Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Main Idea: (Vs. 11) “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
“Encourage one another and build each other up.” This verse not only applies to our eternal destiny but also to encouraging one another as we deal with loss, as we deal with adversity and the trials, travails and tribulations of this life.
God’s “healthy church plan,” as described in His word, consists of the church being strengthened in divine love by human delivery from each part of the body.
“Just as you also are doing.” Sometimes we just need to be exhorted to keep doing what we’re doing. Keep believing what we’re believing.
Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another–and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
R/N Resources/Needs. In order for God’s healthy church plan to work optimally the body needed to be designed in such a way that each part could both receive and give the nutrients of love.
• When you sense your growing need for other believers you are moving towards greater maturity.
• On the other hand, when you sense a growing value for what you contribute, you are also moving towards greater maturity.
• It represents maturity because our experience is coming in line with God’s truth.
How do we deliver this vital encouragement to each other?
• Say it. Thinking something encouraging about someone share it with them.
• Sing it. Sing His praises to one another.
• Serve it. Serve with awareness of how it builds the body, not just as a task that has to be done.
• Share it. Knowing Him better comes from not only our own personal deveotions but by sharing our stories with each other.
Don’t wait for someone to call you. It is as spiritual to call for encouragement as it is to call to give it.
• Paul. Romans 1:11-12 (NIV)
• Jesus. Luke 22:28; Matthew 26:37-38
Remember it is Divine Love (2 Corinthians 7:5-7) We are not substitutes for God’s love, we are conduits of it. It’s always wise to thank Him for His love as it flows to and from us from one another.
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