[Biblemat] S:> Down in Christ

[Ethan R. Longhenry]

This lesson is actually a revision of one written and preached in 2000.

http://www.deusvitae.com/faith/outlines/index.html

                          Down in Christ

I. Introduction
   A. Christianity as a journey
      1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
      2. Philippians 3:12-14
   B. If we take a long journey, we expect that some times we will 
      cross peaks and other times cross valleys
   C. Likewise, as Christians journeying through life, we will 
      experience times of encouragement and times of discouragement
   D. Discouragement often does happen, and it is a subject worthy 
      of discussion
      1. We all know that it is not good to be discouraged
      2. Nevertheless, it does happen, and it does not mean that you 
         are a bad Christian if you get discouraged!
   E. Let us then explore what happens when we are down in Christ
      1. How do we get down?
      2. How shall we persevere through it?

II. Reasons for Discouragement
   A. There are many different reasons, internal and external, that 
      can lead to discouragement
   B. Internal: Sin
      1. Many times, if we sin, it is easy to get down
      2. If we have worked hard to face a temptation 
         (1 Corinthians 10:13), and yet fall again, we know we need 
         to get back up (1 John 1:6-9)...
      3. ...but it can be very discouraging!
      4. No one likes being defeated!
   C. Internal: Despair with Development Level
      1. Even if we do not get discouraged by a sin per se, many times 
         we can be discouraged by our level of development
      2. We may see how much of the race is left to run, or how much 
         more we need to grow (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Peter 3:18), 
         and that can sometimes lead to despair
      3. "Growing pains" can discourage!
   D. Internal: Life Difficulties
      1. We know that we ought to trust in God (Matthew 6:33)...
      2. ...yet such does not mean that we do not go through periods of 
         difficulty in our lives
      3. It may be financial, physical, mental, emotional, or some 
         other such difficulty
      4. It may be the discipline of God (cf. Hebrews 12:6-11)
      5. It may just be life and opportunities to grow (James 1:2-4)
      6. Even so, it may discourage
   E. External: Persecution
      1. As Christians, we many times may suffer persecution, and that 
         can discourage
      2. We know to expect this (Matthew 10:24-25, 1 Peter 2:12), and 
         we know that we don't have it as badly as those who were called 
         upon to die (cf. 1 John 3:16)...
      3. ...but being reviled, insulted, maligned, or otherwise being 
         put in difficult circumstances on account of our faith can 
         discourage
   F. External: Sinful Climate
      1. We trust in God that we can overcome any temptation 
         (1 Corinthians 10:13)
      2. Sometimes, however, we can get tired of fighting sin 
         (cf. Ephesians 6:10-18)
      3. The constant wearing down can lead to discouragement
   G. External: Brethren
      1. Unfortunately, even the brethren can sometimes discourage
      2. They may discourage with their words (cf. Galatians 5:14-15)
      3. They may discourage by poor example or conduct 
   H. These are some of the most common, but by no means the only, 
      reasons for discouragement
   I. What, then, shall we do?

III. The Key to Surviving Discouragement
   A. Let us not deceive ourselves: we all go through periods of 
      discouragement
      1. Our lives are not static, as flat land
      2. We are blessed to enjoy great and wonderful times of 
         encouragement
      3. Where there are peaks, however, there must also be valleys
      4. Discouragement, then, is a reality at times
   B. There are all kinds of reasons for discouragement
   C. Nevertheless, we must survive discouragement, and there is but 
      one key for surviving discouragement
   D. We must not wallow in discouragement but determine to get 
      ourselves out of the funk!
      1. In life, we come across many people who, for various reasons, 
         have given up
      2. Either they came from difficult circumstances or perhaps have 
         suffered some setbacks
      3. Regardless, their attitudes have led to their current 
         predicament
      4. As in life, so in spiritual matters!
   E. When discouraged, we can choose to wallow in our discouragement, 
      to withdraw and magnify the discouragement, and perhaps to fall 
      away...
   F. ...or we can choose to get out of the discouragement and 
      persevere through the trial (James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7)
   G. If you are not willing to make this determination, nothing that 
      follows can help
   H. If we are willing to make this determination, however, how can 
      we make it through?

IV. Surviving Discouragement
   A. We can survive discouragement through positive thinking
      1. Negative thinking will just breed further reason for 
         discouragement
      2. Philippians 4:8-- by focusing on the good, we will think in 
         good and positive ways
   B. We can keep focused on the goal
      1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Philippians 3:14-16
      2. If we keep focused on where we're trying to go, and what is 
         necessary for us to get there, it will give us strength and 
         hope
   C. We can remember God's love for us
      1. John 3:16, Titus 3:3-8, Romans 8:31-39
      2. By focusing on how much God has done for us and how His 
         strength and protection keep us, we will recognize our value
         and gain encouragement
   D. As in all matters, prayer helps
      1. 1 Thessalonians 5:17
      2. Let God shoulder the burden!
      3. By praying about it, God will help you through it
   E. Seek the brethren
      1. Remember: encouragement is one of the main purposes of 
         assembling (1 Corinthians 10:24, Hebrews 10:25)
      2. It is easy to withdraw in times of discouragement
      3. Instead, however, we ought to seek the brethren, for they 
         may be able to help us through it (cf. Galatians 6:1-2)
   F. Read God's Word
      1. There are many good and excellent passages that can encourage
      2. Romans 8, Hebrews 11, 1 Peter 1, for example
      3. 1 Kings 19: Elijah as example of one who was discouraged and 
         got through it
   G. Get busy
      1. What is the maxim?  "Idle hands are the Devil's playground?"
      2. Many times we can work through our discouragement
      3. 1 Kings 19:15-17: God helps Elijah through discouragement by 
         getting him busy
      4. In service we can forget our own problems by helping others 
         through theirs!
   H. These are but a few of the many things that can be done to 
      persevere through discouragement

IV. Conclusion
   A. There are times when we all get down in Christ
   B. There are many reasons that lead to discouragement
   C. There are many things we can do to persevere through it
   D. We must, however, determine that we desire to get through it 
      and not to give up
   E. By persevering, we grow stronger and develop in the faith 
      (cf. James 1:2-4), and we end up being better and stronger 
      Christians
   F. Let us strive to persevere in the race for Christ
   G. Let us also strive to have close association with one another 
      so that we can be of mutual aid to each other!
   H. Invitation/songbook

ELDV

Ethan R. Longhenry/ disciple_of_iesus at hotmail.com
Evangelist, church of Christ in Norwalk, Ohio
 (http://www.norwalkchurch.org)
Website: http://www.deusvitae.com
AIM: Deus Vitae / ICQ#: 28317056
MSN Messenger ID: deusvitae at hotmail.com
Yahoo! Messenger ID: discipuliiesus

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