Adapted from the series by David Jeremiah

GIANTS SLAYING THE Adapted from the series by David Jeremiah

LONELINESS SLAYING

Series Outline • What is it? • What does it do to me? • How do I kill it?

Secret Weapon Recap • Fear • Love • Discouragement • Humility • Loneliness • Introspection

What is it? • When might loneliness be a good thing? • The burden of leadership. • Consecrated for a purpose. • As part of a sacrifice. • Not to be confused with simply being alone or seeking solitude.

Mark 1:35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

What is it? • Okay, so when is it bad? • THE litmus test: Do you feel empty inside? • Are you tempted to fill the void with something, anything to make it go away? • A.K.A. “Unconnectedness”

What does it do to me? • The Body of Christ example: • How useful is a severed body part? • Works against who you are designed to be. • Some of the loneliest people Dr. Jeremiah has encountered have been in stable marriages. • The parallel track marriage. • Symptoms often include overemphasis on “priorities” such as work or play.

Matthew 19:4-6 "Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ? So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

What does it do to me? • Loneliness is a catalyst giant. It’s a multiplier when mixed with other giants. • How do the lonely fare when faced with: • Physical illness. • Financial hardship. • Spiritual droughts. • Discouragement. • A conventional tactic in war is to separate the enemy from its support.

Step 1: It Happens Periods of isolation happen. They happen for a reason. They happen for our benefit. They happen for the benefit of others. IF you keep your perspective.

Psalm 102:6-7 I am like a desert owl, like an owl among the ruins. I lie awake; I have become like a bird alone on a roof.

Psalm 102:18-22 Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: “The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” So the name of the LORD will be declared in Zion and his praise in Jerusalem when the peoples and the kingdoms assemble to worship the LORD.

2 Timothy 4:9-16 Do your best to come to me quickly, for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.

2 Timothy 4:17-18 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Kill Shot: Introspection • A.K.A. • Looking inward. • “Soul searching.” • Lonely? Where are you with the Holy Spirit? • The Holy Spirit is the best (and only) relationship that we need. • The Holy Spirit facilitates vibrant, meaningful fellowship with others. (Marriage pattern!)

2 Corinthians 13:14 May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Ephesians 4:30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Isaiah 63:10 Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

Romans 8:26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Luke 10:21 At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."

Acts 9:31 Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

Finally Plug into the body of believers. It’s hard to be isolated and alone under and Acts 2 model of fellowship. Be willing to admit need and ask for help. Check your relationship with The Holy Spirit. Reprioritize you life…make sure you are not a source of someone else’s loneliness.

Adapted from the series by David Jeremiah