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Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me

Text: Luke 7:18-28
21 May 2006

(I) STRUGGLES OF HOLDING FAST

1. The mighty Elijah had his low moments 1 Kings 19

a) Gripped by fear

“He ran for his life” 1 Kings 19:3

b) Caught up with self-pity

“I alone am left; and they seek to take my life” 1 Kings 19:10

c) Desire to end life

“And he prayed that he might die” 1 Kings 19:4

2. The mighty John the Baptist had his low moments too

a) Incarcerated by Herod the king

“He shut John up in prison…” Luke 3:20

b) Doubts threatened

“Are You the Coming One, or do we look for another” Luke 7:19

c) Comparison of Confident faith a short while back

“Behold, the Lamb of God which takes away the sin of the world” John 1:29

(II) STRENGTH TO HOLD FAST

“And that very hour He cured many of infirmities, afflictions, and evil spirits, and to many who were blind He gave sight” Luke 7:21
“Go, tell John the things you have seen and heard…
And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me” Luke 7:22, 23

1. Expand Understanding

a) A limited view of Jesus

b) An expanded view of Jesus

2. Exercising of Faith

a) In the Power of God

b) In the Wisdom of God

c) In the Will of God

(III) SUCCESS IN HOLDING FAST

1. Confront doubts

2. Cast out doubts

3. Confidence in Jesus

4. Centering everything in Jesus