Every Man Has His Breaking Point n Every Christian has an all-knowing God that will not allow him to reach that point! (1 Cor 10:12-13)

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n 1 Corinthians 10:12-13 (NKJV) - Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n One writer said: “when God permits his children to go through the furnace, he keeps his eye on the clock and his hand on the thermostat.”

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n Rest assured that our God will test us, but it is always for our good.

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n Rest assured that our God will test us, but it is always for our good. n Why then do Christians quit?

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n In contrast to a living faith that looks to God for escape and help, a Christian may choose to cast off his faith. (Heb 10:35-39)

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n Hebrews 10:35-36 (NKJV) - Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. 36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n I believe that this happens because of a neglect in the building of one’s faith. (2 Pt 1:10-11)

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n 2 Peter 1:10-11 (NKJV) - Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n I have seen “knowledgeable” Christians who were commonly bored to death with the assemblies of Christians. Over time most of these fell away.

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n Over time our faith will be tested! How will your faith come out? (1 Pt 1:6-7)

Every Man Has His Breaking Point n 1 Peter 1:6-7 (NKJV) - In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n One must build a faith that has “roots.” (Mt 13:21)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Matthew 13:21 (NKJV) - yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Notice the time element between the challenge and the fall: “immediately.”

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n One must build a faith on reason, reason that can look back and know!

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n One must build a faith on reason, reason that can look back and know! n Far too many people become Christians because of “relationships” and not because of the power of the gospel. That “faith” cannot stand. (Rom 1:16)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Romans 1:16 (NKJV) - For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n One must build a faith that can overcome alleged contradictions. (Jn 1:45-46)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n John 1:45-46 (NKJV) - Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n How could Jesus be from Nazareth and still be the Messiah? (Micah 5:2)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Did Jesus fulfill the prophecy? How would one come to know this?

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Those who are quick to turn away will never find God’s truth!

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n One must build a faith that can overcome ones own prejudices. (Rom 9:30-33)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Romans 9:30-33 (NKJV) - What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n 33 As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.”

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n The Jews had as a people accepted many wrong concepts, among which was an attempt to be justified by law keeping.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n The Jews had as a people accepted many wrong concepts, among which was an attempt to be justified by law keeping. n A genuine faith is teachable! A tender heart can fight though one’s prejudices and erase them from their heart.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Why were the Gentiles more ready to believe? Their prejudices and pride did not stand in the way.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n One must build a faith that can see the difference between what men do and what God does. (Rom 3:1-4)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Romans 3:4 (NKJV) - Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Consider the struggle of those who have been hurt by brethren they deeply trusted. (Boston Movement)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n The Gentiles were wrong to reject God because of the hypocrisy of the Jews. (Rom 2:24)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Romans 2:24 (NKJV) - For “the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,” as it is written.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Jesus wanted His disciples to know this in advance so that the rejection of men would not destroy their faith. (Jn 16:1)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n John 16:1 (NKJV) - “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Death and sorrow will be the companions of our journey; hardship our garment; constancy and valor our only shield. We must be united, we must be undaunted, we must be inflexible. -- Sir Winston Churchill, 1940

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n Jesus willing tested these men in His ministry so that they could reason correctly! (Jn 6:61, 66-69)

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n John 6:61 (NKJV) - When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?

There are many snares that can cause you to stumble. n John 6:66-69 (NKJV) - From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus faced a woman that had “great faith.” He knew this in advance, but he wanted to demonstrate this to His disciples.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus faced a woman that had “great faith.” He knew this in advance, but he wanted to demonstrate this to His disciples. n Consider 4 tests Jesus gave her.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus refused to answer her in a time of great need. (Matt 15:21-23a)

One example in the ministry of Christ n Matthew 15:21-23 (NKJV) - Then Jesus went out from there and departed to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22And behold, a woman of Canaan came from that region and cried out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely demon-possessed.” 23 But He answered her not a word.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Do you realize what it meant to be “severely demon possessed”?

One example in the ministry of Christ n Do you realize what it meant to be “severely demon possessed”? n Consider the anguish of the parent who had to witness this!

One example in the ministry of Christ n Do you realize what it meant to be “severely demon possessed”? n Consider the anguish of the parent who had to witness this! n She only asked for mercy, how does He answer? Jesus ignored her!

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus’ disciples asked that Jesus send her away. (Matt 15:23)

One example in the ministry of Christ n Matthew 15:23 (NKJV) - But He answered her not a word. And His disciples came and urged Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries out after us.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus disciples were saying “Get rid of her.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus disciples were saying “Get rid of her.” n Did the actions of Jesus disciples reflect upon Jesus?

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus disciples were saying “Get rid of her.” n Did the actions of Jesus disciples reflect upon Jesus? n Satan can block us from the truth when we are hot-headed and sensitive.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus said that He was sent only to the Jews. (Matt 15:24)

One example in the ministry of Christ n Matthew 15:24 (NKJV) - But He answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n Would she think that Jesus was a racist? These tests are getting harder.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Would she think that Jesus was a racist? These tests are getting harder. n The woman’s response: “Help me.” Did she understand why all of this was happening? I doubt it.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Did she know who Jesus was? Yes! She did not quit.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Jesus said that is was not good to take the “children’s” bread and feed it to the “dogs”. (Matt 15:26)

One example in the ministry of Christ n Matthew 15:26 (NKJV) - But He answered and said, “It is not good to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n A dog at this time would be like a rat or a buzzard in our times.

One example in the ministry of Christ n A dog at this time would be like a rat or a buzzard in our times. n If the daughter were a dog, what did that make the mother?

One example in the ministry of Christ n A dog at this time would be like a rat or a buzzard in our times. n If the daughter were a dog, what did that make the mother? n Most would be angry if you said something about their sick child.

One example in the ministry of Christ n How would the average person respond? “I though you were the Lord, I guess I was wrong.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n How would the average person respond? “I though you were the Lord, I guess I was wrong.” n How would you have responded?

One example in the ministry of Christ n Listen to her reply: “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n Listen to her reply: “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” n This woman knew something about God.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Listen to her reply: “Yes, Lord, yet even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.” n This woman knew something about God. n This woman had humility. “Do not give me a dish, just the crumbs.”

One example in the ministry of Christ n Those Jews who got the dish by in large rejected it! (1 Pt 2:8)

One example in the ministry of Christ n 1 Peter 2:8 (NKJV) - and “A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense.” They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Aren’t you glad this daughter had this kind of mother?

One example in the ministry of Christ n Aren’t you glad this daughter had this kind of mother? n Jesus blessed this woman and proclaimed that she had a great faith. (Mt 15:28)

One example in the ministry of Christ n Matthew 15:28 (NKJV) - Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be to you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

One example in the ministry of Christ n Harold Sherman wrote a book entitled, How To Turn Failure Into Success. In it he gives a code of persistence. He says:

One example in the ministry of Christ n 1) I will never give up so long as I know I am right.

One example in the ministry of Christ n 1) I will never give up so long as I know I am right. n 2) I will believe that all things will work out for me if I hang on to the end.

One example in the ministry of Christ n 1) I will never give up so long as I know I am right. n 2) I will believe that all things will work out for me if I hang on to the end. n 3) I will be courageous and undismayed in the face of odds.

One example in the ministry of Christ n 4) I will not permit anyone to intimidate or deter me from my goals.

One example in the ministry of Christ n 4) I will not permit anyone to intimidate or deter me from my goals. n 5) I will fight to overcome all physical handicaps and setbacks.

One example in the ministry of Christ n 4) I will not permit anyone to intimidate or deter me from my goals. n 5) I will fight to overcome all physical handicaps and setbacks. n 6) I will try again and again and yet again to accomplish what I desire.

One example in the ministry of Christ n 7) I will take new faith and resolution from the knowledge that all successful men and women have had to fight defeat and adversity.

Lessons for us n When we quit, we cheat ourselves. (Heb 10:38-39)

Lessons for us n Hebrews 10:38-39 (NKJV) - Now the just shall live by faith; But if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Lessons for us n What if this woman had become angry and quit? Her daughter would have been cursed for a lifetime.

Lessons for us n Some parents today are teaching their children how to quit.

Lessons for us n Some parents today are teaching their children how to quit. n Let every test draw you closer to God. (Lk 18:1-8)

Lessons for us n Luke 18:1-8 (NKJV) - Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, … 6 Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Lessons for us n How does God view quitters? (Lk 14:28-30, 33)

Lessons for us n Luke 14:28-30 (NKJV) - For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’

Lessons for us n Luke 14:33 (NKJV) - So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.

Lessons for us n Why did Jesus never quit? (Heb 12:2-3)

Lessons for us n Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV) - looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

Lessons for us n Let us not be the source of stumbling to another. (Mk 9:42; 1 Cor 8:9, 13)

Lessons for us n Mark 9:42 (NKJV) - “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea.

Lessons for us n 1 Corinthians 8:9 (NKJV) - But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak.

Lessons for us n 1 Corinthians 8:13 (NKJV) - Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Lessons for us n Our God will provide for us if we would let Him. (Jude 24)

Lessons for us n Jude 1:24 (NKJV) - Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, And to present you faultless Before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy,

Lessons for us n Hell will be full of sensitive people. (Matt 11:6)

Lessons for us n Matthew 11:6 (NKJV) - And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.”

Lessons for us n Heaven will be full of hurt people who never quit following the Lord. (Rev 21:3-4)

Lessons for us n Revelation 21:3-4 (NKJV) - And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

Lessons for us n “Don't quit when the tide is the lowest, for it's just about to turn, don't quit over doubts and questions, for there's something you may learn. Don't quit when the night is darkest, for it's just a while till dawn; don't quit when you've run the farthest, for the race is almost won. Don't quit when the hill is steepest; for your goal is almost nigh; don't quit, for you're not a failure until you fail to try."