ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER Compiled by Lewis Armstrong

Transcription

1 ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER Compiled by Lewis Armstrong Psalm 66:3 Say to God, How awesome are Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. Why are God's Works Awesome? Psalm 73:1-28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, That I may declare all Your works. What are we doing when we draw near to God? Psalm 121:5-7 5 The LORD is your keeper; The LORD is your shade at your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. Why is the last line of this passage mean to us? Psalm 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Explain the pleasantness of being united. Proverbs 10: The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, But violence covers the mouth of the wicked. Who would you rather listen to and why? Proverbs 25: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold In settings of silver. How does it reassure us when someone says something of praise to us? _ Isaiah 41:10 Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Why are we not to fear nor be dismayed? Nehemiah 8:10 Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. How would you feel if individuals showed up with all kinds of food? 1

2 Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. How are two better than one? Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that you be not judged. What is the opposite of judging? Matthew 7:12 Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Why is this the Golden Rule for encouragers? Matthew 22:39 And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. What are the characteristics of loving ourselves? Luke 6:38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. What is the measurement that will show this? Luke 18:7 And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? Relate this to the destruction of the Temple by the Romans. John 1:1-4 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. Explain the power of this verse and the awesomeness of God. John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. What does it take to be a disciple of Christ? John 14:1 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. Who would have his heart troubled about believing tin Christ and in God? 2

3 Acts 2: So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. How was the Gospel spread in this time? Acts 4:36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, What things was Barnabas doing that reflect his life? Acts 6:7 Then the word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith. What was happening that resulted in church growth? Acts 9: And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus What was the importance of what Barnabas did? Acts :23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. Explain purpose of heart and how it helps. Acts 15:31-32 When they had read it, they rejoiced over its encouragement. Now Judas and Silas, themselves being prophets also, exhorted and strengthened the brethren with many words. How do documents by Godly men encourage a group? Acts 16:5 So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily. How were the church strengthened in faith? Acts 16:40 So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed. What might have been said that encouraged the folks at Lydia's? 3

4 Acts 20:2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece What do you think might have been said? Acts 27:36 Then they were all encouraged, and also took food themselves. How were they encouraged? Romans 1:-12 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. How can their faith be stronger by Paul being with them? Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. What confidence can we gain from this passage? Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. What keeps a congregation from working together? Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. What is good and acceptable to God? Romans 15:13 We then who are strong ought to bear with the scruples of the weak, and not to please ourselves. What is our motivation for bearing with the weak? 4

5 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. Explain the difference between the wisdom of man and the power of God? 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. 10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 13 These things we also speak, not in words which man s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. 16 For who has known the mind of the LORD that he may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. a. What has God prepared for us? b. Explain how our actions reflect the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one s praise will come from God. How will one receive praise from God? _ 5

6 1 Corinthians 14:26 How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. How can we insure that all things are done for edification? 1 Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. Why is order so important? 1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. What does abounding mean? 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. What do we recognize as new? 1 Thessalonians 5: Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. How do we edify each other? 1 Thessalonians 5:14 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. How does a weaker Christian survive? Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Why is there no law against the Fruits of the Spirit? Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. How do we know if we are spiritual enough? Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. How do we recognize opportunity? 6

7 Galatians 6:14 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. How do we exhort in the proper manner? Ephesians 1: And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. What is all in all that is filled? Ephesians 4:12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, What is the equipping that is necessary? Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. What must our hearers hear from us? Ephesians 4:32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. What does it feel like to have some show kindness? Philippians 2:19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, that I also may be encouraged when I know your state. What would Paul want to know about Philippi? Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy meditate on these things. Explain how we should feel if we have meditated on these things Philippians 4:19 And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Explain some things we have been supplied? Colossians 2:2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, What are the riches we can gain? Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. How is grace reflected? 7

8 1 Thessalonians 3:2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, What do you think that Timothy did there? 1 Thessalonians 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you How would you explain the enthusiasm of Paul? 1 Thessalonians 5: Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. Why is it important to comfort and edify each other? 2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. How do we know we are equipped? 2 Timothy 4:1 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. Why is longsuffering included in this verse? _ Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. How do we hold fast and exhort and convict? Hebrews 3:13 but exhort one another daily, while it is called Today, lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. How do we do this daily? _ Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. How is the Word like a two edged sword? Hebrews 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Explain boldly. 8

9 Hebrews 10: Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, 25 not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching How does the last verse relate to this class? Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. What comfort so you feel in our relationship with Chriat? Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. How are they to look over us? 1 Peter 4: And above all things have fervent love for one another, for love will cover a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 10 As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. What is a fervent love? 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; Explain who we do something with meekness and fear. 1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, How do we humble ourselves? 9

10 James 1:12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. How do we love Christ? 1 John 3:2 Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. How do you expect to see Christ? 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. How do we recognize false prophets? 1 John 4: If someone says, I love God, and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can the love God whom he has not seen? 21 And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also. How important that we love our brother? _ Revelation 1:17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. How is God the First and the Last? What can be done to increase the encouraging of each other in our congregation? 10