WHEN I GET DISCOURAGED AND WANT TO QUIT--2 Timothy 4:1-8; Key vs. 7

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. 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!

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.

A. I Get Rejoicing From Them

B. I Get Rewards Through Them

C. I Have A Responsibility To Them

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 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.

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 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.

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

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.

When I see children on Saturday, they will 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

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:

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

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-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  When He Returns?

C. He Is My Sovereign; How Can I Not Be Fighting For His Cause When He Returns?

Conclusion: 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!