Help for living
Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
IF WE ARE TEMPTED EVERY DAY, WE NEED HELP EVERY DAY. WHAT IS THAT HELP ?
WE CAN’T BE HELPED WITHOUT A HELPER. IN OUR CASE, IT IS “THE HELPER..” THE HOLY SPIRIT.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
[“THE COMFORTER”=3875 παρακλητος parakletos par-ak’-lay-tos]
1. THE HELP THAT COUNTS COMES FROM GOD.
A. OUR HELP DEPENDS UPON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
IF WE ARE NOT IN FELLOWSHIP, WE DON’T EVEN SEE HELP WHEN IT IS RIGHT THERE. HIS VERY PRESENCE IS HELP INDEED. (THE HOLY SPIRIT).
Psalm 42:5 Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance.
IF WE DO NOT HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH HIM, WE ARE AT A TERRIBLE DISADVANTAGE IN COMMUNICATING WITH THE LORD. WILL THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKE INTERCESSION FOR US WHEN JESUS HIMSELF WOULD NOT ? WOULD THE HOLY SPIRIT HELP US WITH PRAYER IF THE LORD WON’T EVEN HEAR US ? NO. SO, OUR SINS NEED TO BE DEALT WITH.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
B. OUR HELP DEPENDS UPON US LOOKING UP, NOT DOWN.
Psalm 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.
C. WE ARE HELPED BY RECEIVING BLESSINGS FROM GOD.
Psalms 116:13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD.
D. COUNT ALL THINGS AS A BLESSING FROM GOD.
Psalms 116:17 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.
***DIFFICULT TIMES ARE MEANT TO SHOW THE STRENGTH OF THE CHRISTIAN’S GOD.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
2. GOD CAN USE A VARIETY OF WAYS TO HELP. EVEN THROUGH PEOPLE.
A. SOMETIMES HE WORKS THROUGH OTHER PEOPLE WHEN THEY ARE FAITHFUL.
God delights in using people. But, you have to count on them. If they don’t put God first, they are not dependable, and therefore they are not instruments of God’s help.
1 Corinthians 12:28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
EVEN THROUGH PRAYER—IT HELPS IN THAT GOD RESPONDS TO THE CRIES OF HIS PEOPLE.
2 Corinthians 1:11 Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.
3. WE OFTEN HAVE TO DO SOMETHING TO GET HELPED.
A. I MUST BE CLOSE ENOUGH TO HEAR AND SPEAK WITH HIM.
Luke 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
B. I MUST BE WILLING TO THOROUGHLY RECEIVE HIS INSTRUCTION.
FROM HIS SPIRIT AND HIS WORD. **SOME TRY TO GET BY ONLY WITH WHAT THEY THINK ARE LEADINGS OF THE SPIRIT (BUT IN FACT ARE THEIR OWN EMOTIONS). MUST KNOW THE WORD OF GOD.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
C. I MUST RESPOND CORRECTLY TO HIS HELP. THANKFULLY, NOT ASSUMING.
Psalm 63:7 Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.