Helpers of Joy
2 Corinthians 1:24
Intro.
2 Cor. 1:24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but
are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.
Paul is writing to the Church at Corinth to encourage them.
- He said he did not come to control
I this time of trouble, we should be looking for ways to help
each other.
Paul said he wanted to be a helper of joy.
How can you be a “helper of joy”?
1. By praying for others
Phil. 4:6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God.
A. The church had prayed for Him.
B. We should be praying for each other.
1. This is what we call interceding prayer.
1Tim. 2:1 ¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,
prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all
men;
2. Make a list.
a. Family
b. Pastor
c. Pray for your neighbors
d. Pray for those you know are in need of help
C. Paul was praying for the church at Corinth.
Cor. 13:7 ¶ Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that
we should appear approved, but that ye should do that
which is honest, though we be as reprobates.
D. Pray WITH someone.
1. Call them up…ask about how you can prayer for them.
2. Then DO IT right then.
E. A challenge.
Find a place where you can be alone with God and just start
praying for everyone you know.
Pray for each one as they come to mind.
II. Be a helper by giving to those in need.
A. So many people are without jobs.
B. So many will have difficulty paying for rent, utilities, food,
and personal necessities.
1. Don’t think that the government will help, they’re trying.
2. Many churches are helping – help your church.
C. Be a helper in many ways
1. Giving food
2. Giving money
3. Giving time (so many have a lot of that these days)
4.. Lend a helping hand. (mow somebody’s yard)
D. Who can you help today?
1. A Neighbor
2. Your church
3. A local business that is open
III. Be a helper by offering your comfort. Vs. 1-4
A. The word hear is ‘parakaleo”
1. It means “to call near”.
2. Like when one of your children get hurt, you call them to you.
3. It also means to “exhort” or encourage.
B. Somebody needs your comforting.
1. Call and encourage someone, check up on them.
2. Send an encouraging eMail
3. Send an encouraging text
4. Send a card
C. Just listen.
1. Some people, all you have to say is “hello” and they will
just talk and talk.
2. James 1:19 ¶ Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every
man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
D. Give them a verse of Scripture that would be an encouragement.
1. Examples
Is. 41:13 For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand,
saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.
Is. 41:10 ¶ Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not
dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I
will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of
my righteousness.
2. There are many Psalms that are encouraging.
3. Share a verse that is significant to you.
Conclusion:
Be a “helper of someone’s joy”
By Prying for/with someone
By Giving to someone in need.
By Encouraging and comforting someone.
Be a helper!
