Have You Groaned Lately?
Introduction

I. 	Perhaps you are just at the deep sighing level, but I suspect there is the strong probability that at least some of us have “groaned” over the last few weeks.
II. 	The dictionary lists the following among the definitions of “groan:”  “1. to utter a deep sound expressing pain, distress, or disapproval.  2. to make a sound like this:  as, the wind groans.  3.  to suffer deeply from cruelty, etc.  4. to be loaded or weighed down.”
III. 	The last definition fits the thoughts of our lesson.
A. 	Biblical teaching relates to this kind of groaning.
B. 	Paul experienced it, and we do as well.
C. 	There are some burdens that just seem impossible to bear.
IV. Please think with me about the subject of groaning.

Body

I. 	Paul expressed the thought of his and our groaning in II Cor. 5:4a.
A. 	He spoke of his ministry to preach the gospel and of his difficulties or problems which he experienced.  II Cor. 4:1-15.
1. 	The ministry of preaching the gospel required the right attitude.  Vss. 1-6.
2. 	The treasure of the gospel was in an “earthen vessel” so that the glory would go to God, but such produced problems for Paul.  Vss. 7-12.
3. 	The problems Paul had would benefit others.  Vss. 12-15.
4. 	Paul was encouraged even though his outward man was decaying.  Vss. 16-18.
B. 	We also experience this groaning.  II Cor. 5:4a.
1. 	We may experience it because of financial problems and worry about them.
a. 	We should pray for what we need.  Matt. 6:9-13.
b. 	We should also work to meet these needs.  Eph. 4:28.
c. 	We should then trust in God to provide for us.  Matt. 6:24-33.
2. 	We may groan because of health problems.
a. 	Paul had experienced his “thorn in the flesh.”  II Cor. 12:1-10.
b. 	We may experience such problems.
c. 	We should do everything we can to take care of our bodies.  I Tim. 4:7b-8.
d. 	We should also pray.  Jas. 5:13-15.
3. 	We may groan because of family problems.
a. 	We may see loved ones that are lost.
b. 	We should teach those that are lost.  II Tim. 2:2; Heb. 5:12-14.
c. 	Set the right example and pray.  I Pet. 3:1-6; I Tim. 4:12.
4. 	We may groan because we don’t even have the right words to pray.
a. 	God will hear our groanings.  Rom. 8:26-27.
b. 	Just keep on praying without ceasing.  I Thes. 5:17.
5. 	There may be multiple other problems that cause us to groan.
a. 	We should do our best to resolve them.
b. 	We should also pray and trust in God.

II. 	Remember that one day our groanings will turn into joy if we are faithful to God.
A. 	God has prepared for us a better life.  II Cor. 5:1-10.
B. 	For that reason we must be faithful to God.  Vss. 9-10; I Cor. 15:58.
C. 	We must not faint.  II Cor. 4:16; Gal. 6:7-10.

Have You Groaned Lately?, Page 2.

Conclusion

I. 	Even though we may groan in this life, we know a better day is coming.
II. 	Surely all of us in this audience want to go to be with God when this life is over.
III. 	Act like it by how you attend and participate in the meetings of the Lord.
IV. 	Do your part in helping save those in your family and your friends and neighbors.
V. 	If we are not right with God, let us not let this day pass away without our doing God’s will. 
VI. 	If you are unfaithful as a Christian, repent, confess and pray.  Acts 8:22; I John 1:9; Jas. 5:16..
VII. 	If you are a believer who has never evidenced your faith by obedience, do that today by repenting and by being baptized into Christ for the remission of your sins.  Acts 2:38; Gal. 3:26-27.

Prepared by:
   David Arnold
   April 5, 1998