Sermon Central
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What Do You Do When You Are Caught In A Dilemma
Contributed by Levi Wright on Jun 16, 2007 (message contributor)
Summary: This sermon is meant to give you strength and courage when you are facing a dilemma in your life.
Banner of Praises Ministries
Rev. Dr. Levi Howard Wright, Pastor & Founder
“What Do You Do..... When You Are Caught In A Dilemma”
[21] For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. [22] But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. [23] For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: [24] Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. [25] And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; [26] That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
Introduction
Life can become a great dilemma and can gets rough sometimes.
Some of the choices that we have to make..... sometime can be very difficult.
And sometimes ...... We find ourselves, "caught between a rock and a hard place".
When we are stuck between two possible opinions ..... where an argument could be made for going either way.
This is called a DILEMMA.
➢ A DILEMMA is a situation that requires you to choose between two equally balanced discussions.
➢ There are different kinds of DILEMMAS.
1. Some dilemmas can be very PERSONAL AND EMOTIONAL.
➢ Especially when you want to do two things at the same time.
It is a DILEMMA when you’re in a church or congregation that is not meeting your Spiritual needs.
➢ The problem is especially difficult if you’ve been a member of a church for many years and all your family and closest friends are there.
➢ Do you stick it out and try to help bring about needed changes, which may not be too promising,
➢ Or do you state your disagreement and go somewhere else to fellowship?
Yes.... this is a DILEMMA.
2. Some Dilemmas are very EMOTIONAL DILEMMAS.
➢ For example, suppose a child has had a pet for many years. The bond between them is inseparable. But the animal has an incurable disease that makes it more and more miserable.
➢ You know what the dilemma is. To provide the pet relief means putting it to sleep, but it’s a painful option.
If you think that one is difficult, how about dealing with an adult rebellious son or daughter?
➢ He or she has moved out of the house and is living a lifestyle that is disappointing to God and to you.
➢ But it’s obvious that they need your financial assistance, in fact, they’ve asked for it.
➢ What do you do..... Do you help them...... or do you turn them down?
This is an Emotional Dilemma that will tear you up..... no matter what you decide to do.
3. Then there are GEOGRAPHICAL DILEMMAS.
These dilemmas occur when we want to be in two places at the same time.
➢ Maybe you love where you’ve been living for years, but moving would mean a raise in salary, not to mention the opportunity to make new friends and enjoy some much-needed changes.
➢ But leaving would be difficult because of the kids who are now teenagers, and the longstanding relationships you’ve built up in the church, in your neighborhood and with your family and friends.
When you weigh both sides of your choice of discussions. Neither is ideal.... yet both have their benefits.
➢ Whenever we’re faced with a dilemma.... we’re pulled in two different directions.
➢ And I might add that being older and wiser doesn’t mean that you’re immune to the DILEMMAS and the PROBLEMS in life.
And sometimes ...... We find ourselves, "caught between a rock and a hard place".
I. The Apostle Paul Had To Face Some Personal Dilemma
All of this brings us to the apostle Paul who was a prisoner of Rome in his own house.
If you’re familiar with the book of Philippians, you know that Paul reacted positively to his DILEMMAS and wrote a joyful letter of encouragement to his brethren in Philippi.
✞ In fact, the Philippian letter is best summed up in chapter 4, verse 4: "Rejoice in the Lord always,. Again I will say, rejoice!"
But even with such a positive attitude, Paul admitted that he had a dilemma of his own.
✞ "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful to you." (Philippians 1:21-24).
