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Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-10

To Overcome Discouragement

(Lessons from Elijah)

 

Intro.

1.  From man’s way of thinking, Elijah had every reason to be discouraged to the point of despair, 1 Kings 19:3-4, 10, 14:

  a.  Ungodliness of king Ahab led Israel into such sin that God withheld rain for over 3 years (1 Kings 16:30-33; 18:17-18).

  b.  Queen Jezebel massacred God’s prophets and was trying to kill him (1 Kings 18:4; 19:1-3).

  c.  An uncommitted and unwilling populace (1 Kings 18:21).

  d.  Seemed like Elijah was all alone (850 to 1, 1 Kings 18:19, 22).

2.  Yet, the first thing God said to Elijah at the mountain of God was, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:9)

3.  Maybe you are struggling with discouragement and doubt. 

  a.  Elijah’s life is a potent lesson on overcoming discouragement.

  b.  The lessons learned from his life will help us see that, in times of discouragement, God could be asking us the same question.

4.  Like Elijah, our faith can be strengthened and our spirit renewed.

 

I.  HOW TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT.

  A.  Remember What God has Done for You in the Past.

     -(God has sustained you through past trials, 1 Kings 17-18).

    1.  Provisions for life, 1 Kings 17:1-7, 8-16 (Ps. 37:25; Matt. 6:31-34).

    2.  Victories over evil and error by His power, 1 Kings 18:36-40.

    3.  Saved you in Christ (2 Tim. 1:9); Victory over sin and death (1 Cor. 15:55-57); Labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor. 15:58).

  B.  See God’s Present Care and Keeping, 1 Kings 19:5-8.

    1.  We are all a product of God’s grace and love, 1 Cor. 15:10.

    2.  Spiritual blessings:  We are justified by faith, stand in grace, rejoice in hope that does not disappoint, and have the love of God in our hearts, Rom. 5:1-2, 5 (Eph. 1:3).

  C.  Strengthen Personal Faith, 1 Kings 19:4.

    1.  Even the strongest saints become discouraged.

    2.  No one is immune to the debilitating power of discouragement.

    3.  A call to stronger faith – cf. Israel and Joshua, Deut. 31:6-8.

    4.  Discouragement is personal – it feels like you are alone, like you are the only one to go through it. You’re not.

  D.  Stay Focused on the Lord, 1 Kings 19:9-10.

    1.  We become discouraged when we start looking at (focusing on) the wrong things (cf. Peter, Matt. 14:25-33).

    2.  Focus on Jesus, Heb. 12:1-2.

      a.  Set your mind (goals, aspirations, etc.) on heaven (Col. 3:1-4).

      b.  The examples of faith that are set before us (Heb. 11:32-12:1).

  E.  See the Power of God at Work in Your Life, 1 Kings 19:11-14.

    1.  Power of Christ over sin and death (Matt. 28:18; Heb. 2:14-15).

    2.  Power of the gospel (Rom. 1:16).

    3.  Power of obedient living (Phil. 2:12-13).

    4.  Power to do all things God wants of you, Phil. 4:13.

  F.  Realize God Still has Work for You to Do, 1 Kings 19:15-16.

    1.  God isn’t finished with you yet, Phil. 3:13.

    2.  You were created in Christ for God’s good works, Eph. 2:10.

    3.  Remain diligent, Heb. 6:10-12; 1 Cor. 15:58.

  G.  Realize You are Not Alone, 1 Kings 19:18; 18:22 (Rom. 11:4).

    1.  “What can man do to me?” Heb. 13:6 (Rom. 8:31)

    2.  Regard God above and before men, Num. 14:9 (Matt. 10:28).

    3.  The Lord always stands with His faithful ones, 2 Tim. 4:16-18 (Heb. 13:5-6).

  H.  Keep Faith that God Will Avenge Every Wrong, 1 Kings 19:17.

    1.  Do not grow embittered and discouraged when sinned against.

    2.  Do not try to “get even” out of frustration, Rom. 12:17.

    3.  Live peaceably and do good; God will avenge evil, Rom. 12:18-21.

  I.  Remember to Rejoice and Pray, 1 Kings 19:4; Phil. 4:4-7.

    1.  Expression of faith in and reliance upon God (Acts 16:25).

    2.  Fervent prayers of righteous ones are effective, James 5:16-18.

 

Conclusion

1.  Elijah: A strengthened man with God’s help, 1 Kings 19:8.

2.  Discouragement is the devil’s tool to weaken you and hinder your faith and effectiveness in the kingdom,  and finally, to cause you to be lost.

3.  1 Pet. 5:6-8: Learn from Elijah how to cast your cares and troubles on God; He will lift you up. (Do not be devoured by the devil.)

4.  Discouragement is futile and fruitless: “What are you doing here, Christian?” Gal. 6:9-10 (1 Kings 19:9)

 

 

By: Joe R. Price

Posted June 30, 2021