How Do We Handle Problems That Overtake Us?
Josh 7; Acts 12

INTRO: The Battle of Ai was a disaster. What happened? The Church at Jerusalem was overtaken by certain defeat, when Herod reached out against the church. We face problems everyday. How do we handle them? This is what is very important. Defeats can be victories.

First, I want to look at Ai, and the…
  1. The problem at Ai - Joshua 7:1-5
    1. Sin was the big problem of Achan vs.1
      1. Achan lusted for things he did not need
      2. Achan reached out for things unpleasing to God
      3. Achan was self-serving
      4. Achan "hid" his sin - almost!

      We can often be guilty of internal problems that hurt us just like Achan.

      Read James 4:1-17

      So if we are not careful, we fall into the same realm of Achan, we become part of the problem like Achan was.
       
    Also…
    1. The people had developed over-confidence in human things vs. 3
    2. The people had become self-dependant in their eyes

      3. (they did not consult God) vs. vs. 2-3

  2. The cost at Ai
    1. Death of innocent soldiers


      2. Often when we have internal problems, it is not only the guilty that suffer.

    2. Death of Achan and family


      3. I know this does not seem hardly fair does it? Why does Achan's family pay the price? Why do they have to die? This is but another example, of how important that we do our very best to serve God while we can influence our loved ones! Ask yourself the question about your life, "How am I affecting my children or grandchildren, etc.?"

    3. Doubting of God by everyone vs.8-9

    Heb. 11: 6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

  3. The Solution at Ai
    1. Looking to God (prayer) 6-9
    2. Get close to God (sanctify) vs. 13
    3. Identify the sin vs. 13-21
    4. Removing the sin 22-26
    5. Following the plan 8:1-29
    6. Trusting God 8:30

Now I want to look at Jerusalem, and…
  1. The problem at Jerusalem - Acts 12
    1. Persecution from outside the church
    2. Church was being squeezed

      3. (emotionally, physically, spiritually and financially)

  2. The cost at Jerusalem
    1. Death
    2. Fear
    3. Confusion, etc.

  3. The solution at Jerusalem
    1. Prayer vs. 5


      2. 5 Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him.

    2. Obedience (Peter obeyed the angel) 7-10
    3. Church services 12-17
    4. Praise vs. 17a
    5. Perseverance 17b (went to another place)


Gary Marcum - East 38th St. FWB - 11-14-99am