Go! And Encourage One Another - 1 Thessalonians 5:11
1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT):
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
Introduction: The Power of a Word Well-Spoken
We live in a world that constantly tears people down — with criticism, cynicism, and comparison. But in the body of Christ, we are called to something radically different. We are called to build up, not break down. To edify, not to erode. To encourage.
This morning, in our continuing "Go! And..." series, we hear the Apostle Paul’s simple but powerful command: Go! And Encourage One Another.
Let us walk through this call in the light of the Gospel, and see how encouragement is not only a kind word — it is a Kingdom work.
1. The Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:11: Hope in the Midst of End Times
Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica to strengthen and assure believers who were facing persecution and confusion about Christ’s return.
In chapter 5, he speaks of the Day of the Lord — a time of judgment and deliverance. He reminds believers they are not in darkness but are “children of the light and of the day” (v.5).
Then in verse 11, Paul concludes this eschatological encouragement by urging the church to “encourage each other and build each other up.”
Greek: Encourage — parakaleo (pa?a?a???): to call to one's side, to comfort, to strengthen.
Greek: Build up — oikodomeo (????d?µ??): to construct, to edify, to strengthen spiritually.
This is not casual conversation. This is Gospel construction!
Max Lucado said, “You have never met a person God doesn’t love. You have never looked into the eyes of someone who doesn’t matter to God.”
That truth drives encouragement. When we see others through the lens of God’s love, we become builders, not critics.
2. Encourage Because Christ Has Encouraged You
Romans 15:5 (NLT): “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.”
God Himself is the source of encouragement. The encouragement we offer flows from the comfort we’ve received in Christ.
A boy once asked his father how a lighthouse can withstand the storm. The father said, “It’s not built to avoid the storm; it’s built to outlast it.” In Christ, we are built up to endure — and we help others endure too.
Charles Stanley said, “Encouragement is oxygen to the soul.”
So many souls around you are suffocating. When we encourage in Jesus’ name, we offer breath, hope, and strength.
3. Build Each Other Up Through the Word
Colossians 3:16 (NLT): “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives...”
Biblical encouragement is not merely positivity — it is truth spoken in love. We build one another through the rich message of Christ.
Greek: Message — logos: divine word, truth, reason.
Our encouragement must be rooted in the logos of Christ.
John Piper said, “God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him.”
When we are filled with the Word and joy in Christ, we will overflow with encouragement that glorifies God and strengthens His people.
Imagine a crumbling wall. You don’t just say, “Be strong!” You take bricks and mortar, and you rebuild. That’s what it means to build each other up — Gospel truth laid brick by brick.
4. Encourage Daily to Combat Sin and Discouragement
Hebrews 3:13 (NLT): “You must warn each other every day, while it is still ‘today,’ so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.”
Discouragement is fertile ground for temptation. When we fail to encourage one another, we leave room for the enemy’s lies.
Tim Keller said, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed... yet at the same time more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
When someone is down, remind them of both truths: yes, sin is real — but grace is greater! That’s the power of daily encouragement.
5. The Ultimate Encouragement: The Gospel Itself
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT): “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”
The Gospel is the deepest encouragement — Christ died, Christ was buried, Christ rose again!
1 Corinthians 15:3–4 (NLT): “Christ died for our sins... he was buried, and he was raised from the dead on the third day...”
This is not just history; it is your hope. Jesus took your place so you could take your place in God’s family.
Gospel Presentation:
Jesus died for you — not when you were strong, but when you were at your worst. On the cross, He bore your sin. In the grave, He crushed death. In the resurrection, He gave you life.
Romans 10:9 (NLT): “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Repent. Believe. Trust in Jesus Christ. That is the encouragement that saves eternally.
Call to Action: Go and Be a Builder!
Is there someone you can lift up today?
Is there a hurting heart in your home, your church, your workplace?
Will you offer not flattery, but faith-filled encouragement?
James 5:16 (NLT): “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed...”
The church grows stronger when we speak life to one another.
Invitation to Salvation:
Friend, if you’ve never trusted Christ, let today be the day of salvation. He is calling. He is encouraging you to come.
Pray with me: “Lord Jesus, I need You. I turn from my sin. I trust You as my Saviour. Be my Lord. Make me new. Amen.”
Benediction:
Beloved, go and encourage one another. Let your words be seasoned with grace, your hands ready to build, and your heart full of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Go and lift others as Christ has lifted you. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
