Encourage Someone Else: Building Each Other In Christ

Speak It – Part 10

Review: The Pattern of Speaking

We Must Speak What We Believe - 2 Corinthians 4:13 (AMP)

Yet we have the same spirit of faith as he had, who wrote in Scripture, "I believed, therefore I spoke." We also believe, therefore we also speak.

The Power of Helping Others Finish

Proverbs 17:17 (AMP)

A friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 17:17 (NLT)

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.

Encouragement was and is an essential way of extending grace to each other.

The Meaning of "Encouragement"

While it's different than the Greek word used in the New Testament, it is unique in the idea of giving strength to or repairing. When we encourage, we are infusing strength, repairing, and holding up our fellow Christ followers.

The Realities of Life

John 16:33 (AMP)

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world." [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]

Job 14:1 (NLT)

"How frail is humanity! How short is life, how full of trouble!"

1 Peter 4:12 (AMP)

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal which is taking place to test you [that is, to test the quality of your faith], as though something strange or unusual were happening to you.

The Encouragement Checklist

Main Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-23

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (AMP)

Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing.

Build Each Other Up

2 Timothy 1:6-8 (AMP)

That is why I remind you to fan into flame the gracious gift of God, [that inner fire—the special endowment] which is in you through the laying on of my hands [with those of the elders at your ordination]. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control]. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord or about me His prisoner, but with me take your share of suffering for the gospel [continue to preach regardless of the circumstances], in accordance with the power of God [for His power is invincible].

Point out to someone a quality you appreciate in him or her!

Honor Leaders

1 Thessalonians 5:12 (AMP)

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction.

2 Chronicles 20:20 (AMP)

So they got up early in the morning and went out into the Wilderness of Tekoa; and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, "Hear me, O Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe and trust in the Lord your God and you will be established (secure). Believe and trust in His prophets and succeed."

Look for Ways to Cooperate

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (AMP)

and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf].

Show leaders great respect:

• Hold back your next critical comment about those in positions of responsibility
• Say thank you to your leaders for their efforts

Live in Peace

Matthew 5:9 (AMP)

"Blessed [spiritually calm with life-joy in God's favor] are the makers and maintainers of peace, for they will [express His character and] be called the sons of God."

Search for ways to get along with others.

Challenge the Undisciplined

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (AMP)

We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly].

Challenge someone to join you in a project.

Proverbs 24:33-34 (AMP)

"Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest [and daydream]," Then your poverty will come as a robber, And your want like an armed man.

Matthew 25:26 (AMP)

"But his master answered him, 'You wicked, lazy servant, you knew that I reap [the harvest] where I did not sow and gather where I did not scatter seed.'"

Encourage the Timid

1 Thessalonians 5:14 (AMP)

encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper].

Encourage those who are timid by reminding them of God's promises.

2 Timothy 1:7 (AMP)

For God did not give us a spirit of timidity or cowardice or fear, but [He has given us a spirit] of power and of love and of sound judgment and personal discipline [abilities that result in a calm, well-balanced mind and self-control].

Support those who are weak by loving them and praying for them.

Be Patient

Romans 12:12 (AMP)

constantly rejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfast and patient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength].

Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love.

Think of a situation that tries your patience, and plan ahead of time how you can stay calm.

Resist Revenge

1 Thessalonians 5:15 (AMP)

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek that which is good for one another and for all people.

Romans 12:19 (NLT)

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, "I will take revenge; I will pay them back," says the Lord.

Instead of planning to get even with those who mistreat you, do good to them.

The Race Is Not for the Swift

Ecclesiastes 9:11 (AMP)

I again saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift and the battle is not to the strong, and neither is bread to the wise nor riches to those of intelligence and understanding nor favor to men of ability; but time and chance overtake them all.

2 Timothy 4:7 (AMP)

I have fought the good and worthy and noble fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith [firmly guarding the gospel against error].

Sometimes the greatest act of encouragement is helping someone finish their race.

Discussion Questions

1. Being a brother born for adversity: Proverbs 17:17 says "a brother is born for adversity." Who in your life is going through adversity right now that needs you to be that brother or sister? What specific words of encouragement do they need to hear from you this week?
2. Building others up: The message emphasizes pointing out qualities you appreciate in others. Who has God placed in your life that needs to hear what you see in them? What's stopping you from telling them?
3. Honoring leaders: How well do you practice holding back critical comments about leaders and instead expressing appreciation? What would change in your church, workplace, or family if you committed to speaking words of honor instead of criticism?
4. Encouraging the timid: Is there someone in your life who is timid or weak spiritually that you could support through prayer and encouragement? What specific scripture could you share with them to remind them of God's power in them?
5. Helping others finish: Sometimes people need help to finish their race. Who in your life might be ready to give up that you could come alongside and help carry to the finish line? What practical steps can you take this week to be that person for someone else?