Be an Encourager

1 Thessalonians 2:19,20
19For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Background:
The Thessalonian church was a church that Paul shared the gospel with and they received the message and were moving forward with it. This was very encouraging to Paul in light of some other places that hadn't grown or moved ahead with Christ. There's almost a sense of fearful hope in the heart of the Apostle Paul. Sending Timothy to the Thessalonian church to find out that they are doing great! I believe he's very excited about the way God was blessing the Thessalonian church.

The Words for encouragement appear 59 times in the Bible and we see a very high concentration of the word here in 1st and 2nd Thessalonians.

Proverbs 11:25
A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.
Get the focus off of you and refresh someone else and see what happens to you.

Points about encouragement

1 Thessalonians 3:2
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

1. Sending someone to you to who spreads the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 3:7
Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.

2. Other people's faith. Especially of those who you've shared the gospel with. It is very encouraging for a teacher to share a message with the students and the students assimilate the information with understanding and practical application.

1 Thessalonians 4:18
Therefore encourage each other with these words.

3. Our Words -

Life and death is in the power of the tongue. Proverbs 18:21
Ephesians 4:15
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.


1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

4. Anyone can encourage anyone else and their should be a atmosphere of encouragement around you.

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Warn - Lazy People

5. Encourage - Timid People

Should you encourage a brash and bold person who's going in a direction that you don't agree with? Encourage those who need it, the timid
Help - Weak People
Be Patient - With All People
Different People need different things. Everyone needs patience.
2 Thessalonians 2:16
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,

6. We can receive encouragement directly from Christ and God the Father.

Maybe you're looking for approval from man. A person who doesn't need the approval of man is free to do the will of God without being susceptible to many of the enemies snares. A person who's working for encouragement from God and not man can't be offended if his work isn't noticed or appreciated.

2 Thessalonians 2:17
encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

7. Our hearts can be encouraged and strengthened so we move into good deeds and words.


Jubilee Family Church