Encouraging Others
1 Thessalonians 3:1-8
I. The Need for Encouragement
Each person in this room today is in need of some type of encouragement. Just this week, a person close to our family has fallen into sin. We are crushed and disappointed that this has happened – but what are we to do – we are to encourage this person and love him with the love of the Lord.
Not one person in this room is above any type of sin. We are all sinners – we are all imperfect – we all need a Savior – we all need Jesus Christ.
• We need encouragement because of:
o The trials of life
A minister tells us that he was spending several days in one of our western
cities. He put up at a hotel, and one morning he heard, while up in his
room, the most wonderful whistling he had ever listened to. It seemed like
the note of a bird, but he thought it could not be that, for there was a
perfectly regular tune kept up with much power. Though he was in the third
story, yet the music came gushing up in its sweet melody, and seemed to fill
the whole house. He ran downstairs to get a sight of the wonderful
performer, looking every man that he met in the face. At last, he asked the
clerk who it was that had such amazing power as a whistler. Laughing at his
simplicity he pointed him to a canary bird that had been trained to perform
in this way, and was valued at $150.
"How was that bird trained to sing this way?" the gentleman enquired. In
reply the clerk told him that during the training process the bird is nearly
starved and shut up in a room that is almost dark. While it is under this
severe discipline, and its attention undivided, a bird organ is made to play
this one tune over and over again, for days. Hearing nothing else, and
taught by his troubles, the poor little bird takes up the tune, which he
performs so perfectly.
Thus it is that God permits his people to be afflicted that they may learn
the heavenly song. He shuts them up in the dark room of sorrow, away from
the tempting sights and sounds of the world, that they may, without
distraction, listen to his voice and learn to sing the higher melodies of
glory. Blessed are those who patiently wait the Lord's good time to work out
their deliverance. When the song of Grace is fully learned, he brings them
into a large place, sets their feet upon a rock, and others learn from them
the sweet song of redeeming love.
o The temptations of Satan
What Satan fears most
Is a man on his knees;
Not vast marching armies
With great weaponry.
He knows he can stand
Against the power of men;
To engage us in battle
Is mere sport to him.
But a man on his knees
With his head bowed in prayer
Is something quite different
To the prince of the air.
For when he sees us in prayer
To our God most high,
He knows we have seen
Through his devilish lies.
That's why Satan fears most
A man on his knees;
And we'll keep him trembling
If our prayers never cease.
o The turmoil of your emotions
God’s word teaches us to:
• Be strong
• Be courageous
• Do not fear
• Look to Him for guidance and direction
• Do whatever it takes for the gospel!
BE ENCOURAGED – God loves even you!
II. The Focus of Encouragement
• Tough times will come in the life of a Christian – focus on these things
o Spiritual Truth – Get into the Word of God – allow God’s Word to strengthen you and establish you in the faith.
Get off of the milk and begin strengthening your faith with the meat of God’s Word.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Titus 1:9 – Hold fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine to exhort and convince.
Friend, as I stand gazing out my window I could see the raindrops falling from Heaven. They reminded me of the day the Lord anointed me in His special way. As I was looking over into the horizon I could see the sun starting to rise. It reminded me of the day when I would look upon my Master's face and see the smile that I put there the day I gave my life to Him.
As I started to kneel down to pray, I was reminded of the burdens that Jesus took away. As the tears fell from my eyes, I heard a gentle voice speak to me, "Child, do not cry. I'll give you courage to climb each mountain that lies before you."
As I was praising, I could hear the angels singing, "Children lay all your cares at the Master's feet. Friends lift your hands toward Heaven and shout, "I know the love of my Heavenly Father will carry us through."
As I was sitting, reading God's Holy Word the Lord spoke to my spirit, "Children, submit yourselves unto Me and draw nigh into My presence and I will draw nigh unto you. Resist the Devil and he will flee from you." Friend, as I was walking along life's pathway I felt a hand touch my shoulder and a gentle voice spoke to me. "Children, get your eyes off the road and look up. Your victory lies just around the bend!" Praise the Lord!
o Spiritual Fruit
Our lives are a living example of Christ’s work. Are we bearing good fruit?
Ephesians 5:8-10 – For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth; Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.
o Spiritual Stability
Are you standing firm in the faith?
Ephesians 6:10 – Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Ephesians 6:12 – We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
You can’t make it on your own!
This is where Spiritual Disciplines come into place:
Spiritual stability is tested through: Bible Study, Prayer, Fasting, Faithfulness!
Be encouraged – God loves even you this morning!
Be encouraged – whatever you are going through today – God does love you!
III. The Practice of Encouragement
Hebrews 3:13 – Exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.
We encourage others by:
• Listening
• Praying
• Being transparent and honest
• Expressing appreciation
• Challenging others
• Sharing God’s Word
My Child,
Before time began, I knew you. Before there was light,
I loved you. And I still do. I made you and know everything
about you. You're on my mind every minute of the day. I know
your hurts, your joys, your secrets. Yes, I know everything
you have done... And I still love you. I want you to know me
as your Father. I want you to know just how wonderful life
really is. My arms are open wide for you.
What you owed me has been paid in full. I want you to be with
me forever. I will never lie to you, nor play mind games with
you. I will never bring up past sins that I have forgiven to
degrade you. I am your father. And I will never leave you. I
will always be with you ... at school. At work. At home. In
the silent corners of your mind when you don't feel loved. I
am with you. You see, you are so special to me. I want you to
know how much I love you and want you to really understand
what I have done for you.
You are my chosen child, adopted to be the heir of all I have.
When you are scared or have questions, come to me. I accept
you just as you are. And because my compassion for you is so
deep I won't settle for leaving you the way you are. With love
I will mold you and change you and transform you to be like my
Son Jesus.
In the mean time, trust me and enjoy being my child.
I love being your Father!
With Love,
God
Be encouraged friend this morning – God loved you enough to send His son to die on the cross for my sins and your sins. If you and I believe in Him, we can have eternal life!
Be encouraged friend this morning – if you are saved and going through trials – God can help you through the fire – ask Him for His help!
Be encouraged friend this morning – GOD LOVES YOU!
His love story to you and I was written on Calvary – have you declared your love and trust for Him?
