INTRODUCTION:

1. One of the devil’s tools is discouragement.
2. We all have our times of being down and discouraged.
3. There seem to be no shortage of discouragements to preachers
   1. Strain of the work – dealing with people, problems, illness, death, sin
   2. Little success – not as many baptisms, restorations, seeking forgiveness, changed lives, better attitudes
   3. Lonely service of the work – much is done alone, the more the merrier, open to suggestions, ideas, thoughts
4. Paul was discouraged at Corinth
   1. Very wicked, sinful city
   2. Sexually wicked people were called “Corinthians”
   3. God stepped in and encouraged him to stay and work
5. Notice the 3 Encouragements Paul received to keep going

Friends – 1-5a

1. Bearing it alone is always tough
2. Having friends who support and encourage – great help
3. Paul is alone – Trouble is stirred up in Rome – Aquila and Priscilla come to Corinth
4. Then Silas and Timothy come to help out
5. We need to stand for what is right – even if we are all alone
6. It is much easier if there are friends to support and stand with you

Results – 5b-8

1. Paul was “pressed in the Spirit” 5b
2. Crispus – ruler of the synagogue – 8a
3. Many Corinthians – 8b
4. I think about Noah – preached 120 years – converted 7 people
5. We can dwell on the negative – discouraged
6. We can dwell on the positive – see results

Promises of God – 9-11

1. Friends and positive results are an encouragement
2. The greatest encouragement comes from God
   1. Do not keep silent – Don’t stop, don’t quit, don’t let up, speak up, continue to stand for the truth – it will prevail
   2. I am with you – Jesus promised this to each of us – God is on our side – He will not forsake us – He will encourage us
   3. No one will hurt you – God is not only present – He protects – Providence is a wonderful thing if you are in tune with the leading of God
   4. Much people in this city – There too much to do here to move on, there is too much good to be done here,

Conclusion:

1.        The elders and deacons had a meeting last month – planning for 2005

2. The elders are now working on the budget and programs for 2005
3. I am planning sermons and class material for 2005
4. Are you ready to work with us?
   1. The elders are ready to be more aggressive in the work here
   2. I am ready to work to build this church in the coming years.
   3. “There is much people in this city”