ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER
I THESSALONIANS 5:1-15
INTRODUCTION:
A. The word encourage:
1. Defined “To inspire with courage or hope; to cheer; to give heart to; comfort; urge; impel; stimulate”
2. Encouragement is “That which gives boldness; confidence”
B. To discourage is “to retard; oppose; hinder”
C. In his weakness man often needs to be encouraged; I Thessalonians 5:11
D. Our lesson “Encouraging One Another”
I. GOD ALWAYS OFFERS ENCOURAGEMENT TO HIS PEOPLE:
A. He encouraged Hagar when she was sent out; Genesis 21:17-21
B. The Lord offered hope and cheer to Jacob; Genesis 28:13-17
C. God offered strength in support of Joshua; Joshua 1:4-5
1. He told Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged; Joshua 1:9
2. Three times, in context, He told Joshua; Joshua 1:6-7, 9
D. God comforted Paul during the great storm; Acts 27:22-25
E. God promises Christians; Hebrews 13:5
II. GOD ENCOURAGES MAN TODAY:
A. Paul was content with God’s grace; II Corinthians 12:7-9
1. He stated; Philippians 4:11
2. Paul relied on Christ for strength; Philippians 4:13
B. Jesus promises to answer the prayers of His followers; Matthew 7:7
1. He offers courage and hope through pardon from sin; Ephesians 1:7
2. He provides hope through His word; Matthew 10:30-32
3. His word comforts, even in death; I Thessalonians 4:13-16
C. God offers aid in trials and temptations; I Corinthians 10:13
1. He tells us to watch for His coming; I Thessalonians 5:2-6
2. Peter stated; II Peter 3:11-14
III. CHRISTIAN LOVE DEMANDS THAT WE ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER:
A. Build one another up in faith and hope; Jude 20
B. Paul told the brethren at Thessalonica:
1. Comfort one another in the knowledge of salvation; I Thessalonians 5:9-10
2. He stated that we are to hold up those who rule; I Thessalonians 5:11-12
C. Every member is to be an encourager of others:
1. Paul wrote; I Thessalonians 5:14-15
2. The Hebrew letter states; Hebrews 10:24
CONCLUSION:
A. Jesus went about doing good to all men; Acts 10:38
B. As children of God, we must follow the Lord’s example; I Corinthians 11:1
C. Will you obey Christ and show others the way to heaven?
