Lord, I have a Problem! A Series of Sermons dealing with Bible answers to Life’s Problems Based on a series by Ray Fowler

We ALL have problems! “Man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.” (Job 5:7)

We ALL have problems! Jesus said, (John 16:33)

Jesus died not only to save you from your sins, but also to help you with your problems.

Why do we have problems? My own sin - within “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)

Why do we have problems? Temptation - without “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)

Why do we have problems? Relationships - with others “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight.” (James 4:1-2)

Back to the beginning – it was not always this way Adam and Eve were created morally pure (no sin) “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) “God made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” (Ecclesiastes 7:29)

Back to the beginning – it was not always this way They lived in a protected environment (no trials) “Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed.” (Genesis 2:8)

Back to the beginning – it was not always this way They enjoyed perfect peace with God and each other (no conflict) “The man and his wife heard the sound of the LORD God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day.” (Genesis 3:8) “The man and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” (Genesis 2:25)

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a New Nature You in Jesus and Jesus in you “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)  

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a set of clothes   “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24)  

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a new power source “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)    

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a new helper (Jesus with you) – strength “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)  

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a new helper (Jesus with you) – strength “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)  

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a new intermediary (Jesus between you and others) – reconciliation   “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)  

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a new intermediary “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14)  

How does Jesus help you with your problems? You have a new intermediary For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 1 Tim 2:5-6

What’s the answer Problems that come from within you because of sin? Problems that come from outside Relational problems

You have a new nature – Jesus in you. You have a new helper – Jesus with you. You have a new intermediary – Jesus between you and others.

Every fourth Sunday we will look at specific problems we face in life and how Jesus helps us. pride, addiction self-image abuse anger envy worry depression fear “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all.” (Psalm 34:19) Do you have problems? Do you know someone who has? I’ve got good news for you. Jesus can help you with your problems.