1 Thessalonians 5 11 Therefore encourage one another

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as I fact you are already doing…”

Hebrews 3: 13 “Encourage one another day after day fill with strength and courage. ”

Avoid Discouragement Dis – Latin prefix Means “apart, away, negative, lack of something” Think Distance

Dys – Greek Prefix Means = abnormal, bad, difficult Dysphagia – difficulty swallowing Dyspnea – difficulty breathing

Encourage in Hard Times

HOW NOT TO ENCOURAGE Long ago and far away there was this well known Rancher. His livestock were all lost to rustlers and lightning and his kids died.

News of the tragedy spread. His friends came to comfort and sympathize with him. For a whole week they sat in silence weeping.

Finally the Rancher spoke: I wish I had never been born! Why is God treating me this way?

After a long discussion his “friends” declared: Ø Ø You reap what you sow. Your children must have been terrible sinners. You are getting what you deserve/ God doesn’t let bad things happen to good people.

Job’s “friends” had no sympathy They hadn’t read the first two chapters of Job Jumped to conclusions Brought accusations No compassion or pity

Job 16: 2 What miserable comforters you are!

Encouragement When Facing Adversity

Long ago and far away a leader is stepping down and reciting God’s promises to his flock.

Deuteronomy 31: Moses to Israelites “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, the Lord is the one who goes before you. ”

Moses to Joshua “Be strong and courageous, the Lord is the one who goes ahead of you. ”

Joshua 1: 7 God to Joshua “Be strong and courageous Study and follow my words then you will have success. ”

Joshua 1: 9 God to Joshua Have not I commanded you

Not so long or far away A bully at school takes money from a 9 year old girl…

Encourage other believers Hebrews 10: 24 Wrong way – Let us consider how to provoke one another Right way – Let us consider how to stimulate one another to good works and love

In hard times – maybe for ourselves – a reminder 1 Corinthians 10: 13 “You will go through trials in the same way as everyone else, but God can be trusted not to let you be tested too much and will show you how to escape. ”

Encourage others even if they are promoted ahead of you.

Long ago and far away v Jewish Levite named Joseph Arrived in Jerusalem from Cyprus v Became an active believer v Given task of taking a recent convert on a missionary trip

When hard times come to you or others ü Don’t jump to conclusions. ü Don’t assume God is judging sin. ü Don’t preach. ü Don’t get in God’s way.

Keep short accounts with others’ misunderstanding or mistakes

1 Peter 3: 15 Worship Christ as Lord of your life. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone for the reason for the hope you have, with gentleness and respect.