WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CHRISTIAN GETS DISCOURAGED
NUMBERS 21:4 GALATIANS. 6:9
INTRODUCTION: Discouragement is one of Satan's big weapons. Some of the greatest men of the Bible were defeated because of it.
Some time ago I heard a story about Satan's garage sale. On display were many large, shiny, complicated tools. Each was labeled with a tag such as: MURDER, ADULTERY, HATE, STRIFE, etc. Yet in one corner sat a tiny, dull, simple tool with a very high price attached. When asked why that worn out tool was so expensive, Satan replied smugly, "That one is called DISCOURAGEMENT. I can use that one on everybody."
When we get discouraged we will:
I. PRAY THE WRONG PRAYER
(A) Moses prayed to die -Num. 11-15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favor in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
(B) Elijah prayed to die -I Kings 19 And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.
Paradox! Mat 11:29-30 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Our emotions often confuse us.
II. SAY WRONG THING
(A) Job did-Job 3
(B) David did-Psalms 116:l1 Referred to all men as liars.
Discouragement leads to impatience. Tongue engages before brain.
III. THINK WRONG THING
(A) John in prison-Matt. 11
(B) Martha and Mary-John 11
Think God is being unfair. Get out of focus.
IV. DO THE WRONG THING
(A) Moses smote the rock -Num. 20
(B) Elijah ran -I Kings19:3
Take matters into our own hands, mess up and still blame God.
V. SEE THE WRONG THINGS
(A) Giants instead of God -Num. 13:30
(B) Difficulties instead of the power of God -Mark 5
Faithless short-sighted. Only power they possess is their own.
VI. GO TO THE WRONG PLACES
(A) Jonah in the fish -Jonah 1
(B) Elijah under the tree I Kings 19
Feel sorry for the Holy Spirit- Goes places He shouldn’t have to.
VII. GET IN THE WRONG MOODS
(A) Spirit of defeatism
(B) Spirit of murmuring
(C) Spirit of grouchiness
(D) Spirit of criticism
VIII. WE DON’T HAVE TO BE DISCOURAGED OR DEFEATED
(A) Evidence of own Salvation
(B) John 14:1-7 Instant promise!
