March 16, 2008

The Place of Pressure

John 18:1 - garden of Gethsemane - means oil press

-olives were stepped on to produce oil.  There is no oil without pressure.........

One Statement

verse 1 - there is a graden

***EVERYONE WILL FEEL PRESSURE***

-Jesus did and we will also

-it is not a one time event - v2

-pressure is simply going to be a part of life - v4

5 Principles That Will Help Relieve Pressure From Your Life

1. KEEP YOUR CLOTHES ON - John 18:6/1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

-spiritual clothes and armor

-we have an enemy - John 18:2 - Judas knew the place

-John 18:3 - Judas brought demons with him

Two Things To Note:

(1) the devil never gives up in his pursuit of us - 1 Peter 5:8-10

(2) there is no level of spiritual maturity that keeps any Christian immune from the devil and his tricks

2. BE A SHEEP - John 18:1-3

-sheep are always found in flocks

-vs1-2 - disciples - we all need people to be around us for support, prayers and help

2 Things rule us when we isolate ourselves:

1. Feelings and emotions

2. The lies of the enemy

3. FORWARD MARCH - John 18:4

-never give up, but keep moving forward

-John 18:15-18 - Peter stopped and backslid

4. EVERY PLACE I GO, IT'S CROWDED - Luke 22:39-46 (v43)

-we are never alone during a time of pressure

-angels, the Holy Spirit, jesus, the Father, friends, family

-Jesus is called the bright and morning star - this is a star that appears right before dawn when the night is coldest and darkest - Jesus is always with us.................

5. HAVE A LITTLE TALK WITH JESUS - Mark 14:32-42

-the flesh does not want to pray - v38

***say no to the flesh and pray

-prayer casts all of your pressure upon the Lord - 1 Peter 5:7

-prayer helps us to understand what is going on - James 1:1-5

***why has this pressure come upon me or my family or my job......................