Introduction

What are the signs we may be struggling?

  • Are we withdrawn from God?
  • Are we allowing the world to influence us?
  • Do we have confidence in our salvation?
  • Do we feel guilty and ashamed?
  • Are we fearful, afraid of God’s punishment?
  • Are we withdrawn from God, too ashamed or afraid to talk to Him in prayer?
  • Do we just feel totally unworthy, and we feel like God isn’t there for us?

Deuteronomy 28

  • Deuteronomy 28:1, 14, 15 – If the Israelites did not obey, God would curse them.
  • Deuteronomy 28:16-68 – List of curses God would bring upon them.

Deuteronomy 30

  • Deuteronomy 30:1-3 – If they would obey, God would again bless them.
  • Deuteronomy 30:10, 11-14 – God’s ways are mysterious sometimes … but what God desires and our responsibilities are not a mystery. God wants us to love, honor, and obey Him. If we do, we are blessed. If we don’t, we are cursed. It is as simple as that. It is easy to understand.
  • I Corinthians 10:13

Paul’s perspective of God

  • I Timothy 1:15-16

Parable of the prodigal son

The younger brother (Luke 15:11-19)

  • The younger son feels guilty and ashamed.
  • He was withdrawn from his father, either too ashamed or just afraid to talk to him.
  • The prodigal son felt totally unworthy.
  • He has repented and returned but he doesn’t know if his father will be there for him.

The response of the older brother (Luke 15:25-30)

  • Galatians 5:14-15
  • Philippians 2:3-5

The response of the father (Luke 15:20-24)

  • Overjoyed, celebrates
  • Loving and forgiving
  • Luke 15:32 – “your brother was dead and is not alive again, was lost and is now found”

Are we withdrawn from God?

Humble ourselves and repent.

  • I Peter 5:6-7
  • Acts 3:19
  • Matthew 6:33

Talk to Him, approach Him in prayer!

  • I Thessalonians 5:16-17
  • Romans 12:12
  • Ephesians 6:18

Are we allowing the world to influence us?

Choose God’s word to direct our lives.

  • I John 2:15
  • Matthew 7:18
  • James 4:7-8, 10

Read and study God’s word.

  • II Timothy 3:16
  • John 14:15

Do we have confidence in our salvation?

We have a promise.

  • Colossians 1:13-14
  • I Peter 1:3-5

Conclusion

  • We can have confidence in our salvation!