Encouragement is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. Learn the art of encouragement from the best: Jesus Christ. Dr. Stanley outlines practical ways we can follow Jesus’ example in word and deed. As Christians, we cannot afford not to encourage one another.
Sermon Outline
Being An Encourager
Encouraging fellow believers and receiving encouragement in return is a wonderful part of being a Christian.This week’s sermon focuses on the importance of supporting others and how we can grow through doing so.
Key Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14
We all experience disappointments and trials that make us want to give up. That’s why everybody needs an encourager in life—and to be a champion for others.
Jesus was an awesome encourager. He did so through ...
His teachings on topics like prayer and anxiety.
His actions, such as walking on the water during a storm.
His responses, such healing Bartimaeus’s sight.
His miracles, like raising Lazarus from the dead.
The apostle Paul became an encourager by the power of the Spirit. Through his letters, he encouraged believers in many early churches by telling them ...
Nothing could separate them from God’s love in Christ (Rom. 8:38-39).
The Holy Spirit would manifest through them what they could not do themselves
(Gal. 5:22-23).In Christ, they would rise to eternal life (1 Cor. 15:20-26).
They were chosen in Christ and had been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 1:4, Eph. 1:13).
God would provide for all their needs (Phil. 4:19).
It is important to walk rightly (Col. 3:18-24).
They would see their departed believing loved ones again (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
There are many ways to be an encourager. We can do so through our speech by ...
Giving a sincere compliment.
Always speaking the truth.
Agreeing when appropriate.
Passing on information that is helpful.
Praying for the person.
Quoting an appropriate scripture.
Correcting the person if necessary.
Telling the person you love him or her.
Comforting the person.
Assuring the person of your availability.
Saying “thank you.”
Or by actions such as ...
Offering a smile.
Being quiet while the person speaks.
Hugging the person if appropriate.
Serving the person.
Showing acceptance.
Being honest.
Pointing the person in the right direction.
Motivating the person to be his or her best.
Rewarding the person.
After Watching
Consider these thoughts and questions in response to the sermon:
Who recently said or did something that uplifted you? Thank God for this person and pray he or she would be blessed.
Someone around you needs encouragement. What can you do to lend support today?
