Online Sermons
Lesson #5 - Encouraging One-Another
Series: The One-Another WayLESSON #5 – ENCOURAGING ONEE-ANOTHER
THE CHARGE
~ There are numerous New Testament passages that contain a “charge" or exhortation to encourage others.
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After his denial, Peter was directed by Jesus - - Lk.22:32 / when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.
Regarding Paul and his co-workers, Luke notes (Acts 14:22): they returned…strengthening the souls of the disciples,
encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, ‘Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.’
Acts 15:31 / Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brethren...
Acts 15:41 tells of how Paul and Silas traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. cf. Acts 18:23
Concerning Apollos, Acts 19:27 records: the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him...
Even in the midst of controversy, Paul urges (Rom.14:19) - - So then let us pursue the things which make
for peace and the building up of one another. Do not tear down for the work of God for the sake of food...
Paul longed to visit the Christians in Rome - - and find refreshing rest in your company.
Paul rejoiced over the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus & Achaicus saying (1Cor.16:18) - - they have refreshed my spirit...
Similarly, in Col.4:10-11, Paul writes of Aristarchus, Mark & Justus - - they have proved to be an encouragement to me.
1Cor.14:12 / since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.
1Cor.14:26b / Let all things be done for edification.
1Thess.5:11 / Therefore, encourage one another, and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
1Thess.3:2 / we sent Timothy...to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith...
Paul references the authority which the Lord gave him for building up, not destroying. cf. 2Cor.10:8 & 13:10
Paul frequently alludes to the importance of BUILDING UP - - Eph.4:12 & 26
This was an earnest desire of Paul's - - that their hearts may be encouraged... cf. Col.2:1-2 and 4:8
THE EXECUTION OF THE CHARGE
How do we go about encouraging others?
~ By SPOKEN WORDS – Let no unwholesome word proceed from you mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear it. cf. Eph.4:29 with Col.4:6.
~ By EXAMPLES OF FAITH – Rom.1:12
~ By UNITY OF THE SPIRIT – Philp.2:2 / make my joy complete by being of the same mind...united in spirit
~ By ACTS OF GENEROSITY – 2Cor.9:2 / your zeal has stirred up of them...
~ By OUR SENSITIVITY – 1Thess.5:14 / encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men.
cf. Heb.10:24 / let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds...
~ By ASSEMBLING TOGETHER – Heb.10:25
A CHOICE EXAMPLE
~ What an honor to be like Joseph, who was given the nickname Barnabas (son of encouragement). cf. Acts 4:36f
Where might Paul have been without Barnabas (Acts 9:26-27)?
What might have happened to John Mark had Barnabas not interceded (Acts 15:37-39). Note 2Tim.4:11b
P On deck" Praying with and for one another...
