Dealing with Family Stress

The Stress of Christmas  •  Sermon  •  Submitted   •  Presented   •  41:30
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Dealing With Family Stress

II Timothy 1:1-12

2 Timothy 1:1–12 KJV 1900
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; 4 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; 9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, 10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: 11 Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Introduction:

All of us have situations/people that bring stress into our lives.
More often than not the stress that comes into our lives also brings fear.
All of us have things that we fear.
At one time our society tried to act like there was no fear.
Teenager at a hospital crying over the death of a friend with a “ No Fear T- Shirt.”
I once asked a man if he knew where he would spend eternity when he died. He said, “I’m not afraid of hell, that’s where all my friends are.”
Now our society acts like everything is to be feared especially the truth of God’s Word!!!
As we finish this series on “The Stress of Christmas” I want you to take note of this truth:
Every family, whether it is a Christian family or not, faces issues of concern.
These issues can cause one to develop stress, health problems, emotional difficulties, etc.
These are very real issues which could cause significant fear to creep into our hearts and rob our joy.
Some families fear separation, unfaithfulness, health issues or loneliness.
· How can a mature Christian family live with little or no fear?
· How do we fight the terror of fear?
The Bible provides principles that every Christian family can use in order to overcome stress and fear. The practicing of these three principles will lead to a victorious Christian life.
Let’s read what the Apostle Paul wrote to a young man named Timothy. Timothy was not raised in a “Traditional Family,” but he was a man who had great boldness to lead in the early church.
It is here in this letter to Timothy we find our lesson in dealing with family stress and the fear that it brings.

I. We Must Grow in Our Faith – verse 5

Note – Timothy had been raised on a strong faith in God and God’s Word. In fact, in several places the Apostle Paul refers to this faith of Timothy’s as a gift.
1 Timothy 4:14 KJV 1900
14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
2 Timothy 1:6 KJV 1900
6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
If you have a Big God you have little problems. If you have a little God, you have big problems.
Note – Timothy had a sincere or “unfeigned faith.”

UNFE̱IGNED, a. Not feigned; not counterfeit; not hypocritical; real; sincere; as unfeigned piety to God; unfeigned love to man.

Unfeigned has the sense of not pretending, being genuine, legitimate, real in motives, words and deeds. Oh,that God would help our faith to be unfeigned!!

A. It Was A Faith Based in Scripture

2 Timothy 3:15 KJV 1900
15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Note- Our children need a foundation of faith.
Ill- Researchers at Johns Hopkins University reported that 30 years ago, the greatest fears of grade school children were: 1) Animals, 2) Being in a dark room, 3) High places, 4) Strangers, 5) Loud noises. Today, kids are afraid of the following: 1) Divorce, 2) Nuclear war, 3) Cancer, 4) Pollution, 5) Being mugged.

B. It Was a Faith that Removed Fear – verse 7

Fear is a state of bondage, a lack of belonging.
Many people here today struggle with this type of fear.
Psalm 34:4 KJV 1900
4 I sought the Lord, and he heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.
Note – This fear is like slavery.
Hebrews 2:15 KJV 1900
15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1. Godly Faith is Empowering – His Spirit imparts grace and strength to the believer.

Philippians 4:13 KJV 1900
13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
5-year old Johnny was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there, and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally, she said, "It's OK--Jesus will be in there with you." Johnny walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave when all at once an idea came, and he said: "Jesus if you're in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?"

2. Godly Faith Produces Love –Love enables us to believe, endure and hope in all things.

1 Timothy 1:5–6 KJV 1900
5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling;
1 Corinthians 13:7 KJV 1900
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

3. Godly Faith is A Maturing Faith (Sound Mind)

2 Timothy 1:7 KJV 1900
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Note- A sound mind implies much more; it means a clear understanding, a sound judgment, a rectified will, holy passions, heavenly tempers; in a word, the whole soul harmonized in all its powers and faculties; and completely regulated and influenced, so as to think, speak, and act aright in all things.
1 John 4:18 KJV 1900
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
Isaiah 12:2 KJV 1900
2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: For the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation.
His faithfulness is great, but how is your faith.
Can someone say, “I see a strong faith in that person” when they speak of you?
I. We Must Grow in Our Faith

II. We Must Honor our Family-vs. 5

Note- mother honored the grandmother’s teaching.

That which one generation does in moderation the next generation will often do in excess!!!
Exodus 20:12 KJV 1900
12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
Matthew 15:4 KJV 1900
4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Ephesians 6:1–3 KJV 1900
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. 2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) 3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.
Ill – We have seen a phenomenon in our culture called “Domestic Violence.”
Note – The very place that is supposed to provide security and belonging is attacked the most by Satan in these days.
Many families are not places of encourage or edification.
Note – Husbands and wives must also build one another up. (Especially during the Holidays)
Turn in your Bibles to:
1 Peter 3:5–12 KJV 1900
5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: 6 Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. 7 Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 10 For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile: 11 Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.

A. Wives Encourage Your Husband-1 Peter 3:6

There are many stresses, fears, and challenges every man faces, and God has ordained marriage as one of the relationships to build encouragement into a husband.
Recently one professional hockey player tried to describe his job to the press…..
From the book Sports Shorts, Jacques Plante, a former stand-out goalie for the Montreal Canadians, said of his career: "How would you like it in your job if every time you made a small mistake, a red light went on over your desk and fifteen thousand people stood up and yelled at you?" Try to relax; things could be worse at your office.

B. Husbands Honor Your Wives- 1 Peter 3:7

Note – Sometimes we hear of feminists who criticize the Bible’s teaching regarding a woman’s support of her husband.
The Bible teaches clearly that the husband is to honor his wife. He should build security into his wife.
Note- a wife that is secure is a wife that finds it easy to follow her husband’s leadership!!
New year- get on a budget!!!
Elevate dependability, eliminate doubts.
Note- a couple should never be concerned over the faithfulness of their spouse.
ILL.- IPhone app- “Find Friends” lets Tina know exactly where I am at all the time!!!
Ephesians 5:25–27 KJV 1900
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
I. We Must Grow in Our Faith
II. We Must Honor Our Family

III. We Must Trust in the Providence of God-vs. 9

2 Timothy 1:9 KJV 1900
9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
The word “Providence” comes from two words. The word’s “Pro” and “video.” Together these mean, “To see before.”
Romans 8:28–29 KJV 1900
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

A. God Has A Purpose For His Children – verse 9

Note – The Word purpose means He has a “Plan” for our lives.
Note- We are “called” according to a purpose.
We are “saved/called” for His purpose and not our own!!!!
Galatians 5:13 KJV 1900
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 KJV 1900
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
We can trust His purpose and his plan.

B. His Purpose For Us Is Christ - Likeness –vs. 9

Note- His desire is that we might be Christ-Like.
Romans 8:29 KJV 1900
29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Galatians 2:20 KJV 1900
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
“No Cross, No Crown”
Sometimes the Lord calms the storm. Sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms his child.

Conclusion

How will you handle your family fears? Ignore them? Medicate them? Drink them away?
Romans 8:15–16 KJV 1900
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
Bondage brings fear, adoption allows us to have an audience with God.
You may be a child, a single adult a widow, etc. – God loves you, and He cares for you. His perfect love casts out fear.
Handling stress properly will send fear away!!!
We must grow in our faith; we must honor our families, we must trust in the Providence of God!!
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