ACTS: The Church In Action
delays & discouragement
(Prolonged Discouragement)
Chapter Twenty Four

INTRODUCTION: Delays and discouragement are one of Satan's most effective weapons against the Body of Christ.  The definition of discouragement is to deprive of confidence, hope or spirit.  Symptoms of prolonged discouragement are a lack of motivation, developing a cynical attitude, pessimism, anger, and a strong feeling to isolate one's self.  Paul in Acts twenty-four is delayed from his destiny and tempted to be discouraged by delayed hopes.


deceptive words (24:1-9)
  1. Seductive suggestions and false flattery (24:2-4; Eph. 6:16; Job 31-32; Prov. 20:19; 29:5)
    • An attempt to turn others against Paul. Division is always a tool and strategy of the devil.
    • Don't tell me what I want to hear; tell me what will help us.
  2. Shameful accusations
    • Paul is a plague (5a) "You are no good, a burden to your kids and your spouse"
    • Paul is a problem (5a) "It's your fault", "You always cause a fight"
    • Paul is a radical (5b) "Your faith is the problem", "You're too committed; too emotional"
    • Paul is reckless (6) "You've destroyed your kids", "You have wrecked this relationship and there is no repairing it"
diplomatic words (24:10-21; prov 15:1)
Sincere rebuttal
discouraging words (24:22-27; Prov 15:30; 13:12)
  1. Stifling procrastination (24:22-23, 25-27)
  2. Stirring preaching (24:24-25)
    • Righteousness --------------------> Yesterday's Sin
    • Self Control -----------------------> Today's Temptations
    • Judgement ------------------------> Tomorrow's Judgement
  3. Selfish promotion (24:26-27)
three levels of discouragement
  1. Low level discouragement
  2. Strong level discouragement
  3. Disabling level of discouragement