April 15, 2018 Teaching Outline

​Jesus Plan to Handle Life’s Hurts: “First Steps”
 
Isaiah 57:18 (GNB) “I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. I offer peace to all, near and far!”
 
What do I need to do to handle my hurts and recover from them?
Realize I’m not God;
 
I admit I’m powerless to control my tendency to do the wrong thing and my life is unmanageable.
 
Romans 7:15–17

• THE CAUSE OF MY PROBLEM: My sin nature.

WE try to control our image…
 
We try to control other people…
 
WE try to control our problems…
 
WE try to control our pain…
 

• THE CONSEQUENCES.

1. Fear
(Adam) “I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” Gen. 3:10
 
2. Frustrations
Rom. 7:21, 23 (TLB), “My dishonesty made me miserable and filled my days with frustration.”
 
3.         Fatigue
“My strength evaporated like water on a sunny day until I finally admitted all my sins to you and stopped trying to hide them.” Ps. 32:4–5 (TLB)
 
 
4.         Failure
“You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up; then God will show mercy to you.” Prov. 28:13 (GNB)
 
 

• THE CURE:  Admitting that I’m not God means I know I am:

powerless to change:
powerless to control:
powerless to cope:
 
“God opposes the proud but gives GRACE to the humble.” James 4:6
 
 
GRACE IS:  The power to change!
We need that Grace In our lives!