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Encouragement

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What is encouragement?
  • To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.
    • What is exhortation?
    • Language intended to incite and encourage.
      • Barnabas
      • Acts 4:36-37 – Barnabas was called a “son of encouragement”
      • Tabitha / Dorcas – Acts 9:36
      • God told Moses in Deuteronomy 3:28 to command Joshua and encourage him.
      • I Thessalonians 3:2
      • Romans 12:6-8
        • Barnabas’ character traits – can we use these to develop similar traits in ourselves?
        Barnabas encouraged not only through his words but through his actions – Acts 4:37
        • He doesn’t just applaud what others are doing. He made the sacrifice himself.
        • Showing a true commitment to the Lord is an encouragement to others.
          • We have to truly care about people the way Barnabas did.
          • People see the encouragement of God’s love through us.
          • “See” the people around you. Listen to them. Look for opportunities to help and encourage.
          • What does that look like for us?
          • It is difficult sometimes because they are uncomfortable asking or don’t want to be “pushy” or offend someone by trying to help.
          • Remember that even the small things we do can be an encouragement. Remember Dorcas (Acts 9:39).
            • Barnabas was a man of integrity. He was trusted enough that the disciples listened to him and allowed Saul to join them (Acts 9:27-28).
            • He had been leading a life that was an example to others.
              • Barnabas encouraged others by giving the right people opportunities, even though it may have meant the glory wasn’t his. He put others first. He was a man of humility.
              • Acts 11:19-26
                • Barnabas encouraged others by always believing in people (Acts 9:27).
                • Barnabas believed in Paul and that Jesus can change even the worst of us!
                • Acts 9:28-29
                • John Mark (Acts 15:36-40)
                  • Must have made an impact – II Timothy 4:11
                    • Encouragement means taking risks when standing by others.
                    • Believing in people sometimes means getting out of our comfort zone.
                    • Encouragement may mean reminding people we believe in them and that God has a plan for them.
                      • What does Barnabas teach us about encouragement?
                      • True commitment – lead by example
                      • Care about people – inside and outside the congregation
                      • Humility – put other people first
                      • Integrity – be someone who can be trusted
                      • Believe in people – look for the good in people
                      • Take risks – get out of your comfort zone with people
                        • What does encouragement look like in 2025?
                        • Lead by example, don’t just exhort. It is encouraging to see people overcoming problems. It helps us be encouraged that Christ’s power is there for me as well and I can also overcome through Christ.
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                          ScriptureStreamBy Mark Watson
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