwhelmed spiritually

 

II. Question – Why Does God Allow This To Happen To His Servants?

            A. See this all the time in scripture

                        1. Abraham – following God = Famine – feels compelled go to Egypt

                        2. Moses – wants help people – takes matters in own hands

                        3. Joshua – defeated at Ai – how can we go on

                        4. David – doing his best – pursued by Saul who wants him dead

            B. 2 Cor.1:8,9

                        1. Felt the sentence of death upon us = hopeless

                        2. Why – so learn not to trust in self (not rely on selves)

                        3. God wants His children to trust Him – not self etc

            C. Only way to spiritual victory is through God’s strength

                        1. Col.1:28,29 – labor in His energy

                        2. Phil.4:13 – can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

                        3. Nothing is impossible with God

                                    a. Also - nothing of spiritual significance is possible without God

                                    b. Jn.15:5 – without Me you can do nothing

 

III. How To Keep From Being Overwhelmed By The Struggle?

            A. Realize your spiritual potential in Christ

                        1. We are sons of God

                                    a. Not look differently on outside – true inside

                                    b. Not helpless victims – are more than conquerors

                                    c. Eph.3:20 – God can & does tremendous things through us

                                    d. Phil.2:12,13 – is at work in us – think & do His pleasure

                        2. Eph.1:18,19 – pray that eyes of heart opened

                                    a. See potential – hope; inheritance & power

                                    b. Result be real victory

            B. Deal with any & all fears

                        1. Never nurture fear – not of God

                                    a. Satan is the author

                                    b. Wants us to live in fear – stifle us

                                    c. More allow fear = more crippled

                        2. How?

                                    a. Develop a deep faith in God’s working in your life personally

                                                1) Heb.13:5 – never leave or forsake us

                                                2) Jesus promised – not leave us as orphans (not alone)

                                    b. Take up the shield of faith

                                                1) Eph.6:17 – able quench all Satan’s darts

                                                2) Nothing can get through if take up

                                                3) Heb.11:32-12:3

                                    c. Make a decision to never give up fighting

                                                1) Phil.3:12-16 – Paul’s attitude

                                                2) No where else to turn – Jesus has words of life

            C. Never be satisfied with mediocrity

                        1. 2 Tim.2:15 – do your best to present self to God

                                    a. 1 Cor.9:27 – run so as to win

                                    b. 2 Pet 1:3,4 – given everything we need in Christ

                                    c. Absolutely no reason to be 2nd best

                        2. Jn.14:12 – do greater things than Jesus

                                    a. Jesus in heaven interceding – on our side

                                    b. Wants to do great things through us – just believe

                                    c. Realize that lack of faith stopped the disciples in tracks

            D. Be enthusiastic about what God will do through you

                        1. Always be optimistic - expectant

                                    a. Believe God wants to work in you – Phil.2:12,13

                                    b. Heb.10:24 – spur one another on

                        2. The opportunities are great – everywhere

                                    a. Fastest growing part of Ky

                                    b. People are looking for answers – disillusioned with world

                        3. Refuse to settle for 2nd best – be all you can be in the Lord

                                    a. Ask God to fill you – empower you

                                    b. Ask God to give you His insight – into His work

 

Conclusion

A. Stop allowing Satan to overwhelm you

            1. It’s your decision – James 4:7 (resist & he flee)

            2. There is no reason for us to feel defeat in Jesus (more than conquerors)

B. Pray