Being God's Instrument in Encouraging Transformation

Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ #4
Being God’s Instrument in Encouraging Transformation
Acts 2:38-47   Page # 1090

~ “Godly Encouragement” is walking with others in order to stimulate Christ-likeness.   (1 Thessalonians 2:8) 

~ Discipleship is a relational investment for an extended period of time that aims for spiritual maturity in Christ and ongoing multiplication. (Matthew 28:18-20)

I. Worshiping as a way of life. (Acts 2:42-47, 5:40-41, 20:20)

II. Praying constantly. (Acts 1:12-14, 2:42, 4:23-24)
     1. Set prayer goals
     2. Use Biblical prayers   (Matt. 6:9-15, Eph. 1:18-21, 3:14-21,
         Phil. 1:9-11, Col.1:9-12, 1 Thess. 3:11-13, 5:23-24,
        2 Thess. 2:16-17)
     3. Pray Spirit-led prayers   (Eph. 5:18-21, Colossians 3:16, 17)

III. Communicating Biblical truths. (Acts 2:42-47, 4:12,19-20,
      5:42, 8:4-5 ) (Deuteronomy 6:6-7, 2 Timothy 2:2)

     1. Pray – Before you invite
     2. Invite – Ask someone as God directs
     3. Covenant – Clarify goals, responsibilities, accountability, etc.
     4. Scripture – In what manner?  (John 8:31-32)
          A. Faith sheet and message (Read, Examine, Apply, Pray)
          B. Walking as Jesus Walked workbook  
          C. Book or a topic in the Bible
     5. Counseling topics (June Hunt) Multiply – Invite others

IV. Pursuing and enjoying meaningful fellowship with God’s
     people. (Acts 2:42-47)

V. Generosity in all areas of life.  (Acts 2:42-47, 4:34-37, 6:1-7)

VI. Going and sending into the community and nations. (Acts 1:8,
     4:1-4, 13:1-3)

Faith Sheet
Transformation Verse – A friend loves at all times…
Proverbs 17:17
Main Points: Godly encouragement is focused upon stimulating others toward Christ-likeness. All believers are ambassadors and priests in Christ. We are competent to disciple, equip, and mature others as God empowers us.

#1- Reviewing this past Sunday
Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ #4
Acts 2:38-47  

1. Read Acts 2:38-47. Discuss the message with someone.
2. What has God spoken to you recently through His Word or
    another believer that has impacted your spiritual life?
3. Notice in this passage that we must repent of our sins and
    confess Christ publicly through baptism. Why is believer’s
    baptism so important? (Luke 9:26, Matthew 28:18-20)
4. These believers joined small groups and met often to pray,
    study, praise, take communion, and build one another up. How
    is your household and small group doing in these areas? Where
    might you improve? Pray for one another. 

 # 2- Preparing for next Sunday
Encouraging Others to Address the Heat of the Moment
Matthew 8:18-27

1. What is the difference between superficial encouragement and
    Godly encouragement? Read Hebrews 10:23-25.
2. Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11.
3. Why did God bring trials to His servant? (v 9)
4. What is God’s promise? (v 10)
5. What contributed to the intended outcome of the trials? (v 11)
6. Pray for someone in difficult times or affliction.