I. I Peter 5:7
A. Elisha A. Hoffman, (Composer and Lyrist, 1839-1929) in visiting
with a woman who had experienced many sorrows and afflictions,
was asked by her "What shall I do?, What shall I do?"
He replied to her, "You cannot do better than to take all
of your sorrows to Jesus. You must tell Jesus." On his way
home he heard echoing in his head, "I must tell Jesus, I
must tell Jesus."
B. 2 Tim. 4:17
II. Verse 1-read
A. I Peter 1:7-9, I Peter 4:13, Matt. 11:28-29 Jesus encourages
us to come to him. In this life we come to him by obeying his
word. But we come to, and communicate to the Father and to Jesus
through prayer. Talking about problems, has long be recognized
as a source of relief from problems. But through prayer, not only
do we talk about our problems, but if it is God's will these problems
may be taken away.
B. II Sam 22:7, Psalms 4:1, Isaiah 25:4, Romans 8:35-39 When we
experience distress--Jesus will help us, love us and care for
us. And just the simple fact of knowing that he is listening can
do all of this. But does he do more?
III. Verse 2-read
A. Troubles--Psalms 34:4-6. The difference between trials and
troubles can be seen in the definition of troubles. It is to disturb
the mental calm and contentment of. Trials seem to be the problems
and burdens that this life hands us. But troubles, in addition
to these, can be mental anguish that we bring upon ourselves.
In other words, REAL and IMAGINED problems. One of the definitions
of trouble is worry.
B. "Kind, Compassionate Friend"-Proverbs 18:24, II Sam.
22:2, Romans 11:26.
Jesus is the ultimate deliverer. not only can he deliver us from
the troubles and cares of this world, but he can deliver us from
the judgment that is to come. His sacrifice enables us to escape
the consequences of our sins. They are done away with and more
importantly-remembered no more!
IV. Verse 3-read
I Cor. 10:13, Heb 2:18, Acts 5:31, Luke 2:11, I Tim. 2:4, I Tim.
4:10, Titus 3:4,5, I John 4:14,15. Jesus can rescue us from our
troubles and trials in this life and in the life to come, only
if we: believe, confess and obey him. We ask him to deliver us
by believing and following him.
V. Verse 4-read
A. "Evil allures, tempted to sin." Col. 2:4, Psalms
62:4, Prov. 2:12-15, Prov. 20:9, Romans 3:23. We all must realize
that temptations are everywhere and are constantly a threat to
our salvation. But to only realize this and not act is to fall
short. The actions that we are to take involve: study of the word,
having fellowship with one another, resisting and most importantly
to our study here-PRAYER.
B. "Victory"-I Cor. 15: 57,58, I John 5:4 It is important
to understand the relationship between our faith and victory over
the world. Victory over the world of sin is contingent upon: not
being of the world, being in Christ (who overcame spiritual death-one
of the consequences of love of the world), and asking him for
help through prayer. Faith is a necessary ingredient for being
IN CHRIST. See Heb 11:6.
VI. "I must tell Jesus"-James 5:15, 16-The power
of Faithful Prayer: it saves the sick, causes the Lord to raise
us up, causes God to forgive sins, can heal others, and availeth
much!
One of the loneliest feelings we can have, comes when we face
a time of need without having a loving friend to talk to about
it. Everyone needs at least one trusted friend in whom to confide.
For the Christian, this friend will always be Jesus!