Passion + Life = Success

Pericope:  Matthew 26:36-46 - 36 Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” 37 And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” 39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” 40 And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour? 41 Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again. 45 Then he came to the disciples and said to them, “Sleep and take your rest later on. See, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”
Sermon text: Matthew 26:38a My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. NIV my soul is crushed with grief to the point of death NLT
Sermon title: Passion + Life = Success

Hebrews 12: 2 …for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Luke 22:44 - And being in agony he prayed more earnestly; and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

Point 1: The first thing you must do when faced with life’s problems is pray Verse 39 -  And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” James said it best James 5: 13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray… (16) Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other…The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Matt 21: 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer

Point 2:  When faced with life problems prepare to persevere. Verse 44 – So, leaving them again, he went away and prayed for the third time, saying the same words again.

James 1:2-4 - 2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Point 3: When you are faced with the problems of life you cannot depend on your partners to get you through. Verse 40, 42, 43 - And he came to the disciples and found them sleeping. And he said to Peter, “So, could you not watch with me one hour?
42 Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.” 43 And again he came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

A. Stay laser focus

B. Keep the main thing the main thing

C. Distractions never deliver you to your destination

Point 4:  Passion produces power Verse 46 - Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand.”

Luke 22:43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthen him.