Sin (Satan’s ploy) always offers _attractive alternatives_ when you feel discouragement.
The sinful shame of discouragement is the loss of influence.
1 Samuel 27:12
Now it happened when David and his men came [home] to Ziglag on the third day, [they found] that the Amalekites had made a raid on the Negev (the South country) and on Ziglag, and had overthrown Ziglag and burned it with fire;
I Samuel 30:6 AMP
Today’s Question:
Can you feel _encouragement_ when you experience discouragement?
“Chazaq” Hebrew means “prove courageous, strength, describes a battle scene.”
Is discouragement a sin?
Discouragement is a _temptation_ “common to man.”
1 Corinthians 10:13
Discouragement is dangerous when it . . . .
- Turns to self-pity.
- Paralyzes you from doing what you should.
- Threatens abiding contentment in Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:10
“sorrowful, yet always rejoicing”
The purpose of discouragement is to destroy your personal perspective and trust in God.
1 Samuel 27:1
- Focus on what “might” happen instead of what God “has” done.
“One of these days. . . .”
- False _dependency_ on personal resources instead of God’s promises.
“The best thing I CAN DO. . . ”
_Impulsive_ decision making instead of trusting God.
“. . . . ESCAPE . . . .”
Discouragement puts us in a position to remain courageous and faithful or escape.
So, when does discouragement become sinful?
_Unbelief_- the loss of courage to continue.
Let’s unpack Satan’s tools of discouragement that can become sinful.
1. The setting for discouragement is often a difficult _time of trials_.
2. The scene for discouragement is _deception_.
- Wrong thinking V1
- Wrong feeling V1
- Wrong action V2-3
3. The snare of discouragement is _tolerance_.
- Stress-free V4
- __Acceptance V1
- Security V6,9
4. The results of sinful discouragement.
- _Compromise_
5 Entrapment’ of compromise when discouraged:
1. Acceptance of failure to avoid conflict.
2. Choice of short term relief over long-term benefits.
3. Ignore personal values to please others.
4. Settlement for less to escape the feeling of inadequacy.
5. Avoidance of difficult conversation that leads to unresolved issues.
I Samuel 28:1-2, 29:1-2
- _Consequences_
I Samuel 30:1-5
How do you get encouragement from being discouraged?
_Trust God_- courage to continue.
1 Samuel 30:6
Seasons of discouragement are opportunities for. . . .
- Self-examination
- Blessings