July 16-17, 2005, Selected

SUMMER ROAD TRIP!
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE!

*** John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
[New International Version]
· Romans 12:10 “Be devoted to one another….” [NIV]
· Galatians 5:13 “…serve one another in love.” [NIV]
· Eph. 4:32 “Be kind and compassionate to one another…” [NIV]
· Col. 3:13 “Bear with each other and forgive…one another.” [NIV]
· 1 Thes. 5:11 “…encourage one another and build each other up….” [NIV]
*** Eccl. 4:9-10 “Two are better than one…. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!” [NIV]

HOW CAN I BE OF ASSISTANCE TO THOSE HURTING ON LIFE’S JOURNEY?

1. BY HAVING A HEART FOR ASSISTANCE!

FOUR WAYS TO HAVE A HEART FOR OTHERS:
A. SEE THE HURTING!
*** Luke 5:18 “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat.” [NLT]
*** Matthew 9:36 “When he saw the crowds, he felt sorry for them because they were hurting and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” [New Century Version]

______________________

B. KNOW THE HEALER!
*** Luke 5:15 “The report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.” [New Living Translation]

JESUS IS THE ANSWER!

C. MAKE THE EFFORT!
*** Luke 5:18-19 “Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to push through the crowd to Jesus, but they couldn't reach him. So they went up to the roof, took off some tiles, and lowered the sick man down into the crowd, still on his mat, right in front of Jesus.” [NLT]
*** Galatians 6:9 “Let us not get tired of doing what is right, for after a while we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't get discouraged and give up.” [Living Bible]

D. REJOICE WHEN THE HEALING COMES!
*** Luke 5:25-26 “And immediately, as everyone watched, the man jumped to his feet, picked up his mat, and went home praising God. Everyone... praised God, saying over and over again, "We have seen amazing things today." [NLT]

2. BY KNOWING HOW TO ASSIST!
*** Galatians 6:1-5 “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” [NIV]

TWO PRIMARY TOOLS FOR ASSISTANCE:

A. FOR THE SPIRITUALLY WEAK - RESTORATION!
“restore him…”
- Matthew 18 - 1 Corinthians 5 & 2 Corinthians 2
*** Titus 3:10-11 “If anyone is causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with that person. For people like that have turned away from the truth. They are sinning, and they condemn themselves.” [NLT]

"RESTORE HIM GENTLY!"...
*** Eph. 4:15 “Instead, speaking the truth in love….” [NIV]
*** James 5:19-20 “…if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back again, you can be sure that the one who brings that person back will save that sinner from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.” [NLT]
***. Jude 1:22-23a “Show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment.” [NLT]

- IF YOU ARE AWARE AND YOU CARE YOU WILL SHARE!

B. FOR THE SPIRITUALLY WEARY - SUPPORT!
“Carry each other's burdens”

HEAR!
ENCOURAGE!
LINK!
PRAY!
SURROUND!

3. BY BEING AWARE OF THE DANGERS OF ASSISTING!
A. WATCH OUT FOR A FALL!
*** Galatians 6:1b “But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” [NIV]
B. WATCH OUT FOR PRIDE!
*** Galatians 6:3 “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” [NIV]
C. WATCH OUT FOR A JUDGEMENTAL SPIRIT!
*** Galatians 6:4 “Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else….” [NIV]
D. WATCH OUR FOR EMOTIONAL LAZINESS!
*** Galatians 6:5 “…for each one should carry his own load.” [NIV]

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” -- Matthew 11:28-29 (NIV)