Let It Go
HANDOUT FOR SERMON: “IT DOESN’T MATTER-JUST LET IT GO.” September 12th, 2021, Manchester. (www.manchesterchurchofchrist.com)
INTRODUCTION:
Jesus calls us to follow Him. In following Christ and learning to think and react like Christ our lives will naturally become more peaceful, calm and a blessing to others. Jesus promised to provide “peace” to those who choose to follow Him. Scripture: John 14:27, John 16:33, 1 Corinthians 1:3, 1 Corinthians 13:11. Have you made the decision to follow Jesus?
SO WHY DON’T YOU HAVE INNER PEACE AND CALMNESS IN YOUR LIFE?
We all experience things that trigger poor or bad behavior. Many of these things are caused by other people, our environment while growing up or our own weaknesses and sin. All humans have things that frustrate them. The phrase ‘It doesn’t matter” at times can be very helpful. You need to be reminded of this when things don’t happen like you want them to. You need it when people say things to you that frustrate you, hurt you or make you mad. Just accept it, things are going to happen that are not fair. It is often things “right in front of you” that cause us to react in a manner which God forbids us. A typical problem for all humans is our immediate emotional reaction!!
We must learn to let things go and just move forward and move on. In our lesson today I hope to suggest items and scripture that will help YOU to move on, move forward and just learn how to let things go that otherwise will weigh us down.
Identify your “trigger points.”
God teaches us to press on no matter what.
God teaches us to forgive ourselves and to forgive others.
Scripture: Philippians 3:13-14, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Hebrews 12:1, Hebrews 12:12.
Life is not easy, how bad can it get? 2 Corinthians 1:8
LESSON:
1.IDENTIFY YOUR PERSONAL FRUSTRATIONS.
What or who frustrates you? Who or what irritates you and discourages you? Make yourself a list of these things as it is very important to identify them. All these frustrations rob your inner peace and cause worry and doubts! All of these are negative emotions for the Christian. God talks about this, warns us about this and expects us to react in a proper manner!
Scripture: Matthew 6:25, Matthew 6:34, Matthew 10:19, Mark 4:19, Luke 12:25.
IMPULSE CONTROL – We all need to learn how to develop the ability to control your emotions and reactions. This will take time, much effort, and perseverance. We will also need God to help us achieve this!
Scripture: Proverbs 25:28, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 Corinthians 9:25, 2 Peter 1:5-8, Titus 2:11-12, Ephesians 4:26-27, Ephesians 4:31-32, Romans 12:21, 1 Thessalonians 5:15, 1 Corinthians 4:12-13, 1 Peter 3:10-12, Galatians 6:10.
Stop letting things out of your control to upset you, frustrate you -but rather give those things over to God. Do NOT let things tear your down! Get control over your own emotions! Stop making excuses for yourself!
PROPER ASSESSMENT & PERSPECTIVE. This is very important! Figure out what really matters. Think of all the good things God has given you and provided for you! Count your blessings. Look at things properly and honestly.
Scripture: James 1:17, 1 Timothy 6:7-8, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Colossians 3:14-15, 1 Thessalonians 5:15-18.
Identify what really matters to you: such as- salvation, eternal life, forgiveness, removal of guilt, having inner peace, your health, your family, your Church family, etc. One thing we must do is: let us stop giving great valve to the things that are NOT eternal and things that really do not matter in the big picture of life!
THE PROPER PRAYER APPROACH. God has told us what to do – PRAY!!! Prayer is a true test of your Christian character. I mean genuine and honest prayer! Praying with a proper spirit or attitude. Pray with the mind of Christ within you!
Scripture: Luke 23:34, Acts 7:60, 1 Timothy 2:8, Ephesians 1:16, Colossians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, Matthew 6:12.
TELL YOURSELF AND TRULY BELIEVE IT- IT DOES NOT MATTER! It is not the end of the world, it is not that big of a deal, it will all be okay.
Scripture: Philippians 3:13, Colossians 3:2
When we say it does not matter, does not mean – I do not care! There is a difference. We can care and care a lot, but we do not allow it to control us, handicap us, rule us and in the end destroy us!
CONCLUSION: God wants you to have inner peace! Work hard to achieve it and preserve it!
1 Peter 3:11 “Let him avoid evil, and do good, let him seek peace and pursue it!”
2 John 1:3 ”Grace be with you, mercy and peace from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.”