THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT

INTRODUCTION:
1. Many become discouraged/give up -- Family problems; Job problems;
     People problems; Money problems; Health problems; Spiritual problems
     -- Life is complex - Job 14:1.
2. Thankfully, there is THE POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT.

I. SEE HOW GOD ENCOURAGED ABRAHAM - GEN 15:1-6.
     A.  The call to conquer fear - v 1.
     B.  Abram's response - vv 2-3.
         1. Recognized a principle: Heirship based on sonship.
         2. This is true spiritually - Rom 8:17.
     C.  The Divine assurance - vv 4-5; Gal 3:16,26-29.
     D.  Abraham's acceptance - v 6.
         1. Faith always takes God at His Word - Rom 4:20-21.
         2. Justification of servant, not alien - Gen 12:1-3; Heb 11:8;
                 Gen 12:7-8; 13:3-4; 15:1.

II. LORD'S WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO APOSTLES - JN 16.
     A. Promised their sorrow to be turned to joy - vv 20-22.
     B. Foretold future blessings for them - vv 23-27.
     C. Foretold weakness - vv 31-32; Mt 26:31; Jn 20:10; 21:3.
     D. A summary of His encouragement - v 33.

III. RICH AND POWERFUL ENCOURAGEMENT WHICH GOD GIVES US.
     A. Are we afraid? - He says, "Fear Not" - Rev 1:17-18.
     B. He assures a Shield of protection - Col 3:3.
           1. Our Shield against Satan's snares - 1 Pet 5:8-9.
           2. Against opposition of the world - Rom 8:31.
           3. Against the fear of death - Heb 2:15.
           4. Through Him we may overcome - 1 Jn 5:4; Rev 3:21.
     C. Gives Himself as our Reward - 2 Cor 6:17-18.
           1. Assurance of God's love strengthens and encourages us
              - Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8; 1 Jn 4:10.
           2. So we now have peace - Phil 4:6-7.
           3. He is our Reward for:
                 a. Sufferings patiently endured -2 Tim 2:12a.
                 b. Sacrifices cheerfully made - Heb 6:10.
                 c. Faithful trusting life - 2 Tim 1:12.
     D. Now there are at least five things we can do:
           1. Center our focus on God: Meditate on His great power, past
                 and present - Rom 1:16; Rev 22:17.
           2. Keep our eyes on the goal - Col 3:2; Phil 3:13-14.
           3. Be positive: Thank God - Psa 92:1,4; Phil 4:4; 2 Cor 4:17;
                 Rom 8:37; 2 Cor 1:20.
           4. Be patient: Powerful key - Psa 31:22,24.
           5. Do something for others - Heb 10:24.
                 a. Be willing to make personal sacrifice of time, money,
                       energy, with no strings attached, and not
                       expecting anything in return -Mt 22:39.
                 b. God is the Source of true encouragement
                       - 2 Cor 1:3-4; 7:4,6.
                       1) We are to continue the cycle - Mt 7:12.
                       2) Word in 2 Cor 1 has idea of coming alongside,
                            as a ship at a pier; We need someone to do
                            that, and we need to encourage, give comfort,
                            lift up, cheer on - Rom 12:15; 15:1; Heb
                            3:13.
                       3) Don't have to be eloquent or trained to renew
                            zeal and confidence in others - Prov 12:25.
     E. We too are pilgrims - Heb 11:8-10, 25-26.
           1. Rich when have fellowship - 1 Jn 1:3-4; Psa 16:5.
           2. How much we LOSE when we accept the favors of the world to
                 exclusion of God - 1 Jn 2:15-17; Jas 4:4.

CONCLUSION:
1. Which will it be on earth? - Ac 28:24; H-B-R-C-B-F.
2. Which will it be in another world? - Mt 25:46.
3. Your salvation is important to you, and to others.

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