Conquering Discouragement - 6/17/07
Have you ever been discouraged at some time in your life? Tell me who hasn't! Spriritually, becoming discouraged
can happen to Christians. What does the Word tell us about us about this challenge that many face?
1) There Are Numerous Examples In God's Word
a. Elijah - I Kings 9: 4-18
1. certainly a great man, great prophet, had success yet suffered from discouragment
b. Jonah - Jonah 4
c. Prophets, leaders would feel discouraged, alone...
d. God would encourage them!
2) A Potential Problem For New Christians
a. An exciting time for someone new, yet we sometimes forget....they are NEW!
1. The desire to change has been expressed - Act 2: 37; 2 Corinthians 7: 10
2. There is a desire to serve - Acts 16: 15-16 What if they said, "No, we have other plans, maybe some other
time"
3. The "thread" can be very fragile at first
4. Vulnerable! Luke 8: 13 - parable of the seed
5. Satan will do his best to discourage! I Peter 5: 8-9
6. Jesus was weakened, but didn't give up! Matthew 4
7. We need to encourage each other - Galatians 6: 1-2
b. What do new Christians need?
1. To be at ALL SERVICES, ALL BIBLE CLASSES!
2. Study! There is a desire to learn - 1 Peter 2:2
3. Mature Christians have a major influence! Paul understood this, Colossians 1: 24ff ; Acts 14: 21ff
3) A Potential Problem For All Christians
a. Can come from a variety of reasons: personal, financial, little encouragement, outside influences, church, etc..
1. Can drift away - Hebrews 2: 1 ( example of boats - they need an anchor!)
2. Use it or lose it! golf, surgeon, muscle loss, etc. Proverbs 24: 30-34
3. Influence! Mark 4 - cares of the world
4. Lack of study - Hebrews 5: 13; I Corinthians 3: 1ff
b. Preachers/teachers can be susceptible !
4) What's The Antidote?
a. Don't let your faith waver! Do a constant "check up from the neck up" - 2 Corinthians 13: 5
1. Realize that Jesus said Matthew 6: 30 (care); John 4: 13-14 (love); John 11: 23-27 (abundant life)
John 14: 1-3 (a prepared place for the faithful) Romans 5: 1-2 (rejoice in hope) Romans 15: 4 (refresh)
b. Work! No task, how seemingly insignificant, goes unrewarded! Matthew 10: 42; Isaiah's attitude Isaiah 6: 8
c. Study! 1 Timothy 4: 13-16
d. Encourage! DON"T DISCOURAGE ENTHUSIASM!
e. Look at Paul's example! 2 Corinthians 11: 24-29; 4: 8-9, 16ff