- Introduction
- A. All of us have spiritual problems
- B. Discouraged or proud
- C. How do we humbly live with reality and not fall into despair?
- D. How do we overcome pride?
- I. What Is Discouragement?
- A. Not having enough confidence
- 1. Not sure of relationship with God. Lack of faith, which equals Lack of Love. (1 John 4:17-19)
- B. Discouragement involves failure to adequately deal with God's mercy and grace
- 1. Look through God's eyes (1 John 5:13-14)
- A. Nothing can remove us from Christ (John 10:28-29)
- B. Get positive (Philippians 4:13)
- 2. If discouraged: FOCUS!
- II. What Is Wrong with Pride?
- A. Opposite of Discouragement
- 1. Too much confidence in self
- B. Failure to deal adequately with some parts of truth about self
- 1. King David understood the dangers (Psalm 19:12-14; Psalm 139:23-24)
- 2. It takes work to remain saved (Philippians 2:12)
- 3. Self examination (2 Corinthians 13:5)
- 4. Recognize weakness (1 Corinthians 10:12)
- III. The Answer to Discouragement and Pride:
- A. Look back to cross
- B. The cross humbles and encourages
- 1. Understanding cross removes pride (Romans 5:6-8)
- 2. Cross takes away doubt about God's love (Romans 8:31-39)
- C. In Christ, arrogance and fear replaced with gratitude and joy
- 1. Must be humble (Matthew 5:3)
- 2. God will remind us if we let Him (2 Corinthians 12:7-11)
- 3. Remember we are forgiven (1 Corinthians 15:9-10)
- D. The cross enables us to see people (including ourselves) in a new way, in the light of God's truth
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