Worldly discouragements:

Some Christians become discouraged at the wickedness in the world. Lot’s soul was vexed by the wickedness he witnessed every day (2 Peter 2:7–8 (ESV) and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked ⁸ (for as that righteous man lived among them day after day, he was tormenting his righteous soul over their lawless deeds that he saw and heard);

Some Christians become discouraged by persecution (1 Thessalonians 3:1–8 (ESV) Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, ³ that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. ⁴ For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. ⁶ But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— ⁷ for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.

Some Christians become weary of struggling against sin (Hebrews 12:3–4 (ESV) Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. ⁴ In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 4. Some Christians become discouraged by crisis. Job suffered a crisis that none of us have or likely will experience. While he did experience discouragement, he remained faithful to God

(James 5:11 (ESV) Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.

We sing a song titled “I Have Decided To Follow Jesus” (#299), and the second verse reads, “Tho’ none go with me I still will follow, no turning back”. This is the attitude we ought to adopt.

What you can do:

1. Be encouraged by Jesus’ prayer. Jesus warned that disciples would have trouble in the world (John 16:33), but Jesus prayed to the Father asking that He would “keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15).
2. Be encouraged by Jesus’ example. Jesus understands the temptations and discouragements we face and can sympathize with us (Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV) Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. ¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Jesus Himself endured all manner of sufferings because He kept in view the joy that was before Him (Hebrews 12:2).

3. Be encouraged by God’s Sovereignty. Whatever we face, God will ensure that all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28 (ESV) And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

What can others do?

1. Demonstrate what it means to “seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33).

Does your daily life exemplify this to the people you work with? to your family and to your friends? Are you making it clear to others where your priorities lie

2. Make it clear by your example who it is we love the most (i.e., not our jobs, hobbies, etc.) (1 John 2:15–17 (ESV) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. ¹⁷ And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
3. Develop close friendships with new Christians (Acts 2:46; 4:32; Romans 12:15). Friendships centered around Christ and His work, not just social interests.

Often the new Christian is drawn away from a consistent Christian life by the cares of the world–by the job, the family, hobbies and pleasures of life. Not necessarily bad in themselves but so time consuming that they take up all free time. No time left for Christ.

Your friends will often serve to discourage you by luring you back into the things of the world, the old self-destructive patterns of life as well as harmless hobbies and pastimes that just take up too much time. We’ve got to “wise up” to these subtle temptations.

Paul warned “Do not be misled: bad company corrupts good character. Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God…” (I Cor. 15:33-34)

Pleasures and responsibilities Luke 8:14 (ESV) And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature.

Discouragement by friends 1 Corinthians 15:33–34 (ESV) Do not be deceived: “Bad company ruins good morals.” ³⁴ Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

Developing relationships that are in the Lord, not just social interests. Develop close friendships with Christians IN THE LORD

Friendships centered around Christ and His work . Not just social interests.