Fresh Start // Week 6

Fresh Opposition // Ezra 4-6; Nehemiah 4

“Discouragement is a deadly virus. It saps energy, cripples motivation, and [leads to] apathy and inertia.” - D. Thomas

1. What causes discouragement?

• Opposition / Hard Relationships
• Overwhelming Circumstances
• Unmet Expectations / Slow Change
• Caught in Chaos or “Politics”
• Isolation / Self-Focus

2. How do we respond to discouragement?

A. The Truth of God’s Word and the Gospel

B. The Power of Prayer

C. The Joy of Active Ministry and Teamwork

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” (Acts 6:1-4)

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. How can we pray for each other this week?