Bible Sermons Online

GOD SENDS TROUBLE INTO OUR LIFE TO DRIVE US TO CHRIST

* A very sensitive affliction: her daughter vexed by the devil.

Explain: demon-possession - but other forms are very common in our day (exx.)

1. This misery sent as a blessing to this woman. Blessings are sometimes in disguise.
   APPLICATION: Can you believe that for yourself?
2. This is God's way: to drive us out of our complacency and easy attitude to Him.
   Aug: "I had been undone..."
   ILLUSTRATION: The sad case of worldly men - they never have "changed". Explain.
3. The elect are interrupted in life
   ILLUSTRATION: Brownlow North - felt very ill.
   These sudden events shake them out of their ease - like a dog barking to drive us away from our dangerous state in sin and condemnation.
4. It is possible to misuse our troubles.
   Never say, "Why me?"
   Say, "What is God saying by this?"
   APPLICATION: Miseries are often sent to do us good. See this woman here.

CHRIST DOES NOT ALWAYS HEAR OUR PRAYER IMMEDIATELY

* v.23 : "not a word." She was being placed on trial - not refused but tried by Him.

1. Why should Christ so deal with us?
1. A test of our sincerity. "Fait-weather"
2. A test of our faith. So she got praise.
3. A test of our election. Others turn away.
   APPLICATION: Have you really given up seeking?
2. God will have us learn re prayer:
1. He is Lord of all circumstances
2. He is gracious., but never our servant.
3. It is good for us to suffer delays.
   ILLUSTRATION: It intensifies her prayers (v.25)
   
4. There is a "set time" for prayers to be answered.
   APPLICATION: Perhaps you need reminding of this.
3. "Hope deferred"
• is hard to bear, as Scripture says
• but it is "a tree of life" at last
• how sweet when delays are over!
APPLICATION: Should we need be unswerving in our prayers for blessing for our unsaved friends?

THIS WOMAN TEACHES US HOW TO COME TO CHRIST SO AS TO GET HIS BLESSING

*Notice how she approaches the Lord. She got her prayer answered. She is an example:

1. She sought it with all her heart
   1. Some are half-hearted/double-minded (Explain).
   2. "Nothing matters to me like this".
   3. Think how precious God's grace is!

   APPLICATION: Half-hearted seekers never find.

2. She was not discouraged by delay
   1. Delay is hard to bear when we are desperate.
   2. Illustration: Augustine: "Why not TODAY?"
   3. God has a time for blessing us.

   APPLICATION: Have you felt God's delays?

3. She was not put off by hard doctrine
   1. The priority of the Jews - they "children"/we "dogs"
   2. Election, etc. puts some off the Gospel
   3. But real seekers press on to get Christ

   APPLICATION: Take God's blessing on His terms, not yours.

4. She had a humble attitude to herself
   1. Her striking reply: "I am no better than a dog".
   2. She abased herself: this is rare - this is difficult - this is contrary to our heart.
   3. She "conquered" Christ by humility.

   APPLICATION: The only way to "master" Christ is to put yourself low in submission.