The Power of Positive Encouragement: How to Become an Encourager
Sharing Jesus with Others • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 9 viewsAn encouraging word is a ministry all by itself, and it’s one we can all engage in.
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Introduction (5m)
Introduction (5m)
The Most Powerful Gift Amongst Us: Encouragement
The Most Powerful Gift Amongst Us: Encouragement
Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticise me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. (William Ward, American motivational writer).
True - remember my encouragers.
Why is encouragement so powerful - because I don’t know anyone who has suffered from too much encouragement!
Why is encouragement so powerful - because I don’t know anyone who has suffered from too much encouragement!
More than that, if we are not encouraging each other, then our relationships are starved. Lack of affirmation and good cheer leads to lack of energy, burdened rather than energised by service/ministry.
More than that, if we are not encouraging each other, then our relationships are starved. Lack of affirmation and good cheer leads to lack of energy, burdened rather than energised by service/ministry.
Explanation (5m)
Explanation (5m)
Peter was writing during the great persecution under Emperor Nero to offer encouragement to suffering Christians throughout the Roman Empire, especially in Asia Minor
Peter was writing during the great persecution under Emperor Nero to offer encouragement to suffering Christians throughout the Roman Empire, especially in Asia Minor
I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
What do you say to Christians who are facing persecution and suffering?
What do you say to Christians who are facing persecution and suffering?
Remind them of:
Their salvation in JC.
God’s resurrection power.
The expectation of the final fulfilment of God’s Kingdom.
God’s protection.
That trials prove their faith is genuine.
Their trust in Jesus.
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. You love him even though you have never seen him. Though you do not see him now, you trust him; and you rejoice with a glorious, inexpressible joy. The reward for trusting him will be the salvation of your souls.
Imagine receiving this letter and hearing it read to you
Imagine receiving this letter and hearing it read to you
Imagine straightening backs, strengthening sinews, renewed energy, strengthened resolve.
Peter understood the power of encouragement - it has authority over us all.
Peter understood the power of encouragement - it has authority over us all.
It showed his readers he was standing with them. His readers experienced HS through his encouragement. It helped to build real community between them across the miles.
Application (5m)
Application (5m)
Encouragement deserves nothing less than to be the predominant tone in this place
Encouragement deserves nothing less than to be the predominant tone in this place
If it isn’t then our life together will be a struggle. We will feel weakened. We will be less than energised.
If it isn’t then our life together will be a struggle. We will feel weakened. We will be less than energised.
And I see this not only in those who do not feel they receive encouragement, but also in those who don’t offer encouragement.
If your default mode is scrutiny and criticising, then more often than not experience church as hard work, energy-sapping.
If your default mode is scrutiny and criticising, then more often than not experience church as hard work, energy-sapping.
Only met a few weird people who appear to be energised by criticising all the time!
On the other hand, if our corps fellowship is one of genuinely surprising, captivating and energising encouragement then we will want more of it!
On the other hand, if our corps fellowship is one of genuinely surprising, captivating and energising encouragement then we will want more of it!
Walk away this morning saying, I needed that! Can’t wait for next week.
So, how can we grow in encouraging one another?
So, how can we grow in encouraging one another?
Ray Ortlund:
Go deeper in the Scriptures together
Go deeper in the Scriptures together
Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Not just on Sunday morning but in the week too - that’s why Growth Group and cell groups are so important.
Most encouraging book in the world - so should read, study, pray, memorise, enjoy.
Share stories of how Jesus is helping us through real life in this world - testimony!
Share stories of how Jesus is helping us through real life in this world - testimony!
When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.
Every one of us has a story to tell. And it can be an encouragement when we share it.
Let’s consider how we can be even more encouraging - how we can cultivate a culture of encouragement - in days to come
Let’s consider how we can be even more encouraging - how we can cultivate a culture of encouragement - in days to come
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Next Steps
Next Steps
Offering, but testimonies later
Offering, but testimonies later