COMMON TO MAN

COMMON TO MAN

Text:  1Cor.10:13   (RSV)  No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

INTRODUCTION:

1.       08/23/16 – Nathanael Isaiah Cornelson was stillborn – 5lb.5oz. 18in. (due c. 09/15)

2.       A week of “processing” grief with son and dnl.

3.       This text surfaced in my thinking, esp. the “common to man” phrase.

4.       So many have come out of the shadows with similar stories of pain, trying to connect and console.

5.       Song – Matt Maher “All The People Said Amen”

You are not alone if you are lonely

When you feel afraid, you're not the only

We are all the same, in need of mercy

To be forgiven and be free

It's all you got to lean on but thank God it's all you need

6.       Five points, about dealing with loss/trials, from text:

               1)      Temptation/trials

               2)      “Common to man”

               3)      “God is faithful”

               4)      Limits

               5)      Escape/endurance

LESSON:

          I.                    Temptation.

A.      James – temptations/trials NOT from God; but used by God

B.      Satan is the source of temptation/trials (and our own evil heart)

C.      God can use for good.  Rom.8:28

D.      Compound/complex meaning – bait, trial, test, weakness, purification.

E.       Satan comes to kill, steal, destroy; Jesus comes to give life, abundant life!

          II.                  Common to man.

A.      Ben Franklin (?) “two things certain, death and taxes…”

B.      Tanya Tucker song, “… all God’s children got troubles …” (?)

C.      The “human predicament” ?!  death and disease.

D.      “The big three” – lust of flesh, lust of eyes, pride of life

E.       We are all fellow-strugglers.

F.       Heb.4:15 “… a high priest sympathetic …”

G.     Many, many have lost children?!  MY first time, as a grandparent.

          III.                Faithful God.

A.      We can count on Him!  Mt. 28 “…WILL be with you…”

B.      Heb.4:16 our sympathetic high priest – He has grace and mercy.

C.      OT – Temple, Most Holy Place, Ark, Cover’s name?! “Mercy Seat”!!!  the Shekinah Glory chose to manifest on THIS spot in our dark world.

D.      The Psalms often speak of His help, His comfort.

          IV.                Limits.

A.      “… really?!”  when I am honest, I question this “not more than…”  “so, if I give in, or, if I crack, then it is my fault?!  My weakness?  My defectiveness?”

B.      He has more confidence in me, than I have in myself?  “you can do it; let me help”

C.      If nothing else, I have learned this – turn to GOD in my troubles!

NOT to world

NOT to substitutes (answer is not in a bottle)

NOT to lies of Satan!  (whispers of doubt and despair in my head)

D.      Martin Luther, “A Mighty Fortress” – “… did we in our own strength confide; our striving would be losing …”

E.       Rom.8:28  He is working it out, for my good; I need to work with Him, not against Him?!

F.       Zech.4:6 “Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.”

          V.                  Escape/Endurance.

A.      Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You” (http://www.songlyrics.com/lauren-daigle/trust-in-you-lyrics/)

When You don’t move the mountains I’m needing You to move

When You don’t part the waters I wish I could walk through

When You don’t give the answers as I cry out to You

I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You!

B.      “though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” Job 13:15

C.      So, which is it? Escape, or, Endurance?!  “yes”

D.      After counseling 2^nd grade, daughter, Sarah, “… I’m enduring…”

E.       Heb.12:4 “not yet resisted to point of shedding blood…”?!

F.       JW, (co-worker) “…you gotta want to…” as I gave up too soon on job.

G.     Sometimes you look for the exit ramp; sometimes you put it 4WD and plod on.

H.      Some questions have no answers.  Just trust Him.