Introduction

One of Satan's favorite weapons against believers is discouragement. Discouragement sets in when we lose our motivation to serve the Lord. The devil uses this attitude to make us lose our fervor in serving the Lord wholeheartedly.

Proposition

However, you can keep your motivation alive.

This passage provides six principles for maintaining motivation:

Be aware of the time you live in (Romans 13:11a)

- Understand the current state of the world and its moral decline.

- Stay alert and spiritually awake, knowing that these circumstances are signs of Christ's imminent return.

- By being aware of the times, you can avoid falling into discouragement due to surrounding circumstances.

Understand that our complete salvation is nearer (Romans 13:11b)

- "Complete salvation" refers to the future day when we will be saved from our earthly bodies and sinful impulses.

- Christ has already provided salvation through His death and resurrection, but the final result is still in the future, awaiting Christ's return.

- Recognize that each passing day brings us closer to the day of Christ's return and our eternal union with Him.

- This understanding keeps your motivation alive, knowing that the day of rest and eternal union with Christ is drawing near.

Reject the works of darkness (Romans 13:12a)

- Voluntarily renounce engaging in sinful activities.

- Prepare yourself for the glorious dawn of God's light in your life.

- Leave behind the deeds associated with darkness by continually seeking repentance, relying on God's grace, and immersing yourself in His Word and fellowship with other believers.

- By renewing your commitment to Christ daily, you can maintain your motivation.

Clothe yourself with the armor of light (Romans 13:12b)

- Embrace the message of God's Word and put it into practice.

- Accept the Word personally and not just as a good message.

- Clothe yourself with the armor of light by discarding the decrees against you and knowing that there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

- Put on the full armor of God, taking your place as a warrior for the Lord.

- By clothing yourself with the armor of light, you can keep your motivation alive.

Live a life of integrity (Romans 13:13)

- Integrity means living transparently, without hiding anything.

- Reject the desires of the flesh, the lustful desires of the eyes, and the pride of life.

- Walk decently, as in the daytime, avoiding actions associated with darkness and dishonesty.

- Living a life of integrity helps maintain your motivation.

Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14)

- "Clothe yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ" means assuming His interests, imitating Him, and being completely on His side.

- Put on the armor of Christ, live according to your new nature, and cover yourself with His righteousness.

- By clothing yourself with the Lord Jesus Christ, you can maintain your motivation for fervent service to Him.

Conclusion

Do not let discouragement overcome you. Recognize that discouragement is a weapon of the devil.

Remember Isaiah 40:28-31: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint" (NIV).

Strengthen yourself in the Lord and the power of His might.

Minister: Pray, guiding individuals through each of these principles. Finally, pray with the new believers, asking the Lord to fill them with hope and encouragement as they trust in His sovereign control over the future.

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