A Sure Pathway To Living An Overcoming Christian Life.
Bible Passage – Joshua 1:1-9 | 1 Sam 17:32-37 | I Sam 30:1-20 | 1 Kgs 19:1-18
DISCOURAGEMENT – A DANGEROUS ENEMY OF THE BELIEVER
Sources of Discouragement And Bulwarks Against Discouragement- Dual Purpose or Reflections
Our Classic Examples Are – Five Young People Who Seem To Have Ready Made Situations and Circumstances For Discouragement.
No, they conquered discouragement and are examples to us today – Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Michael and Abednego – Gen 38-41 | Daniel 1-6
1. Lack of Foundation, Purpose and Godly Goals
a. If the foundation be destroyed Psalms 11:3
b. Eternal God is our Refuge -Deuteronomy 33:27
c. Where is your foundation? Job 38:4
d. They looked for a city which had foundation – Hebrews 11:10
2. Lack of Knowledge God and Righteous Planning
Joshua 1:8-9 | Hosea 4:6 | Proverbs 4:7 | 2 Kings 6:20 | Luke 24:31 | Colossians 1:9 | Mark 8:22-25
3. Chewing More Than You Can Swallow and Greediness
Do not be greedy. The greedy always end up discouraged and disappointed. – thinking highly of yourself, rather be humble – Pride leads to discouragement too. 1 Pt 5:6 | 2 Chron 7:14
4. Not Knowing Who You Are In Christ Jesus
Copying Others; Being Intimidated By Others, No Originality and Not Authentic – James 1:24 | 2 Peter 3:11 | 1 John 3:1 | Daniel 1:8 | Jer 35:5-8
5. Not Looking Unto Jesus : Heb 12:1-2
6. Shutting Out The Holy Spirit – Love, Grace and Fellowship of God: 2 Corinthians 8:9 | 2 Corinthians 13:14 | 2 Corinthians 13:11 | 2 Thessalonians 3:5 | 1 Thessalonians 5:23
Challenges of Life in their Categories – Family, Marriage, Academics, Career, Health, Finance, Relationships etc
John 16:33 | Rom 8:28-39
CONCLUSION
Discouragement is a separation from the Love of God.
The discouraged can be harmful plus dangerous to himself and others.
The discouraged cannot see God
The discouraged cannot know God
The discouraged cannot follow the Lord
The discouraged cannot please and honour God
The discouraged are not fruitful of productivity but only negatively.
