2. Avoiding Discouragement Hebrews 12:1-3

3. Signs of Discouragement

4. Why We Become Discouraged: The Same Weakness as Before The Excitement of becoming faithful Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts 8:39

5. Why We Become Discouraged: The Same Weakness as Before We soon discover: That temptation is just as strong There is no “supernatural” change

6. Why We Become Discouraged: The Same Weakness as Before How do we remain encouraged? Transformation is an ongoing process - Romans 12:2

7. Why We Become Discouraged: The Same Weakness as Before How do we remain encouraged? Transformation is an ongoing process God desires to forgive us of our sins - 1 John 1:9

8. Why We Become Discouraged: The Failings of Our Brethren A great joy in the Family of God But then we see: Inconsistency/hypocrisy among us Galatians 2:11-14

9. Why We Become Discouraged: The Failings of Our Brethren A great joy in the Family of God But then we see: Inconsistency/hypocrisy among us Ill treatment by Christians Bible classes, meetings, at work, at play Harsh words, evil eyes can be devastating

10. Why We Become Discouraged: The Failings of Our Brethren What do we do to remain encouraged? Keep the right mind: all Christians are growing - Philippians 3:12

11. Why We Become Discouraged: The Failings of Our Brethren What do we do to remain encouraged? Keep the right mind: all Christians are growing Church discipline - 2 Thessalonians 3:6

12. Why We Become Discouraged: The Failings of Our Brethren What do we do to remain encouraged? Keep the right mind: all Christians are growing Church discipline Set better examples - 1 Timothy 4:12

13. Why We Become Discouraged: The Reproach of Christ The joy of being right with God But then the world draw us away - Mark 4:18-19 - Cares of this world - Deceitful riches - Desires for other things

14. Why We Become Discouraged: The Reproach of Christ How do we remain encouraged? Learn to "seek first the kingdom” Clarify internally what we love the most Develop deep relationships w/ Brethren

15. Why We Become Discouraged: A Lack of “Success” We seek to convert everyone around us We are discouraged when no one listens 1 Kings 19:4 Acts 17:32-33

16. Why We Become Discouraged: A Lack of “Success” How do we remain encouraged We must understand God’s expectations - God does not count numbers - Jesus was rejected by family and friends - Isaiah 53:3

17. Why We Become Discouraged: A Lack of “Success” How do we remain encouraged We must understand God’s expectations We must remember the work being done - 1 Corinthians 3:6-7