Encouragement

Encouragement

May 29, 2011

Introduction

Encouragement,

What a wonderful thing!

It lifts you up,

Gives your life some zing,

Puts a giggle inside,

And a smile on your face,

It makes things move

At a faster pace,

Adds a spring to your step

Puts a song in your heart

Gives you extra pep

That sets you apart.

What a wonderful gift!

Let's give someone

Who needs a lift,

That attentive word,

That wonderful gift

That'll start them off,

To try again,

That extra boost,

Giv'n by a friend,

Without which they

Might have only failed.

So express your intent,

With a hearty hail!

Give encouragement!

Carolyn I Pinon

So does it matter? Will your encouragement make a difference?

Several weeks ago, I received a note by way of face book from a student I had in class just over twenty years ago. She was thanking me for my example, and for my encouragement to her she said I had inspired her to become a math teacher. I never knew until many years later.

We don’t always know who we have encouraged, or how. The important thing is that we courage others and, or course, in the right direction.

Body

I. The first mention of encouragement in the New King James Bible is Barnabas.

(Acts 4:36-37 NKJV) And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, {37} having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

A. We know Joses by his nickname: Barnabas.(Son of Encouragement)

B. Barnabas went on to take the side of John Mark.

(Acts 15:36-40 NKJV) Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." {37} Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. {38} But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work. {39} Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; {40} but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God.

C. Well, who was right about John Mark\?

(2 Tim 4:11 NKJV) Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.

1. (See next slide also)

2. Barnabas saved a man from being abandoned in the work of preaching.

II. We encourage with the gifts and contributions.

A. There were collections taken for the poor saints in Jerusalem.

(Rom 15:26-27 NKJV) For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. {27} It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things.

B. There has also been concern for the widows in the Jerusalem congregation.

(Acts 6:1 NKJV) Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.

III. We are to encourage each other concerning dying and the world to come.

A. Paul said we were not to sorrow as those who have no hope.

(1 Th 4:13-18 NKJV) But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. {14} For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. {15} For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. {16} For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. {17} Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. {18} Therefore comfort one another with these words.

B. So we are to encourage others in the ways that we can.

C. God is called the God of all comfort.

(2 Cor 1:3-6 NASB) Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort; {4} who comforts us in all our affliction so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. {5} For just as the sufferings of Christ are ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. {6} But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer;

IV. Who are we to encourage?

A. Let’s begin at home.

1. We need to encourage our spouses.

2. We need to encourage our children

B. Let’s encourage in the church.

1. Those who are negligent.

2. Those who are the leaders and active.

3. Those who are limited in what they can do.

V. Who can encourage?

A. Even the very young can encourage with their presence, or with a smile.

B. Those who are older may make phone calls, personal visits, or writing cards or notes.

Conclusion

One way that we encourage is by our example.

Is your life right with God?

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