 The Expression

1) We find this expression used six times in the New Testament. 2) It is found in Luke 18:1; 2 Corinthians 4:1,16; Galatians 6:9; Ephesians 3:13; and 2 Thessalonians 3:13. 3) In the King James it is translated “not to faint,” “faint not,” (4 times) or “be not weary.”

4) Definition: “To turn out to be a coward, to lose one's courage. In the NT, generally, to be fainthearted, to faint or despond in view of trial, difficulty” (CWSD). Thayer says, “to be weary in anything, or to lose courage, flag, faint” (p. 166).

 The Expression  Causes

1) Outward man is perishing. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16). ESV

“Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, Before the difficult days come, And the years draw near when you say, "I have no pleasure in them": While the sun and the light, The moon and the stars, Are not darkened, And the clouds do not return after the rain; In the day when the keepers of the house tremble, And the strong men bow down; When the grinders cease because they are few, And those that look through the windows grow dim; When the doors are shut in the streets, And the sound of grinding is low; When one rises up at the sound of a bird, And all the daughters of music are brought low; Also they are afraid of height, And of terrors in the way; When the almond tree blossoms, The grasshopper is a burden, And desire fails. For man goes to his eternal home, And the mourners go about the streets” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-5).

2) Doing good. “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9). (a) Involves self-denial (b) Interest are diverted (c) Effort not appreciated (d) Do not see immediate results

3) While doing the right thing. “For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (2 Thessalonians 3:10-15).

“Doing the right thing often involves more than showing generosity or practicing charity toward those in need. The majority, or the faithful, are also to do the right thing by withdrawing themselves from every brother who walks disorderly (v. 6), by following the example of Paul and his associates in working to provide for themselves (vv. 7-9), by not giving food to one who will not work (v. 10), by noting such a person and having no company with him (v. 14), and by not counting him as an enemy, but admonishing him as a brother (v. 15)” (Truth Commentary, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Walton Weaver, p. 592).

4) Hardships. “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart…We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed-- always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then death is working in us, but life in you” (2 Corinthians 4:1,8- 12).

5) Problems others are facing. “Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13).

 The Expression  Causes  Preventatives

1) Remember God has been merciful. “Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose heart” (2 Corinthians 4:1). “For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” (1 Corinthians 15:9,10).

2) Will reap in due season. “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:7-9).

3) Focus on heaven. “Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

4) Encouragement from others. “Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory” (Ephesians 3:13). “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. For I have no one like-minded, who will sincerely care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel” (Philippians 2:19-22).

5) Prayer. “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart, saying: “There was in a certain city a judge who did not fear God nor regard man. Now there was a widow in that city; and she came to him, saying, ‘Get justice for me from my adversary.’ And he would not for a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor regard man, yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” Then the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:1-8).

6) Knowing the Lord is with us. “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good…Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:13,16).

 The Expression  Causes  Preventatives