DON'T BE DISCOURAGED
Introduction:
1. All of us get discouraged from time to time, as we face
various problems.
2. Gal. 6:9 -- Be not weary in well-doing, for
3. How can we keep from "losing heart" or being discouraged?
4. Some of life's problems are almost insurmountable, almost
beyond our ability to cope with, but there must be a way to
handle these.
5. I offer some suggestions on how to overcome discouragements:
BODY:
I. WE CAN KEEP OUR MINDS ON THE BETTER WORLD TO COME.
1. In due season, we shall reap a bountiful harvest
2. Rev. 7:17; 21:4 -- and so many other passages.
3. There is a better place beyond the grave. We need to keep
our eyes focused on it.
4. 1 Pet. 1:13; Col. 3:2.
II. STRIVE TO BEAR UP UNDER TRIALS AND HARDSHIPS:
1. 1 Peter 4:12-13-- Rejoice in face of fiery trials. We all
face adversities, some more than others.
2. Jas 1:2-4--Fiery trials can serve a good purpose.
3. Strive to let hardships become an aid rather than a
hindrance. The strong winds make a tree grow deeper.
4. How often do we see members who have some problem come up
and they blame God, the brethren, etc., rather than
realizing their own sin. Cf. Adam blamed Eve, God.
5. 2 Cor. 4:16-18 -- Paul suffered many hardships; yet, he
called them "light affliction." Why? Because they were not
to be compared to the joys of heaven. The eternal glory.
III. CONTINUE IN THE FAITH NO MATTER WHAT LIFE MIGHT BRING:
1. We can have victory through our faith -- 1 John 5:4.
2. Matt. 14:28-31 -- Peter's desire to walk on the water.
His faith wavered when he saw the waves and wind.
The moments distress caused him to take his eyes off the
Master.
3. We may not walk on water, but we will walk through some
difficult situations.
4. If we focus on the difficulties and hardships, without
looking to Jesus for help, we, too, will despair and sink.
IV. ALWAYS LOOK TO JESUS:
1. Heb. 12:2 -- "Looking unto Jesus....."
2. Jesus stated, "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world."
John 16:33.
(a) These words were spoken in the shadow of the cross.
(b) He knew He was about to suffer excruciating pain on the
cross, the painful death of crucifixion. Perhaps the
most barbaric way of dying.
(c) Yet, He was able to face it by looking at the joy that
was to follow -- Heb. 12:1; John 17:5.
3. Remember, Jesus received a lot of unjust criticism, abuse
from all sides. Even his own chosen apostles turned their
backs on Him; the mob crucified Him, yet, He cried out,
"Father, forgive them."
V. CONTINUE TO HOLD TO THE TRUTH AT ALL COST:
1. Col. 3:17; 2 John 9-11; John 8:31.32.
2. We should never decide anything through emotionalism or a
"what if?"
3. Even as a congregation, we need to not become discouraged.
4. All churches will have problems, and we must deal with them
as best we can.
5. Someone might say, "If only I could attend a church like the
New Testament churches."
6. Yet, Corinth had at least ten major problems that those
brethren had to deal with and solve, if they wished to be
pleasing unto the Lord.
7. We, too, must deal with and solve difficult problems as they
arise. But, let us not become discouraged.
VI. STRENGTHEN OURSELVES IN THE LORD:
1. 1 Sam. 30:6--David was faced with a most difficult
situation. 1 Sam. 30:1-4
2. How did David strengthen himself? We are told in other
places: Ps 18:6; 34:1-9; 40:1-3
3. Pray continuously and fervently. Lk 18:1; Jas. 5:13;
Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 13:6.
VIII. TURN TO THE WORD OF GOD FOR STRENGTH, AND COMFORT:
1. Isa. 40:28-31.
2. All human beings have their weakness, but God's power and
strength never diminishes.
(a) He is never too tired or too busy to listen and help.
(b) He is the source of our strength.
(c) When you feel all of life crushing you and you think you
cannot go another step, remember, you can call upon God
and renew your strength.
(d) "Wait for Jehovah" -- patiently relying on Him to give
us strength.
3. Eph. 3:20-21 -- He is able.
4. Ps 23 -- Yea, though we walk through the valley.....
(a) The imagery in the Psalm is a flock of sheep, gently and
harmlessly, feeding in fertile pastures, under the care
of a skillful, watchful and tender shepherd,
(b) The still waters, flowing from the fountain of Heaven.
(c) Severe and terrible affliction, yet, "I will fear no
evil, for thou art with me...."
VIII, THE N.T. SCRIPTURES GIVE US COMFORT AND STRENGTH:
1. Acts 20:32; 1 Peter 5:8-11.
(a) Satan is the source of all evil and suffering.
(b) God is able to "perfect" (mend or repair) us and make us
strong.
(c) Whatever pain we might have, the Eternal God is the God
of all comfort.
(d) We need to come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain
help in our time of need. Heb. 4:16.
2. Jude 24-25.
(a) Those to whom Jude wrote were constantly facing heresies
and temptations toward immoral living.
(b) Jude encourages the believers to remain firm in their
faith and trust in God's promises for their future.
(c) Now needful for them, for they lived in a time of
increased apostasy.
(d) We, too, are living in a time of immorality and abuse.
3. Although there is much iniquity around us, we need not be
afraid or give up in despair. God is able to keep us from
falling, and to bring us into His presence and give us
exceeding joy. 2 Thess. 2:16-17..
Conclusion:
1. Disappointments, discouragements, and hardships will come.
2. We need to be steadfast and unmovable ourselves.
3. The Eternal God is perfectly able to comfort.
4. One day we shall reap if we do not faint.
5. Let us continue to strengthen ourselves in the Lord.
6. If you are not IN THE LORD, now is the most opportune time
you shall ever have.
(Taken from a lesson by David Riggs)
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