Young People's Group

Not to Lose Heart

by Mitchell Tan
February 26, 2020

THE CHALLENGE NOT TO LOSE HEART

One of the things that people often struggle with is losing heart. This was something that Paul was concerned about with reference to the Ephesian Church. They knew that Paul was going through a difficult time in prison.

“Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles”
Ephesians 3:1

As he sought to bring the gospel to the Gentiles, he went through much tribulation. The epistle of Ephesians was a part of a group of letters called the prison epistles. 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 gives us a comprehensive description of the things that Paul had to suffer. He was concerned that the Ephesians would be discouraged because of what he had to go through. He challenged them to not lose heart.

THE WAY TO NOT LOSE HEART

How can we learn not to lose heart?

1. BEING ENCOURAGED NOT TO LOSE HEART

“Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”
Ephesians 3:13

Paul personally encouraged the Ephesians to choose not to lose heart. He basically was trying to tell them not to be too worried about what he was going through. He reasoned with them that his suffering was worth it because it was for them. He was a prisoner for the sake of Christ. He was willing to suffer for the sake of the Gentiles. There is a special glory that comes forth when a person is tested in his faith and he continues to trust in God. It would bring forth honour and glory. Paul was able to press on despite his sufferings for the sake of the Gentiles and it redound to their glory. Paul was encouraging the Ephesians to not lose heart.

2. HAVING BOLDNESS IN ACCESS TO GOD

“In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.”
Ephesians 3:12

It is in Christ that there is boldness to this access. Firstly, there is access to God through the Spirit of God. Secondly, we can have access in prayer to God. The Lord Jesus is our mediator between God and man. Thirdly, we have access to the wonderful spiritual blessings that come about when we have faith in Christ. Through this access, we can have a deep sense of confidence through the faith that stems from Christ.

3. LEARNING FROM PAUL’S EXAMPLE OF FAITH

Even though Paul was suffering, he did not lose heart. He exercised faith in blessing the Lord for the all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-12). He could still rejoice and be thankful to Him despite being incarcerated. He exercised faith in being a minister of the Gospel (Ephesians 3:7). He was able to do this according to the abundant grace of God and the effective working of His power. He continued to serve the Lord well in faith.

PERSONAL APPLICATION

1. THINGS IN LIFE THAT CAUSE US TO LOSE HEART

a. Going through stressful times

b. Unable to cope with our studies

c. Seeing other people going through sufferings

d. Dealing with this Covid-19 situation

2. THE CHALLENGE NOT TO LOSE HEART IN LIFE

A. BEING ENCOURAGED NOT TO LOSE HEART

From time to time, we all need encouragement from each other not to lose heart.

B. LEARNING TO FIND CONFIDENCE IN THE LORD AND HIS BLESSINGS

Our confidence is in this access we have to God.

C. LEARNING TO HAVE FAITH LIKE PAUL TO PRESS ON IN TIMES OF TESTING

Let’s seek to exercise faith in all the challenges that we have go through as the apostle Paul did.

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