Below are notes to a sermon preached Sunday morning and evening, April 21, 2002, at Gospel Light Baptist Church, Albany, Georgia.
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
By Michael D. O’Neal Pastor, Gospel Light Baptist Church Albany, Georgia
Scripture Reading: 2 Timothy 4:1-8
Text: 2 Timothy 4:7
2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Introduction: Some time ago a preacher asked other preachers how they encouraged themselves when they have difficulties getting their people to see the vision that the preachers have. Discouragement is, I believe, one of the devils devices. It not only stops preachers, but it also stops the church members in the pews. People get discouraged over finances, over family problems, over health problems, over a number of things. They struggle daily, and they get tired.
I’m going to take the answer that I gave that preacher and give it to you this morning, that it might encourage us all!
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
I. CHRIST AND CALVARY KEEP ME GOING
Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
A. Jesus is our pattern for endurance
B. Jesus is our power for endurance
- Philippians 4:13
C. Jesus is our pleasure in endurance
- Philippians 3:10 That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
I’m glad that JESUS didn’t quit!
The disciples forsook Him and fled, but He stayed obedient!
Keep “Looking unto Jesus”!
Consider HIM!
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
II. CONVERTS KEEP ME GOING
Psalms 126:6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
John 4:32 But he said unto them, I have meat to eat that ye know not of.
Jesus had been hungry, and the disciples had gone into town to get bread. While they were gone, He won a woman to God. When they came back and tried to get him to eat, He answered (in the O’Neal Revised Version), “I’ve BEEN eating! You missed OUT on the REAL meal!” 🙂
No, not all of my converts “pan out,” but SOME do!
Not everyone I witness to gets saved, but SOME do!
A. I get rejoicing from them
B. I get rewards through them
C. I have a responsibility to them
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
III. CONSISTENT CHRISTIANS KEEP ME GOING
Hebrews 12:1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Timothy 3:10-11 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
What really helps me to appreciate some of the preachers who inspire me is not so much their reputation, big churches, or ability, but is rather their continuous, lengthy service for the Lord! One of the men who has preached (powerfully) for us in the past few years is over 90 years old! Another one is over 80 years old!
A. They show the possibility of staying in the race
B. They show the profit of staying in the race
C. They show the pattern for staying in the race
- Learn from men of God who have served God in the fundamental movement for 50 years!
- Learn from Christians who have been in this church for 10 years or more!
Someone said that a big shot is just a little shot who kept on shooting.
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
IV. CHASTISEMENT KEEPS ME GOING
1 Corinthians 11:31-32 For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.
I’ve been called and sent by God; I didn’t choose this as an occupation! To quit would be disobedience, and God would tan my hide!
A. God’s chastisement is caring
B. God’s chastisement is corrective
C. God’s chastisement is conditional
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
V. CHILDREN KEEP ME GOING
2 Samuel 10:12 Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.
My children are looking up to me. I don’t want to fail them. They are both serving the Lord, teaching Sunday School, working on the bus ministry, playing musical instruments, soul-winning every week.
My grandchildren are looking up to me.
Children in my church are looking up to me. Some of them don’t have daddies. Some of them have never seen their own parents come to church. They see me on Saturday and say, “See you Sunday, Preacher.” I answer, “Well … I’ll TRY to be there!” Then they say something like, “You’ve GOTTA be there; you’re the PREACHER!”
A. They need the security from their parents and leaders
B. They need the stability from their parents and leaders
C. They need the sample from their parents and leaders
- Living for Jesus all your life should be familiar to our children, because they have seen it in their home!
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
VI. THE COMFORTER KEEPS ME GOING
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 15:26 But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:
The Holy Ghost teaches me how to keep going; He helps me to remember the promises of God and that He will give me the power to keep going; and He testifies of Jesus to my heart every day. That still, small voice of God the Holy Ghost lets me know that I don’t have to wallow in discouragement because someone else doesn’t seem excited about the work of God!
A. He reassures me
- As the divine Comforter
B. He refreshes me
- As the Breath of God, filling me!
C. He reminds me of the promises and power of God!
- Jesus said He would bring all things to our remembrance
WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT
VII. THE COMING OF CHRIST AND CROWNS IN GLORY KEEP ME GOING
2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
And there is a special one for pastors:
1 Peter 5:1-4 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: 2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
A. He is my Savior; how can I not be found faithful when He returns?
B. He is my Shepherd; how can I not be following His plan for my life when He returns?
C. He is my Sovereign; how can I not be fighting for His cause when He returns?
So … I just keep preaching!
I just keep praying!
I just keep pressing on!
I just keep trying to portray the right example!
Let’s serve Jesus TOGETHER!
Let’s make a lifetime commitment!