People tend to avoid the word ministry. Most believe that ministry only applies to pastors, preachers, church officials and clergy, but ALL Christians are called to minister.
The definition of ministry- to attend to needs/to give aid/serve/assist
Philippians 2:3-7 (NIV) "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness."
Matthew 23:11 (ESV) "The greatest among you shall be your servant."
Jesus came to minister and we are called to minister as well.
1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV) "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
To this you are called....For this you are gifted. Everyone is given a gift and you are called to share it.
Today we are focused on a ministry, a much needed ministry, a ministry that EVERYONE can do...The Ministry of Encouragement.
The English word "encouragement" comes from 2 French words "en" which means to put in and "corage/coeur" which means the heart. Put together it means to put into the heart.
New testament Greek has several words that are translated encourage/comfort/console/strengthen. Many of these words are also translated Exhort which is encouragement on steroids.
Synonyms of encouragement.... strengthen/ comfort/ console /urge forward/ inspire/ assure/ reassure/ nourish/ mature/ stir up/ provoke to better things/ assist/ motivate/ bold confidence.
To create or develop a sense of self worth.
Everybody needs encouragement at some point. Some people need it desperately...those going through a rough time, overwhelmed, beaten down. These people need encouragement to keep going, to push ahead. Anybody can do this. You can either be an encourager or a discourager.
God encourages His people
Isaiah 41:10 (ESV) "fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
Hebrews 13:5 (ESV) "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
His people are called to do the same thing!
1 Thessalonians 5:11/14 (ESV) "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." "And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."
2 Timothy 4:2 (ESV) "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."
Throughout Acts Paul and Barnabas and the other apostles were encouraging believers.
Go deeper....
John 14:15-17a (ESV) "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him or knows him."
Jesus is going away. He has had a fabulous ministry but it was limited to space and time, but when he goes away, he will send a "helper" to continue his ministry- the Holy Spirit, who transcended time and space. The Holy Spirit can go anywhere at any time.
The Greek word for Holy Spirit is a compound word "para" (alongside) and "kaleo" (to call). i.e. the Holy Spirit is "called alongside to help". Also translated counselor/ comforter/ advocate/ helper/ intercessor/ strengthener/ stand by.
When you encourage you are doing the same thing as the Holy Spirit. You are not replacing the Holy Spirit, but you are allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you.
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV) "As each has received a gift, use it to save one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace"
Some people are gifted at encouragement, it comes easily, but you can do it even if you are not gifted. Barnabas was his nickname, means encourager. His real name was Joseph.
One Another's in Scripture (New Testament)
Love one another, greet one another, encourage one another, edify one another, bear with one another, serve one another, admonish one another, confess (your sins) to one another, forgive one another, pray for one another. Also be devoted to one another, honor one another (above yourself), prefer one another, live in harmony with one another, stop judging one another, accept one another, be kind to one another, be compassionate with one another, submit to one another, offer hospitality to one another.
Summary verse... Romans 13:8 (ESV) "Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law."
One Another's NOT found in scripture... criticize one another, ridicule one another, make fun of one another, put down one another, belittle one another, ignore one another, discourage one another
Obviously it is not just Christians need encouragement. When properly (Biblically) encouraged lost people are more likely to consider Christ.
I. To Encourage
1. To instill a sense of self worth. (significance)
2. To build confidence. (not ego) Biblical hope
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) "And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ."
3. To urge forward. (onward/upward)
Hebrews 10:23-24 (ESV) "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,"
4. When you encourage someone you make a difference in them and it will make a difference in YOU!.
II. Ways to Encourage (beyond cards, calls, cakes and candy)
1. Notice- sensitive to others not just self.
2. Be present- don't avoid people with serious problems, because you don't know what to say.
3. Listen- encouragement is about them, not you. Pour into their heart.
4. Assist- in small things, medium things and big things.
5. Be patient- it takes time to heal
6. WHEN APPROPRIATE offer biblical advice. There is a time for offering Romans 8:28, make sure it is the right time.
III. Helpful things in developing a ministry of encouragement
1. Sensitivity- watch for signs of abuse
2. Sincerity- not flattery, sincere and honest complements
3. Intentionality- you may not be gifted at encouragement, you have to work at it.
4. Practice- it can become second nature
People are more apt to be encouraged if they have multiple people encouraging them at the same time.
IV. Octavia Baptist Church should develop a "Culture of Encouragement
1. Attendance- It is encouraging to walk into a full church or see a full parking lot.
Hebrews 10:24 (ESV) "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works"
2. Greet guests- You might not think you are good at that, but how hard is it to offer a handshake and a "glad to see you" "A Holy Howdy"
Granted some people won't be encouraged, but most people welcome it and benefit from encouragement. You cannot encourage everyone, but you can encourage someone.
V. Options
1. Pour into (Encourage)
2. Take out of (Discourage)
3. Do nothing (Ignore the needs of others and focus on self)
It can be life changing and it can be ETERNALLY changing for someone.
Closing Scripture
Mark 9: 33-35 (ESV) "And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, 'What were you discussing on the way?' But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest. And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, 'if anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.'"
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