A DISH OF DISCOURAGEMENT

A DISH OF DISCOURAGEMENT

Nehemiah 4:2

TYPE- Textual

THESIS- One of the biggest challenges to an evangelist, is himself, so we will be looking at Nehemiah 4:2 to be better prepared for the discouragement that can be raised about God’s work.

INTRODUCTION- Talking to a lot of preachers who have decades of experience behind the pulpit has helped me beyond measure.

1. One of the biggest battlefields a preacher will face is his mind.

2. One piece of advice I was given was how to work through discouragement.

3. This scripture shows us the negative side.

4. It is my hope that knowing the potential attack on us, we will be prepared when we are served “A dish of Discouragement.”

I. “WILL THEY SACFRICE?” (4:2b)

A. Do you really think you can avoid God’s will (Jonah 1:3)?

B. Do you really think you can do God’s will? —ILLUSTRATION—

C. Do you really think you can commit God’s will? —Jonah

II. “WILL THEY MAKE AN END IN A DAY?” (4:2c).

A. Do you know how hard this battle will be to win? (Proverbs 14:23; 16:3; Colossians 3:23)

B. Do you know how hard this battle will be to share? —ILLUSTRATION—

C. Do you know how hard this battle will be to lose? —Noah

III. “WILL THEY REVIVE THE STONES…?” (4:2d)

A. Do you really think they can be reached? (2 Timothy 3:2; Ephesians 4:18-19)

B. Do you really think they can be saved? —ILLUSTRATION—

C. Do you really think they can be different? —Rahab

CONCLUSION- From preachers I have spoken to, these are the three biggest internal assaults on an evangelist.

1. When we:

a. Doubt God’s direction in our lives.

b. Doubt God’s ability to soften a heart.

c. Doubt the soil before we have planted a seed…

2. We are doubting God!

3. Let us all stand firm in the conviction which brought us this far!