Sermons
From Discouragement to Encouragement
From Discouragement to Encouragement
Text: II Corinthians 1:3-5
Introduction
Life has a way of wearing us down
Being discouraged is a part of life
Everyone, no matter who you are, at one time or another, we will experience discouragement in their lives.
Sometimes things turn out to be harder than we first thought.
Numbers 21: 4-5
The Israelites were discouraged by their journey
I imagine they thought they would walk out of the Egyptian bondage and into the promise land.
It was a hard journey and the Israelites quickly became discouraged and began to
complain and speak against God and Moses.
There are many things in this world that can cause us to be discouraged:
-when life is trying
-when we struggle with sin and temptation
-when family members are troublesome
-when school is difficult
-when work is demanding or exhausting
-when our health is failing
-when your loved ones are hurting
-when the future is unsure
It is easy to become discouraged
Discouragement is a thief.
It robs us of our joy, our peace and our contentment.
And if discouragement dwells with us long enough his friends will join him;
-despair
-doubt
-self pity
-bitterness
-depression and hatred
Discouragement can become so strong in our lives that we may not want to go on living.
Discouragement is
-dissatisfaction with the past
-distaste for the present and
-distrust of the future
The Book of Acts gives us the account of a very interesting man.
He is a Levite from the Isle of Cyprus.
His name is Joseph, but we remember him by his nickname;
Barnabas-Son of encouragement.
Acts 4:36-37 -first read of Barnabas selling his personal property, laying the money at the
Apostles feet to aid the poor Christians in Jerusalem.
Acts 9:27 -It was Barnabas who introduced Paul to the Christians in Jerusalem when no one believed Paul.
Acts 11:20-26 -When word came that people were believing in Christ in Antioch, it was Barnabas who was sent to encourage their growth. Notice it was Barnabas one again who brought Paul into preach.
Acts 13:2 -When God requested two men be sent out to preach the gospel, it was Paul and
Barnabas who were picked to go.
Acts 15:37-40 -When Paul didn’t want to take John Mark on their second trip because Mark had quit on them during the first trip, Barnabas insisted on taking him along to the point of going separately.
At some point in our lives we all need to be encouraged.
Encouragement- the act of inspiring others with renewed courage,
-renewed spirit
-renewed hope,
-to come along side
An airplane can fly against the wind, but it flies faster with a tailwind.
Everyday a Christian is like an airplane flying against the winds of sin.
But God promised He would provide a way to overcome every temptation
I Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure.”
What are we to do when our fellow Christian brother or sister or those in the world become discouraged?
I Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are also doing.”
This isn’t something we do once, but on a daily basis.
Hebrews 3:13,” But encourage one another daily, while it is still called today…”
Most dangerous words, “I can’t”
Paul writes in
Philippians 4:13 ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
We would do well to remember that and we could do much good to come along side those who are discouraged and renew their spirit.
-When you get up in the morning pray, asking God to guide your day to use you to encourage others to be Barnabas
-people who laugh are healthier and live longer than those who don’t
-try to make people smile each day
-you are too blessed too be stressed
Conclusion:
This country seems to be in the grasp of a culture of negativity. We are discouraged about everything.
We have to be careful that this culture of negativity doesn’t infect the church
I Corinthians 1:10
Paul warns the church not to participate in grumbling and there be no division but united with the same mind
Nothing can destroy the unity of a church quicker than a discouraged member who finds fault in everything.
How many of us because of a trial in our lives have been able to help another because of that trial?
There may be someone today who faces a difficult hurdle in their lives and could use the encouraging words of those who have walked the same path.
-light houses are built by ship-wrecked sailors
-hospitals are built by those who are sick
-roads are widened by injured or killed motorists
-where nobody suffers, nobody cares
-when you suffer, you learn to care
-God comforts us to make us comforters of other
Do not become weary in doing good. Encourage those who are discouraged
2016 is a time to report for active duty.
