DEFEATISM

Defeatism Defined an attitude of accepting, expecting, or being resigned to defeat a way of thinking in which a person expects to lose or fail "Defeatism." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 27 Jan. 2016. www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defeatism It is accepting that defeat is inevitable. A country boy’s definition: “Whipped before you start.” It is important how we view our challenges, obstacles and foes. “Do not eat the bread of a miser, Nor desire his delicacies; For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you” (Prov. 23:6, 7). Some opposite words and ideas to defeatism is triumph, overcoming and endurance. Paul had no such mind (Rom. 8:35-39).

Defeatism Defeatism in Scripture Defeating Attitudes Dangers of Defeatism Defeating Defeatism

Defeatism In Scripture 10 Spies One Talent Numbers 13:26-33 Main difference between men in Matthew 25. Using the talents versus not using them. Burying talent was burying his “ability.” Key word in Matthew 25:15. Matthew 25:14-30

Defeating Attitudes Today Belief that nothing will work out Nothing we do will make any difference Suspicion: everyone is against me! “Woe is me!” Hypercriticism of leadership Cynicism: a prevailing blindness to what is positive General skepticism No one is interested in the gospel today No one cares for me God can never save me

Five Dangers of Defeatism A contagion Deut. 20:8 Exaggerations Num. 13:33 Overreaction Josh. 7:5-12 Faithlessness and rebellion Deut. 1:26-33 Loss of reward Deut. 1:34-36 Matt. 25:30 Loss of reward: defeatist to wander for 40 years, did not see promised land (Num. 14:32). One talent man—lost what he had (Matt. 25:28). He was also cast into outer darkness (Matt. 25:30). “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9)

Where Defeatism Is Defeated The Attitude of an Overcomer! Romans 12:21 2 Corinthians 4:5-10

Where Defeatism Is Defeated The Inward Renewal 2 Cor. 4:16 Eph. 4:23, 24; 1 Jn. 5;4 The Outward Regard 2 Cor. 4:17, 18 1 Jn. 2:15-17 Outward regard. Israel looked to what was seen (giants, fortified cities, high walls) and became blind to the unseen God. Paul would not become fixed on trials but moved his thoughts to the eternal rewards. Rather than camping on the foolishness of this life, think of how such will not be there. Rather than becoming fixated with the pain in this life, think of how wonderful it will be there. Etc.

Where Defeatism Is Defeated The Inward Resolve, “I can” Numbers 13:30; Phil. 4:13 “Teach me to do your will” (Ps. 143.10) 1 Cor. 15:58 The Upward Reliance, “If the Lord wills” Num. 14:6-9; Jas. 4:15 1 Tim. 1:12 Rom. 8:31 1 Cor. 15:57

Where Defeatism Is Defeated The Inner Peace From Upward Relief Phil. 4:6, 7 Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” 1 Pet. 5:6, 7 The enormity of the obstacles and challenges begin to shrink as they are put in perspective to the larger picture of God. Notice how the defeatist attitude is defeated when we have the perspective that it is God who actually gives the increase (1 Cor. 3:6, 7). See where defeatism is overcome with God in 2 Corinthians 1:8-11. Having the perspective of the greatness of God will always give any situation hope that looks grim. When the people in Moses’ day feared the giants of Canaan, it was because they were blind to God. Joshua and Caleb saw God and therefore did not fear the giants of Canaan.