“Overcoming Discouragement”

A. Meaning of the term: “To be without courage, hope or confidence”

B. Facts about ourselves that Satan uses to discourage us.

1. We live in an unredeemed body.

Romans 8:23 “..we groan...eagerly waiting for...the redemption of

our body.”

2. We still have the sin nature we were born with.

Romans 7:15-25 “..evil is present with me..”

3. We are not immune from the trials of life.

1 Peter 1:6 “..now for a little while ..you have been grieved by

various trials.”

C. Overcoming discouragement.

Ephesians 1:13-23. Paul prayed for the Christians in Ephesus that

their “eyes of understanding “ would be “enlightened” to three

things: (1:18-19)

1. “..that you may know what is the hope of His calling ..” (2:12 “...

you were without Christ...having no hope in the world.”)

Titus 2:13 “..looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing

of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ..”

Philippians 3:20 “..our citizenship is in heaven, from which we

eagerly wait for the Savior who will transform our lowly body..”

2. “..what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance..”

Romans 8:17 “..heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ..”

Philippians 4:19 “..my God shall supply all your needs according

to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

3. “..and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us..”

6:10 “..be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”

Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens

me”