To Encourage

June 13, 2004

Introduction

Andy and Claire (our son and his wife) have been trying to decide on a name for their soon to be born son. They have narrowed the list to one of two first name, neither of which was Barnabas. Barnabas does not mean Mr. Encouragement, it means son of encouragement. I would guess that over half the people who know the name Barnabas have no idea that this was only a nickname. “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.” (Acts 4:36-37 NKJV)

Our study this morning is Encouragement. What is encouragement? Who needs it? How do we encourage?

Body

I. What is encouragement?

The American Heritage Dictionary defines encourage this way:

1. To inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.

2. To give support to; foster.

3. To stimulate; spur: burning the field to encourage new plant growth.

A. As indicated by the definition, there are different ways that we encourage:

1. Let me begin with to stimulate.

2. The second part is to spur.

a. This one is so mean that it hardly seems like it should be called encouragement.

b. To spur! Riders spur their horses.

When I was in the hospital, one of the nurses “spurred” me. I still remember her simple sentence: “You’re gonna walk or die!” That’s a spur! It was not a pleasant thought either way, but given her choices, I walked, and thanks be to God, I didn’t die.

B. Sometimes, we need to be stimulated! We need to be spurred on!

(2 Tim 4:2 NKJV) Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.

(2 Tim 4:2 NIV) Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

Sometime there is the negative aspect of encouragement: Someone needs to correct something they are doing.

C. Sometimes we need to give support. How?

1. Barnabas is a great example.

(Acts 11:25-26 NKJV) Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. {26} And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

a. Encouragement involved a plan and action.

b. “he brought him to Antioch” Figuratively or literally, he put his arm around him and said, “This is Saul: he’s okay!” He may have said, “He’s gonna be great!”

D. Sometimes we need to inspire with hope, courage, or confidence; hearten.

1. We do that with words. There are loving. encouraging words:

My mother used to say, “The darkest hours are just before daybreak.”

We’ll be praying for you. – Sometimes offer to pray – right then.

Encourage them to pray, reminding them that God hears our prayers.

(Rom 8:28 NKJV) And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

You can do it.

You did a great job! –

· I’m often encouraged to try to do even better because of words encouragement.

· It’s said a lot of different way.

We appreciate you!

(Prov 25:11-13 NKJV) A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. {12} Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold Is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. {13} Like the cold of snow in time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

Can I help you? -- And that brings up:

2. Our deeds: There are loving, encouraging deeds:

Sometimes you simply do things that need to be done for someone that needs help

Sometimes it is just our presence. Just being there: Sometimes a short time, sometimes a long time.

Sometimes it’s a literal “pat on the back,” Or putting our arm around someone – a hug.

Sometimes it takes thought; hence, thoughtfulness.

Sometimes it takes the form of a simple gift. Sometimes it may be a card, or a note.

As with everything, it’s always appropriate to ask God for guidance.

(James 1:5 NKJV) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Ask God for guidance as to what to say, how to say it, and to know what to do if there is something to be done.

II. Who needs encouragement?

A. Probably all of us.

1. We do this in general ways:

a. There’s how are you?

b. And there’s, “You look tired. Are you doing okay?”

2. There are the specific questions of concern that mean much more.

B. The elderly and the ill.

C. Wayne used to speak of those that were “sick at heart.”

1. If you listened to his prayer, you knew he was really speaking of those who were spiritually ill or under fed.

2. Dale has been working with our young people to write cards to those who have missed services, or perhaps visitors who need to be encouraged.

Conclusion

(2 Cor 1:3-4 NKJV) 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 tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

I. I want to encourage all of us be a Barnabas: an encourager.

II. If you’re not right with God, I want to encourage you to make your life right today.

III. If you need to respond to the invitation, I encourage you to do that as we stand and sing.

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