BREAKING BONDAGES: HOW TO OVERCOME DISCOURAGEMENT | 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 | Message 1
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4 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. 5 We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
All Christians face discouragement. It can drain our energy, cloud our vision, and whisper lies that God has forgotten us. But the Word of God declares that we are in a spiritual battle, and our weapons are mighty through God.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds… bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
— 2 Corinthians 10:4–5
The Message paraphrase says, “The tools of our trade aren’t for marketing or manipulation… We use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies and fitting every loose thought and emotion into the structure of life shaped by Christ.”
J. B. Phillips put it this way: “The battle we are fighting is on the spiritual level. The weapons we use are not human but powerful in God’s warfare for the destruction of the enemy’s strongholds.”
Discouragement begins in the mind—but victory starts when we bring every thought under Christ’s authority. In this message, we will learn the causes and cures of discouragement according to God’s word.
CAUSES OF DISCOURAGEMENT
1. When we forget the promises of God.
God never abandons His children.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.” — Psalm 55:22
What message is your discouragement whispering to you?
2. When we put our eyes on people instead of Christ.
Others will fail us. Paul said, “Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world.” (2 Timothy 4:10)
Even in ministry, criticism can come from unexpected places. I once received a letter complaining about our ushers, the music, even my altar call—because I asked people to pray out loud and raise their hands. But genuine faith isn’t meant to be hidden—it’s meant to be declared. Fix your eyes on Jesus, not people.
3. When we stop praying.
Jesus said, “Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)
The Psalmist asked, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? Hope in God!” (Psalm 42:5)
There’s an old story about the devil holding a garage sale. His tools were labeled: hatred, jealousy, lust, and pride. One worn-out tool was priced higher than all the rest. When asked its name, Satan replied, “That one’s discouragement. I use it on almost everyone, because few people realize it belongs to me.”
4. When we allow sin to linger.
“If we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses us from all sin.” — 1 John 1:7
5. When we mistake lies for truth.
Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32)
Some Christians think, “I should never feel depressed or angry.” Yet in Gethsemane, Jesus Himself was “deeply distressed… My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death.” (Mark 14:33–34)
Others believe, “God will protect me from all pain.” But Scripture tells us suffering is part of discipleship.
“For to you it has been granted… not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29).
CURES FOR DISCOURAGEMENT
Accept that discouragement is part of life. Even Paul suffered physically. (Galatians 4:13)
Lean on the Holy Spirit. “The Spirit helps in our weaknesses.” (Romans 8:26)
Learn that failure is never final. “Forgetting those things which are behind… I press on.” (Philippians 3:13)
Draw strength from Christ. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Rejoice in your trials. “Do not think it strange… but rejoice that you partake in Christ’s sufferings.” (1 Peter 4:12–13)
Trust God’s plan. “All things work together for good to those who love God.” (Romans 8:28)
A FINAL WORD: D. L. Moody’s Challenge
When Dwight L. Moody was 17, his Sunday School teacher, Edward Kimball, led him to Christ in the back of a shoe store in Boston. Moody said afterward, “I thought the old sun shone brighter than it ever had before.”
That encounter changed history. Moody went on to preach to over 100 million people. Near the end of his life, he proclaimed, “Look at the other world—no death, no pain, no sorrow, no sickness—just joy, peace, love, and life without end!”
Friend, when you feel discouraged, remember Moody’s joy and Paul’s promise: “The weapons of our warfare are mighty through God.” Lift your eyes—your battle is not the end of your story; it’s the beginning of your victory.
