INTRODUCTION

1. Discouragement

a) A common problem

b) Many are overcome by discouragement in life

2. Encouragement

a) This is what we must find

b) We can attempt and achieve much through encouragement

 

FIGHTING DISCOURAGEMENT

1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,

2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself,

lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.

5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him;

6 For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”

7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?

8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Hebrews 12:1-8

1. Weariness and discouragement

a) They often go together

b) Weariness leads to discouragement

c) Discouragement leads to weariness

2. Rebuke from the Lord

a) Despising of the Lord’s chastening

b) Discouragement sets in again

 

THE EXAMPLE OF THE MESSIAH-SERVANT

He will not fail nor be discouraged, Till He has established justice in the earth;

And the coastlands shall wait for His law.” Isaiah 42:4

Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,

despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

1. What the Lord Jesus had to endure

a) He endured the cross

b) He despised the shame hurled at Him

c) He endured great hostility

2. How the Lord endured so much suffering

a) He found joy that was set before Him

i) In His Father’s love

ii) In the will of God

iii) In serving the Father

b) He did not fail

i) He had tasks set before Him

ii) He determined to succeed

c) He refused to be discourage

i) No matter how hard the task

ii) No matter how taxing the work may be

d) Keeping the right Focus

i) To establish justice on earth

ii) Reaching the coastlands

iii) These were very difficult goals

3. The reward of the Messiah-Servant

a) He sits at the right hand of the throne of God

i) In triumphant victory

ii) In His rightful place

b) This is an eternal reward

i) It is not a momentary thing

ii) It has eternal value

 

CONCLUSION

1. The challenge

a) To lay aside every weight

b) To lay aside whatever sin that may entrap

2. To continue

a) To look unto the Lord Jesus

b) As the Author and Finisher of our faith

3. To be encouraged

a) To look at the cloud of witnesses

b) To find encouragement by the examples of all who have succeeded in their faith