We Do Not Lose Heart

[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

I. Dedicating one’s life to God is a great decision

A. If we do not decide to follow Christ, we are lost by default

B. Isaiah 59:2 – Your sins have separated you from God. The Bible teaches us that unless we follow Jesus we have not hope, John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father.

C. We must obey Jesus’ commands so our sins will be removed

D. Mark 16:16 – Believe and be baptized in order to be saved. Romans 10:9 – Believe and confess in order to be saved. Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized in order to be saved

E. We must remain faithful to God

F. Hebrews 10:26; 35-39 – Remain faithful to God. We need endurance because we may give up

II. Do not lose heart

A. We must not give up even when our brethren discourage us

B. “Some will go to hell by refusing to attend services for risk of sitting by a hypocrite.” -Author unknown1 Corinthians 3:1-4 – Acting carnal.

C. If I am fair, I must confess that I have not always acted as I should.

D. Cannot be content with that, but must repent. We must be patient with others.

E. We must be careful about holding others to our standards

F. We have different backgrounds and maturity levels. We should not judge people by our standards but edify.

G. We must not give up when life gets tough

H. The cares of the world can overwhelm us

I. Matthew 13:20-23 – Cares and riches choke spiritual growth

J. Matthew 6:24-34 – I know that God is taking care of my needs.

K. We sometimes become so focused on the basics of the world (clothing, food, shelter) that we neglect the great work of the kingdom of God. Matthew 7:7-11 – Our Father is a loving Father who knows how to give good things if we ask.

L. Disillusionment can discourage us

M. Luke 24:13-33 (summarize)– men going to Emmaus were confused and discouraged because they did not see the end We can become discouraged because we only see a glimpse of a much greater picture.

N. Short pain of life will be rewarded with eternal rest

O. Romans 8:18 – We have a greater hope after this life2 Corinthians 12:7-10 – great comfort

P. We must not give up when we fall

Q. 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 – I am growing Philippians 3:12-14 – I press on.

R. Peter is an example of endurance

S. Recognized his sinfulness when he met Jesus, Luke 5:8 Impetuous in his youth He grew wise in his old age, 2 Peter 3:17-18.

T. We must not give up when we get tired of working

U. We are to be workers for God, Ephesians 2:10. We are not to boast in our works for we are only doing what we are supposed to do, Luke 17:10. Galatians 6:9-10 – Do not grow weary in well doing.

III. Conclusion: There are so many good things that happen to us to give us strength and bring joy to us. However, there are also many things that discourage us sometimes rocking us to the foundations of our faith. We must not give up; we must pray so we will not lose heart (Luke 18:1). We must keep the hope of eternal peace and joy with our God and freedom from the pain and tears of this life in our hearts so we will bear up under tremendous pressures. God is not watching us endure trials; He bears them with us and gives us strength if we ask. All we need is strength for the day and a dedication that “today I will not give up.” We must not give up for if we lose heart, we lose everything.