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Scripture Reading:  Psalm 31:1-5

Burdens are Lifted at Calvary

Intro.

1.  It is true that each one bears his own burden (Gal. 6:5, responsibilities) & that we are to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2, problems, trials).

2.  Yet, there are burdens we are to “lay aside” – Heb. 12:1:

  a.  Weight:  whatever is prominent, protrusion, mass, bulk.

  b.  Lay aside: “lay off or aside, to wear or carry no longer”, separation.

3.  Burdens are lifted at Calvary (#603) – Isa. 53:4 (Matt. 10:28).

I.  THE BURDEN OF SIN, Jas. 1:21-22 (Eph. 4:22; Col. 3:8-9).

  A.  The Effects of Sin.

    1.  Guilt, shame & grief (Gen. 2:25; 3:7, 10) Psa. 38:1-10.

    2.  Penalty of spiritual death, Rom. 6:23 (Gen. 2:17).

  B.  Trying to Hide Sin Only Increases its Burden, Psa. 32:3-4; Prov. 28:13 (1 Jno. 1:8).

  C.  The Solution for Sin, 1 Pet. 1:24 (Isa. 53:4-6); Jas. 1:21-22.

    1.  Become a Christian & be saved from your past sins (Mk. 16:16).

    2.  When a Christian sins:

      a.  Confess my sin, Psa. 32:5; 38:18; Prov. 28:13.

        1)  To God in prayer, 1 Jno. 1:9 (acknowledge).

        2)  To brethren, Jas. 5:16.

      b.  Repent of my sin, Psa. 51:10-12; Ezek. 18:31-32.

        1)  Cease my sin, Rom. 6:1-2 (Heb. 10:26-27).

        2)  Obey the Lord, Acts 26:20 (bear worthy fruit).

II.  THE BURDEN OF ANXIETY, Matt. 6:25; Phil. 4:6.

  A.  Cast All Your Care Upon the Lord, 1 Pet. 5:7.

    1.  With humility, 1 Pet. 5:5-6.

    2.  With the priorities of faith, Matt. 6:24-25, 30, 33.

  B.  Solutions for Anxiety, Phil. 4:4-9 (be content, 4:11-13)...

    1.  Praise, Phil. 4:4 (Psa. 9:1-12).

    2.  Patience, Phil. 4:5 (Jas. 5:13, 17-18).

    3.  Prayer, Phil. 4:6; Jas. 5:13 (Psa. 6).

    4.  Ponder, Phil. 4:8 (Matt. 12:35; 15:18-20; Eph. 4:23; Rom. 12:2).  (Meditate:  “This word refers to facts not suppositions.” OBGL)

    5.  Practice, Phil. 4:9 (5a); 2:12-13.

-Peace of God (4:7)…the God of peace will be with you (4:9), Col. 3:15.

III.  THE BURDEN OF DOUBT, Jno. 14:1-3.

  A.  Uncertainties are Relieved When we Remember the Lord Controls All Things, Col. 1:16-17; Rom. 8:28.

  B.  Solutions to Doubt Include… 

    1.  Strengthen your faith, Matt. 6:25-34.

      a.  Read the Bible, Rom. 10:17; cf. Psalms, like Psa. 37:39-40.

      b.  Obey the Bible, Jas. 1:22 (busy hands are God’s workshop!).

      c.  Keep faith (endurance), Heb. 10:36.

    2.  Live in hope, Psa. 42:5-6, 11; Psa. 16 (1 Pet. 1:3).

      a.  Rejoice in hope, Rom. 5:2.

      b.  Hope will not disappoint, Rom. 5:4.

      c.  Hope abides, 1 Cor. 13:13.

      d.  Hope is reserved in heaven, Col. 1:5.

      e.  Hope is fully assured, sure & steadfast, Heb. 6:11, 18-19.

IV.  JESUS:  THE SOLUTION TO EVERY BURDEN, Heb. 12:2.

  A.  Author (Captain) & Finisher (Perfecter) of Our Faith (First & Last).

    1.  archegos:  “one that takes the lead in any thing and thus affords an example, a predecessor in a matter, pioneer”, one who makes a beginning.

        -As such, “he stands at the head as the most eminent example that can be referred to on the subject of faith” (Barnes).

    2.  teleiotes:  “a perfector, one who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith” (OBGL).

    3.  Look to Jesus… lay aside sin & life’s burdens… run with endurance to the reward, Heb. 12:1.

Conclusion

   Aren’t you tired of the burdens you are carrying?  (Sin, anxiety & doubt)  Come to Jesus for relief, & He will give you rest!  Matt. 11:28-30 (Psa. 34:17-22)