Practical Solutions To Real Problems (Jesus) I. Introduction: A. Sometimes the answers to problems are so obvious we miss them or ignore them. B. Have you ever looked and looked for something, only for someone to point out it is right in front of you? C. Jesus has given the means to solve most(if not all) of societies most complicated problems. D. Men have a tendency to make simple things complicated. E. Ever hear: he sure complicates things? F. How much better if the world listened to Jesus! II. Body. A. How should one feel about his enemies? 1. Some have mixed reactions. 2. Others desire to wipe out. 3. Consider the Jews attitudes toward the Roman invaders! 4. Jesus solution: Matthew 5:44. a. Simple solution: replace hate with love. b. Takes quite a battle! B. How does one curb his unlawful and sinful desires? 1. Some say: don't. 2. Others say: change the law--give approval of ungodliness. 3. But the Lord pointed out: a. Matthew 5:28. (1 If the thought does not take root--the action will never be carried out. (2 How different from worldly thinking! b. When one is mad enough to kill someone: Matthew 5:22. (1 Stopped before the act. (2 Best way to control murder. (3 He further pointed out: Matthew 5:23-24. c. On the occasion when men feel vengeance should be sought: Matthew 5:38. (1 Ever said: "I'll get even!" (2 People can be abusive; take advantage of you, etc. (3 Can you imagine the world situation if everyone tried to repay in kind? (4 Jesus said: Matthew 5:39. (5 It is better to take wrong than to do wrong! C. How can one curb his desires for accumulation of wealth? hoarding? skinflinting? cheating? 1. Jesus knew: Matthew 6:21. 2. His teaching: Matthew 6:19-20. 3. When one is more interested in treasure in heaven than on earth: a. He has proper values: Matthew 6:24. b. He puts first things first: Matthew 6:33. c. He can ward off worry: Matthew 6:25. d. Christian knows God will provide. D. The replacement of an evil thought, action, etc., with a good one is a basic principle in Christ's teaching. Replace... 1. Hate with love. 2. Evil with good. 3. Lust with proper thoughts. 4. Disobedience with obedience. 5. Unbelief with faith. 6. The list is endless. III. Conclusion A. Are you and I practicing the solutions of Jesus Christ?-jy