Memory Verse: … “Therefore, encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing” … 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)
Text: Hebrews 10:19-25
Spiritual Emphasis: Biblical encouragement is not focused on complimenting someone’s haircut or telling them how cute their dress looks. This kind of encouragement is important, but the encouragement in focus here is explicitly Christian encouragement. This type of encouragement is shared with the hope that it will lift someone’s heart towards God (Col.4:8). It points out evidence of grace in another’s life to help them see that God is using them. It points a person to God’s promises that assures them that all they face is under His control.
Why we need Encouragement
God knows we need it so He commands us to do it: We live in a broken world where everything calls us towards selfishness and despair. Sin steals our joy, our bodies break down, our plans falter, our dreams die, and our resolve weakens. When encouragement is absent from the life of a church, people will feel unloved, unimportant, and forgotten. God knows His people are in need of grace-filled reminders, so He calls us to encourage each other every day until His Son returns – John 16:33; 1 Peter 4:12; John 15:20; 2 Tim. 3:12; James 1:2-3; Heb.3:13.
There is Power in Encouraging words: Words carries life. A short text, note, or spoken word can rescue a weary soul from darkness. Encouragement keeps us soft-hearted and close to God. When we love and encourage others, we act as a conduit for God’s grace, pouring spiritual deposits into people who feel unseen or exhausted. When we encourage others, we reflect God’s grace – Prov. 18:21; Heb. 3:13; 1 Thess. 5:11.
Questions/Activities: Now that you know that God commands us to do it, how will this knowledge change your attitude about encouragement?
Conclusion. Do it! – Live out the Nike slogan – “Just do it.” Let’s constantly think of ways to spur someone on, don’t just think it, do it. Remember as children of God, we are channels of blessings. Everyone needs encouragement in their life. The Scriptures contain countless examples of people who encouraged someone or were encouraged by someone –We should follow in their footsteps and be a church family that is committed to encouraging one another.
Shalom! Self-Study: Psalm 31:24; Psalm 121:1-2; Romans 15:2; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Romans 8:31; Romans 15:5; Psalm 90:17; Romans 1:11-12; 2 Corinthians 1:5; 1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Isaiah 40:31; Joshua 1:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58; 2 Timothy 1:7; John 14:27; Philippians 1:6; John 15:13; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Proverbs 18:10.
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