May 10 – 16, 2008

JESUS HEALS THE BROKENHEARTED PART – 3

OVERCOMING ADVERSITY

In this lesson you will learn what adversity is, that you are called to overcome adversity, and how to overcome it.

I. What is adversity?

A. “Adversity” means to oppose, stop, hinder, and come against. Adversity comes in the form of troubles, struggles, trials, tribulations, and difficulties.

B. Some examples of adversity are financial needs, physical problems, mental anguish or torment, family difficulty, or destructive habits.

II. You are called to overcome adversity.

A. Revelation 12:11 – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.” The blood has God’s life in it and provides forgiveness for all who will confess Jesus as Lord. You are then justified which means “declared not guilty.”

1. The blood legally frees you from Satan’s dominion because you have been bought with a price.

2. Your confession of who Jesus is and what He has done for you is like a sword in your mouth.

3. You have an opportunity to testify daily what God has done for you and who Jesus is on the inside of you.

B. 1 John 5:4 – “For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that overcomes the world – our faith.” Your overcoming power is based on the fact that Jesus overcame death, hell, the grave, sin, and Satan, and arose victorious.

III. How to overcome adversity – Romans 8:28-39.

A. Verse 28 – Whatever is coming against you, God will turn it for good.

B. Verses 29-30 – In the process of what you are overcoming, God will change you on the inside – your character, personality, words, and attitudes reflect Jesus Christ.

C. Verse 31 – Know God is on your side.

D. Verses 32-36 – Know God forgives your sins.

E. Verse 37 – You are more than a conqueror through Him who loves you.

F. Verses 38-39 – Nothing can separate you from the love of God.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• Share an adversity you have gone through.
• How did you overcome that adversity?
• How have the verses in Romans 8:28-39 helped you be an overcomer?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

It is time to magnify God and not your problems. Stay humble and get rid of pride and arrogance. Robert Schuller said, “Tough times never last but tough people do.”

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: Revelation 12:11 – “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.”