1. What do I do when a saint fails? When Brethren Disappoint

2. II CORINTHIANS 2:1–10 2 When Brethren Disappoint

3. 3  What Is Disappointment?  It is the feeling of sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one's hopes or expectations.  Disappointment may refer to a person, event, or thing that causes disappointment.  The NT does not use the word “disappointment,” but it certainly describes the feelings and demonstrates the causes and remedy for it.

4. When Brethren Disappoint 4  Occasions of Disappointment in NT―  The turning back of John Mark (Acts 15:37-40)  The church in Corinth (II Corinthians 2:1–3; 13:9)  Demas & others who forsook Paul (II Timothy 4:10)  Some brethren at Sardis (Revelation 3:1–6)  The church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22)  When the 12 forsook Jesus (Mark 14:50)

5. When Brethren Disappoint 5  Why Do Some Disappoint?  No one sets out to disappoint (e.g. Acts 12:12, 25).  It is the ones we love that disappoint because…  We expect them to do right (I Corinthians 13:7).  We trust them (II Corinthians 7:16; 8:22).  We want them to succeed (I Thessalonians 2:19).  We are naturally sad when our brethren stumble or fall (II Corinthians 2:1–3; Romans 9:1–5).

6. When Brethren Disappoint 6  What to Do When Brethren Disappoint?  Maintain your expectations (II Corinthians 2:1–3)  Remember you love them (II Corinthians 2:4).  Don’t take it personally (II Corinthians 2:5a).  Don’t impute sin to everyone (II Corinthians 2:5b).  Be willing to restore the erring (II Corinthians 2:6).  Realize that they are disappointed in themselves as well (II Corinthians 2:7).  Show them that you love them (II Corinthians 2:8).

7. When Brethren Disappoint 7  Why Disappointments Overcome Us―  We have unrealistic expectations (I John 2:1).  We have too low expectations (Hebrews 6:9).  We may be hypocritical (Galatians 6:1).  We are angry & bitter (Ephesians 4:31–32).  We are unwise and ignorant of Satan’s devices (II Corinthians 2:9–11).

8. When Brethren Disappoint 8  Can We Overcome Disappointment?  Yes, if we are realistic in our expectations.  Yes, if we are compassionate toward those that stumble and fall.  Yes, if we do not personalize it, remain angry & become bitter.  Yes, if we can let love cover a multitude of sins (Proverbs 10:12; I Peter 4:8; James 5:20).

9. Where & When Preached 9  Bald Knob, AR (04/19/2015 PM)  Russellville, AR (04/26/2015 PM)  El Dorado, AR