Encouragement
Marh 12th , 2014
·
Background
o
Comes from the Greek word ‘Parakaleo’ which
translates to our word ‘implore’.
§
Appears 105 times in the New Testament.
§
One of the Spiritual Gifts.
o
Can be confused with complimenting or praising
others.
§
Praise is part of Encouragement but it does not
cover the full meaning of the word.
§
A compliment is saying nice things to others to
make them feel good about themselves.
§
Encouragement involves giving someone support or
confidence. It also helps to develop
something in another person.
o
Biblical use of the word Encouragement.
§
A person is calling someone to their side in
order to teach, comfort, strengthen, or push them to act in a certain way.
§
Very similar to the way exhort, warn, or
admonish another.
§
Paul’s letters often offered encouragement to
his listeners.
·
People who encourage others do so in a love for
what a person needs to hear, even if it is something the person does not want
to hear.
·
Paul’s Letter’s to the Ephesian Church in
Ephesus.
o
Ephesus was a major cult center that worshiped
the Goddess Artemus (Diana). This was
the main attraction of the city during Paul’s time.
o
It was considered a dark place for the followers
of Jesus.
o
Paul prayed and encouraged them to remain strong
in the faith and that they would not struggle alone in their new faith. Paul was concerned that disunity might creep
into the fellowship of believers.
(Ephesians 4: 1 – 3)
§ Therefore I, a prisoner
for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you
have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle. Be patient
with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep
yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.
o
Encouragement to others.
§
Telling people what they need to hear in order
to bring about a change in action, feeling or belief.
§
Should be done with love, grace, and wisdom.
§
Sometimes it is best done in private.
§
Encouragement can make a difference. (I Thessalonians 5:11)
·
So
encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
·
Bible
verses for our Encouragement.
o
Proverbs 3:5-6
o
Proverbs 18:10
o
Isaiah 41:10
o
John 14:27
o
John 16:33
o
Psalm 46:1-3
o
2 Timothy 1:7
o
Psalm 16:8
o
Psalm 55:22
o
I Peter 5:7
o
Isaiah 26:3
o
Psalm 118:14-16
o
Psalm 119:114-114
o
Psalm 119:25
o
Psalm 119:50
o
Psalm 119:71
o
Psalm 120:1
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