July 15 , 2007

Myths with Serious Consequences:

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths (2 Tim 4:3-4, NLT)

Myths with Wasteful or Misleading Consequences:

Don't let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths….These things only lead to meaningless speculations , which don't help people live a life of faith in God (1 Tim 1:4, NLT ).

The one we're looking at today is a misleading myth: “God will never give you more than you can handle.” Believing it probably won't keep you out of heaven, but it sure will keep you questioning the goodness of God.

This saying is not in the Bible, but it is a popular misunderstanding of 1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. But God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out, so that you can stand up under it.

What Causes Those Situations We Cannot Handle?

1. Our own sins and choices .

2. Someone else's sins and choices.

3. We live in a broken and imperfect world .

God is a good God in situations that are more than we can handle.

1. He is the God who is there .

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us (Ro 8:37) .

2. He gives us Christian brothers and sisters and the inspiration of an assembly that is there alongside us! God said to Moses in Numbers 11: Bring me seventy of Israel 's elders who are known to you as leaders and officials among the people\...and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone (16-17, NIV).

3. Then, God gives us a song that is here in the heart. This is the ministry of the Holy Spirit to restore and refresh our lives when things get to be more than we can handle. David in Psalm 18:

In my distress I called upon the Lord . When he did, here's the truth he discovered: I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies . The Lord liveth ; and blessed be my rock. Let the God of my salvation be exalted …. So I'll sing praises to Your Name, O God .

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