God’s Solution To Our Deepest Problems // Pain In Your Brain [Part 5 Of 5]

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.”  Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)  

HOW JESUS SOLVED OUR BIGGEST PROBLEMS:   

Symptom: Feeling Worthless  

David: “…I was so swamped by guilt I couldn’t see my way clear. I had more guilt in my heart than hair on my head. The guilt was so heavy that my heart gave out.” Psalm 40:12 (MSG)   

Antidote: Jesus Took My Punishment

“It was our weaknesses He carried. It was our sorrow that weighed Him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God, for his own sins! He was beaten that we might have peace; he was lashed—and we were healed! We—every one of us—have strayed away like sheep! We, who left God’s paths to follow our own. Yet God laid on him the guilt and sins of every one of us!” Isaiah 53:4-6 (LB)  

    Symptom: Feeling Powerless   

“What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary. But I need something more! If the power of sin within me keeps sabotaging my best intentions, I obviously need help! I realize that I don’t have what it takes. I can will it, but I can’t do it. I decide to do good, but I don’t really do it; I decide not to do bad, but then I do it anyway. My decisions, such as they are, don’t result in actions. Something has gone wrong deep within me and gets the better of me every time. It happens so regularly that it’s predictable. The moment I decide to do good, sin is there to trip me up. Parts of me covertly rebel, and just when I least expect it, they take charge. I’ve tried everything and nothing helps. I’m at the end of my rope. Is there no one who can do anything for me? Isn’t that the real question? The answer, thank God, is that Jesus Christ can and does. He acted to set things right in this life of contradictions where I want to serve God with all my heart and mind, but am pulled by the influence of sin to do something totally different.” Romans 7:15-25 (MSG)     

Antidote: Jesus Bought My Freedom

“Freedom is what we have—Christ has set us free! Stand, then, as free people, and do not allow yourselves to become slaves again.” Galatians 5:1 (GN)  

“…You are a slave to whatever controls you.”  2 Peter 2:19 (NL)   

“He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone…”  1 Timothy 2:6 (NL)   

    Symptom: Feeling Lonely 

“Once you were alienated from God and you were enemies in your mind because of your evil behavior.” Colossians 1:21    

Antidote: Jesus Restored Me To God

“Now in Christ Jesus you who were far away from God are brought near through the blood of Christ’s death.” Ephesians 2:13 (NCV)   

    Symptom: Feeling Aimless In Life   

“When he looked out over the crowds, his heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36 (MSG)     

Antidote: Jesus Gave Me A New Identity

“God saved us because of His mercy, and not because of any good things that we have done.  He washed us by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He gave us new birth and a fresh beginning.”  Titus 3:5 (CEV)   

“Sin’s power over us was broken when we became Christians and were baptized to become a part of Jesus Christ.  Through His death the power of your sinful nature was shattered…  and when God, the Father, with glorious power, brought Him back to life again, you were given His wonderful new life to enjoy!”  Romans 6:3-4 (LB)