Overly Needy People: Dealing With Those Who Drain You

June 4, 2006
Galatians 6:7-9; John 5:1-17
Dr. Roger Ferguson, Sr. Pastor

THEME: We are in a series of messages entitled "Sandpaper People: Treating Right Those Who Rub You Wrong." Today we will look at people who are high maintenance: the chronically insecure, the drama king and queens, incessant talkers and financial leeches. God loves all people and he calls us to love everyone. High maintenance people require special treatment or you will be drained dry. Learn from Jesus and help others.
I. How to help those who suffer from their bad choices.
(Galatians 6:7-8)

→ Bad Choices →
→ Look for a rescuer →
→ Consequences →
→ Crisis →

1. Provide help not rescue. (Galatians 6:7)
2. Make sure their walk matches their talk. (Galatians 6:8a)
3. Set healthy boundaries. (Galatians 6:8b)
4. Don't obstruct God's way. (Galatians 6:9)

II: How to move from being a drainer to being a fully devoted follower
of Jesus. (John 5:1-17)

1. Be a doer not just a hearer of God's word. (John 5:5-9)
2. Tell your story to give God glory . John 5:10-11)

→ Wise Choices →
→ Grace Platform →
→ Testimony →
→ Crisis →

3. Understand Jesus in control. (John 5:14)

"Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being," declares the Lord? "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
Isaiah 66:2

Make it practical:
1. If you are dealing with an overly needy person, what can you do in the next 24 hours to help without enabling them?
2. If you are overly needy, what is God calling you to do to follow Him fully?
3. Have you honestly asked Jesus to forgive your sin debt and lead your life?