Sermon Outline  Dec 9, 2007 Morning Service

Topic: Joy In Your Wilderness    

Text:   Luke 8:23-25 

Introduction

I.        It is a simple but sad reality that you must be tested before God can “place” you.

A.       Every single trial in our life serves as a test of our faith.

B.       Often we fail to realize that storms are temporary.

II.       Perhaps there are some going through a period of testing right now.

A.       If you are not you have and if, by chance, you have not you will.

B.       There will come a time when you will go through the wilderness.

C.      The key to surviving the wilderness is to understand the wilderness.

E.       When you get through the storm you find joy on the other side.

F.       Let’s see what we can learn about going through the storms of life and finding the joy God has for us when they are over (Luke 8:23-25).

Text

I.        First, Understand That All Of Our Problems In Life Are Not Related To Sin!

A.       The Jews strongly believed that if something bad happened to someone, they had committed some sort of sin.

B.       Many still feel the same way.

C.      It is important to ask ourselves how we got into the storm.

1.       “Did sin lead me here?”

2.       “Is it a case of the rain falling upon the just and the unjust?”

3.       “Am I the victim of someone else’s sin?”

D.      Here, how did the disciples get where they were?

II.       Following Jesus Can Lead Us Into Stormy Situations!

A.       Reason #1: The devil seeks to sink the boat you are in!

B.       Reason #2: God seeks to demonstrate His faithfulness.

III.      What We Need To Know Is How To Get Out Of The Storm.

A.       Row your way out.

B.       Ride your way out.

VI.      What Was Jesus Waiting For?

A.       How could He just sleep peacefully; why didn’t he come to their aid?

B.       A hard lesson for many to learn is that faith is increased by the realization that He is the only answer to our storms.

Conclusion

I.        Before the start of His ministry Jesus had His wilderness experience.

A.       It was a time when His faith was put to the test.

B.       The wilderness experience Jesus had prepared Him for what He would face during His time here.

C.      Then, His experiences here enable Him to help us face our spiritual storms (Hebrews 4:14-16).

II.       We need to learn to look for what God might have in store for us.

A.       Near the end of His storm, Joseph concluded “…you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day…” (Genesis 50:20).

B.       In our storms and wilderness experiences we need to learn to look for what God has in store.

Why do we fear telling others about Christ?

He has promised to be with us when we do (Matthew 28:19-20).