Overcomers, Part 5
"For the accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. 11 They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony..." Revelation 12:10-11 [NIV]
We tend to be too PASSIVE!
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith." 1 Peter 5:8-9 [NLT]
Overcoming...
- religion
- poverty
- confusion
- guilt
- DISCOURAGEMENT
"If we are ever going to attempt to do anything great for God, then we will have to contend with discouragement."
1. Lack of Motivation
A person who is wrestling with "discouragement" will lack spiritual momentum.
2. Afraid
A person who is wrestling with "discouragement" lacks courage.
"A discouraged Christian is an immobilized Christians – threat."
3. Alone
A person who is wrestling with "discouragement" will desire to isolate themselves.
4. Depressed
When we isolate ourselves it is a recipe for depression.
5. Doubtful
A person who is wrestling with "discouragement" will question God's goodness.
The Devil knows that discouragement robs us of our ability to walk in faith!
6. Negative
A person who is wrestling with "discouragement" will be a Debbie-Downer.
"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be a salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?
...Here's another way to put it:
You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand - shine!" Matthew 5:13-15 [MSG]
"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 [NIV]