1. Don't take matters into your own hands: Genesis 16:1-5
2. Do what God expects of you: Genesis 17:1-3
3. God seeks a covenant relationshipwith us: Genesis17:4-9
Trust God to redeem your failures.

I. Simeon was promised he would not die before seeing the Messiah. – Luke 2:25-27a;
II. Simeon prophesied Jesus would bring light to unbelievers. – Luke 2:27b-32;
III. Simeon prophesied that Jesus’ life and death would change the world. – Luke 2:33-35.
Jesus reveals God’s glory and love.

I. Not everyone listens to wise counsel. – 1 Samuel 2:22-26; 

II. Help others discern when God is speaking to them. – 1 Samuel 3:7-10; 

III. God’s Word, however painful it may be to hear, must be shared. – 1 Samuel 3:15-18. 

Help others discern the voice of God.

 I. Seek God’s direction in who will carry on after you. – Numbers 27:12-17; 

II. Disciple and empower the one you mentor. – Numbers 27:18-20; 

III. Publicly affirm God’s work in the life of the one you mentor. – Numbers 27:21-23. 

Mentor and disciple those who will be here after you.

I. Acknowledge where you see the hand of God at work. – Exodus 18:9-11; 

II. Offer constructive criticism. – Exodus 18:14-18.

III. Encourage with sound counsel. – Exodus 18:19-21.

Be ready to give and receive godly wisdom

AVOIDING A CRITICAL SPIRIT –

  I. Comparing yourself to others can lead to a critical spirit. -- Numbers 12:1-3;

II. Criticism of others can be a form of questioning God’s work. – Numbers 12:4-9;

III. Confess a critical spirit and return to God. – Numbers 12:10-15.

THE STRENGTH TO STAND AGAINST TEMPTATION. 

I. Standing against temptation is a spiritual battle. – Ephesians 6:10-13; 

II. Standing against temptation necessitates God-given equipment. – Ephesians 6:14-16; 

III. Standing against temptation requires God’s Word and prayer. – Ephesians 6:17-18. 

God equips us to stand our ground against temptation

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – RECOVERING FROM A FALL INTO TEMPTATION. 

I. Joy and blessing flow from God’s forgiveness. – Psalm 32:1-2; 

II. There is no forgiveness without confession of sin. – Psalm 32: 3-4; 

III. Living in a restored relationship with God helps us avoid future sin and temptation: - Psalm 32:6-7. 

There is greater joy in uncovering our sin and finding forgiveness than in trying to cover it up

DEALING WITH TEMPTATION – THE TEMPTATION TO PLACE SOMETHING ELSE BEFORE GOD.

 I. We can be tempted to worship things other than God. – Matthew 4:8-11; 

II. Never forget that it is God who is at work in your life. – Deuteronomy 6:10-12;

 III. When we worship God and follow Him, we will do that which pleases Him and blesses us. – Deuteronomy 6:13-15.

 The greatest joy comes from exalting God.

  I. We can be tempted to test God for our own purposes. – Matthew 4:5-7; 

II. We have no reason to test God when we trust and obey His Word. – Deuteronomy 6:16-19; 

III. We experience God’s goodness and faithfulness as we obey His Word. – Deuteronomy 6:20-25. 

We can trust God without putting Him to the test