1. Discouragement Deuteronomy 1:26-33

2. Discouragement Discouraging others is a sin Discouraging others is a sin Putting stumbling blocks in their path, Matt 18:6-7 Putting stumbling blocks in their path, Matt 18:6-7 Discouragement “melts the heart” instead of strengthening with courage Discouragement “melts the heart” instead of strengthening with courage Encourage each other, Heb 12:12-13; 3:13; 10:24 Encourage each other, Heb 12:12-13; 3:13; 10:24 2

3. Why will you discourage your brethren? Numbers 32:7 3

4. With Complaining? Deut 1:26-33 The Nature of Complaining: The Nature of Complaining: – Lack of faith, Deut 1:32; 9:23; Psa 106:24 In God’s word, Deut 1:20-25 (Num 13:1-2) In God’s word, Deut 1:20-25 (Num 13:1-2) In God’s power to bless, Deut 1:25; Jer 32:17 In God’s power to bless, Deut 1:25; Jer 32:17 – Fueled by fear, Deut 1:29 – Begins privately…public, Deut 1:27 – Hinders obedience, Deut 1:26 4

5. With Complaining? Deut 1:26-33 The Nature of Complaining: The Nature of Complaining: – Rebellion against God, Deut 1:26 Complaint can be in form of self-righteous indignation to cover up sin, Jno 12:3-6 Complaint can be in form of self-righteous indignation to cover up sin, Jno 12:3-6 Murmuring and disputing, Phil 2:14 Murmuring and disputing, Phil 2:14 Verify the validity of the complaint or stop it, 1 Tim 5:19-20 Verify the validity of the complaint or stop it, 1 Tim 5:19-20 5

6. With Complaining? Deut 1:26-33 The Nature of Complaining: The Nature of Complaining: – Why it is rebellion against God: Rejects God’s way for man’s way, Jer 18:11-12; Num 14:1-4 Rejects God’s way for man’s way, Jer 18:11-12; Num 14:1-4 Impatient with God’s way, Num 21:4-6 Impatient with God’s way, Num 21:4-6 Disregards God’s blessings, Num 11:1-6 (21:5) Disregards God’s blessings, Num 11:1-6 (21:5) 6

7. By not fighting the good fight of faith? Num 32:5-7; 13:31 (1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 2:4) There is a war to be fought against the world, 1 Pet 2:11 There is a war to be fought against the world, 1 Pet 2:11 – Christians who dabble in the world discourage brethren, Jas 4:1-4, 7-10 Social drinking, 1 Pet 4:3 Social drinking, 1 Pet 4:3 Gambling, Col 3:5 Gambling, Col 3:5 Dancing, Gal 5:19 Dancing, Gal 5:19 Ungodly entertainment, 1 Ths 5:22 Ungodly entertainment, 1 Ths 5:22 7 1 John 1:5-7

8. By not fighting the good fight of faith? Num 32:5-7; 13:31 (1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 2:4) There is a war to be fought against false doctrine, Gal 1:6-9 (2 Cor 10:4-5) There is a war to be fought against false doctrine, Gal 1:6-9 (2 Cor 10:4-5) Some say: “Brethren have never agreed on that subject; why are you saying we must?” Eph 3:3-4; 5:17; 4:3 Some say: “Brethren have never agreed on that subject; why are you saying we must?” Eph 3:3-4; 5:17; 4:3 Some say: “Doctrine isn’t so important; what’s really important is having the right heart!” 2 Tim 1:7-8 Some say: “Doctrine isn’t so important; what’s really important is having the right heart!” 2 Tim 1:7-8 8

9. By not fighting the good fight of faith? Num 32:5-7; 13:31 (1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 2:4) There is a war to be fought against false doctrine, Gal 1:6-9 (2 Cor 10:4-5) There is a war to be fought against false doctrine, Gal 1:6-9 (2 Cor 10:4-5) Some say: “Why do you always preach against error? That’s negative and discouraging!” 1 Kgs 22:13-14; 2 Tim 4:2-4; Titus 1:9-11 Some say: “Why do you always preach against error? That’s negative and discouraging!” 1 Kgs 22:13-14; 2 Tim 4:2-4; Titus 1:9-11 Encouraged when truth defeats error and Satan’s lies are exposed! Jno 8:32, 44 Encouraged when truth defeats error and Satan’s lies are exposed! Jno 8:32, 44 9

10. By not fighting the good fight of faith? Num 32:5-7; 13:31 (1 Tim 6:12; 2 Tim 2:4) There is a war to be fought against spiritual complacency, Heb 6:11-12 There is a war to be fought against spiritual complacency, Heb 6:11-12 – Half-hearted attendance, Heb 10:24-25 Bible classes: Ready to teach and learn Bible classes: Ready to teach and learn Assemblies: Respectful, reverence worship Assemblies: Respectful, reverence worship – Christians in name only, Col 3:9-10 – Critical of diligent faith, Heb 12:3 10

11. We must encourage each other Romans 1:11-12 With faithful words and deeds, Acts 4:36-37 With faithful words and deeds, Acts 4:36-37 Hearing and learning God’s word, Acts 15:30-31; 1 Cor 14:31 Hearing and learning God’s word, Acts 15:30-31; 1 Cor 14:31 Knowing of and being with faithful brethren, Acts 11:23; Phil 2:19 Knowing of and being with faithful brethren, Acts 11:23; Phil 2:19 Working together in the Lord, Eph 4:16 Working together in the Lord, Eph 4:16 11

12. We all need encouragement! Joshua, Deut 1:38 Joshua, Deut 1:38 God expects us to encourage each other God expects us to encourage each other May we never be a discouragement to one another! Matt 18:6-7 May we never be a discouragement to one another! Matt 18:6-7 12