Let Us Receive Encouragement in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:1-6)
Introduction:
1. According to vs.1-5, David and his men faced a difficult situation. 2. Vs.6 begins by stating that "David was greatly distressed." 3. To make matters worse, the people were talking about stoning David. 4. David responded in vs.6b by "encouraging himself in the Lord." 5. In our lesson we are pointing some ways in which we can receive encouragement in the Lord during times of discouragement.
Discussion:
I. LET US LEARN SOME LESSONS FROM ELIJAH (1 Kings 19:1-18)
A. According to vs.3-4, Elijah isolated himself by withdrawing from everyone. 1. This prevented him from being lifted up by someone else. 2. To receive encouragement, let us follow the instructions given in: a. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 b. Galatians 6:2 c. Hebrews 3:13; 10:24-25. B. Elijah's thinking became irrational. 1. He did not think his life was worth living, and he thought he was the only faithful prophet left. 2. To receive encouragement, let us think rationally. a. Let us think on the right things (Philippians 4:8). b. Our thinking will affect us (Proverbs 23:7). C. From the information revealed to us,: 1. Did Elijah pray? a. He certainly believed in prayer (James 5:17-18), but we do not read about him praying while he was discouraged. b. To receive encouragement, let us pray fervently as we are taught in Philippians 4:6; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; and 1 Peter 5:6-7. 2. Did Elijah count his blessings and thank God for them? a. God had blessed Elijah abundantly. b. To receive encouragement, let us apply 1 Thessalonians 5:18. 3. Did Elijah reflect upon God's power? (Psalm 124:1-5, 8) 4. Did Elijah meditate upon God's Word? (Psalm 119:97, 18). D. Thankfully, Elijah listened to God, he overcame his discouragement, he accomplished the things God gave him to do, and he was taken up into heaven by a whirlwind. E. A good warning for us is given in 1 Corinthians 10:12.
II. LET US LEARN A LESSON FROM DAVID
A. David wrote many powerful and uplifting statements (Psalm 21:1; 23:1). B. He also expressed his discouragement (Psalm 22:1-2). C. To encourage himself in the Lord he reflected upon God's blessings in the past (Psalm 22:3-5, 9-11).
III. LET US LEARN A LESSON FROM JOHN THE BAPTIST
A. Jesus gave a high endorsement of John (Matthew 11:11). B. It seems that John became discouraged in prison (Matthew 11:2-3). C. Jesus revealed the cure for John's discouragement in Matthew 11:4-6. D. To receive encouragement in the Lord, let us study and reflect upon the Lord's great works (John 20:30-31).
Conclusion:
1. No one is immune to discouragement. 2. During times of discouragement, let us remember these principles we have learned from 3 of God's greatest servants: Elijah, David, and John.