## Problems

## John 16:33

We must turn to the Word of God for the answers to life's problems and the way we should deal with them.

I. Principles of Problems.

A. Tribulation = gr. thlipsis = pressure; also translated as persecution, trouble, anguish, and burden.

B. It is incorrect to think that once you come to Christ, all of your problems will be solved.

(John 16:33) These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

C. God uses problems to test our faith and to bring us to maturity.

(James 1:3-4) Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

II. Proverbs and Problems

A. Someone has said that the book of Psalms teaches us how to get along with God.

B. While the book of Proverbs teaches us how to get along with people.

C. Solomon's advice on daily living is the practical advice of someone who struggled with problems-just as we do.

D. Solomon begins his book by listing the benefits of studying these proverbs.

Note: Proverbs 1:1-7

1. The first benefit of studying Proverbs is that we'll "know wisdom and instruction." Note: Wisdom is looking at life from God's point of view.

2. The second benefit is that we will learn to "perceive the sayings of understanding." Understanding is responding to life from God's viewpoint.

3. The third benefit is that we will "receive instruction in wise behavior,righteousness, justice, and equity."

4. The fourth benefit is that we'll gain "prudence," "knowledge,"and "discretion."

III. Principles of Wisdom (Proverbs 1:22-23) How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge?

Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

A. Wisdom is available. Cf Jas. 1:5

(James 1:5) If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

B. Wisdom can be spurned.

(Proverbs 1:24-25) Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:

C. When wisdom is rejected, the results are always bitter.

Pr 1:26-28 I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh; When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me:

IV. Proverbs and Wise People

(Proverbs 1:5) A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

A. Wise people are willing listeners.

(Proverbs 15:31-32) The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.

B. Wise people desire to learn and grow

(Proverbs 9:9) Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.

(Proverbs 10:14) Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

C. Wise people eagerly seek out and accept wise counsel.

(Proverbs 12:15) The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.

The only way for us to deal with our problems is to apply biblical principles. Man's wisdom will not give us the answers. We must turn to the wisdom found only in the Word of God. Then we must apply His Word to solve them.

In the next few weeks we will consider several problems that we all face. The answers to each one will be found. It will be up to us to apply them. If we can trust our eternal destiny to the Word of God then it is also sufficient for our every day living.