The Importance of Encouraging One Another

<Heb 3:13; 1 Th 5:11; Heb 10:19-25; Ro 15:4-6; Ac 4:36; 11:19-24; 9:26-29; 15:36-41>

1. Everyone needs encouragement.

· “In this world you will have trouble” <Jn 16:33>.

· Christians also face spiritual battle <Ep 6:11-12>.

· Whether we are painfully disciplined by God, or when we grow weary from doing good, we need encouragement.

· Read <Heb 3:13; 1 Th 5:11; Heb 10:19-25>.

2. God is our Encourager, Comforter, Helper.

· Holy Spirit is our Advocate <Jn 14:26>. The Greek word for “advocate” is “paraklētos”: “Helper (ESV), Comforter (KJV)”.

· God is “the God of encouragement”; God’s word also provides encouragement. Read <Ro 15:4-6>.

· Jesus Himself often comforted people, and “a bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out” <Mt 12:20>.

3. Barnabas – Example of “son of encouragement”.

· Read <Ac 4:36; 11:19-24; 9:26-29; 15:36-41>.

· He supported the gentile gospel ministry, Paul’s mission works, and also encouraged Mark who was weak but was eventually greatly used by the Lord.

· “Ability to encourage” is a gift <Ro 12:6, 8>; but it is also what every believer should do <Heb 3:13; 1 Th 5:11; Heb 10:19-25>.

4. What is “biblical encouragement”?

1）Encouragement is not aimed at boosting human self-esteem.

2）Encouragement should be God-centred, pointing people to Christ.

3）Encouragement is based on God’s truth.

4）Encouragement should result in the person submitting more to God, and loving God and men more.

· <Heb 10:24>: We encourage to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds”.

· Do not compromise or turn a blind eye to people’s weaknesses just because we want to encourage.

· It does not mean that an “encourager” cannot correct others, but an encourager will persuade the person to do what pleases God, and motivate him to become what God wants him to be – a blessed, spiritual, Christ-like person.

5. How should we encourage others?

· Share God’s living and effective word more with them <Heb 4:12>.

· Give honest compliments.

· Offer help with practical actions.

· Encourage through the unceasing meeting of brethren <Heb 10:25>.

6. Do not become the opposite of an “encourager”.

· Do not be someone who is harshly critical and only discourages others.

· Learn to discover God’s work and grace on others, and intentionally speak words that build people up.

· Ponder: Do you tend to criticise or encourage others? When was the last time you encourage someone?