Overcoming Discouragement

1. Read: Phil.4:4-9

2. About the Text:

1) In this passage Paul discusses that key factors to help us avoid discouragement.

2) The basic assumption in these verses is that we have the ability to control our thoughts and emotions.

3) When we really recognize this, and begin to act on it, the path to joy and peace is available.

4) Let’s look at a few things that can set us on that path.

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

1. Stop blaming everyone and everything else for your problems.

1) When we point the finger somewhere else, we take ourselves out of control.

2) This is discouraging because we think we don’t have control over our own lives.

3) Deuteronomy 30:11-14.

2. Realize that any problems that I have are my problems and accept them.

1) This is about confessing sin, but much more than that.

2) I create my own problems, and I must confess that they belong to me.

3) “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings” (Jeremiah 17:9-10).

3. Understand that we have forgiveness in Christ.

1) You are worth the blood of Christ – 1 Peter 1:18-19.

2) Matthew 26:28 – Christ’s blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins.

3) Romans 8:32 – If God didn’t spare His own Son, then why wouldn’t He save you?

4) There is only one reason, because I didn’t really want to be saved.

5) We can take ownership when we know that we have forgiveness in Christ.

1. Recognize and reject any false identity that you may have.

1) One must be honest with self to do this; it may take help.

2) False identities can be found in many objects: beauty, wealth, sex, power, intelligence.

3) We fixate on that which we desire and seek to make it our identity.

4) The problem with false identities is that we can never become what we think we are.

5) It is an impossible task to be something that we are not.

6) “For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself” (Galatians 6:3).

2. Pride is the problem to overcome.

1) The source of our identity problems is our own self/pride.

2) Our pride attaches itself to these various objects of desire so that we can be something in our own eyes.

3) “For he flattereth himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity be found to be hateful” (Psalm 36:2).

4) “For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire; He blesses the greedy and renounces the Lord. The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God” (Psalm 10:3-4).

5) God is in none of his thoughts.”

3. Identify with Jesus

1) Our identity is in Christ as the second Adam (1 Cor.15:45).

2) Galatians 2:20.

3) John 14:6

1. Stop focusing so much on yourself and your “problems.”

1) This is devilish thinking!

2) James 3:14-16 “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

2. Understand that you have something to offer others – love!

1) Our purpose is to love God and love others – Matthew 22:37-40.

2) We were created for love; it is the greatest thing you can do.

3. Make life about others instead of about self.

1) James 1:27 – Pure religion means getting involved in another’s life.

2) Matthew 25:34-36.

1. Trusting in self is what brought you to discouragement.

1) Jeremiah 10:23 – “Oh, Lord I know . . . .”

2) “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” (Pro.16:25).

2. We must take ownership of our life and problems in order to really give them to God.

1) I can’t really give God anything if I haven’t taken ownership of it in my life.

2) This is what confession is about (1 John 1:8-9).

3. Really trusting in God when we go to him in prayer.

1) We must believe when we pray.

2) “Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them” (Mark 11:24).

4. Really trusting in Jesus means doing what Jesus said for the reasons He said it.

1) “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

2) Hebrews 5:8-9 – “Though he were a son . . . .”

1. We overcome discouragement when we . . .

1) Take Ownership of Our Life.

2) Stop Trying to be Someone that We Are Not.

3) Give Yourself Away to Others.

4) Trust in Jesus.

2. Invitation