Why Godly Encouragment is so Important

Why Godly Encouragement is so Important
Hebrews 6:13-20
Page # 1199

Encouraging Others to Move Forward in Christ   #1

1. What comes to mind when we hear the word “encouragement”
2. Where do I receive consistent “godly” encouragement?
3. How might I “mature” as a godly encourager?
4. Have I learned to share “difficult truths” with godly encouragement?
5. Why is godly encouragement “crucial” in counseling and spiritual mentoring?

I. Godly Encouragement - Walking with others in order to stimulate Christ-likeness. (think, feel, and act like Jesus)

~Discipleship - A relational investment for an extended period of time that aims for spiritual maturity in Christ and ongoing multiplication.
Romans 8:29 – “For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son…”

1 Corinthians 13:13 - “But now faith, hope and love remain…but the greatest of these is love.”

~Faith- Trusting in Christ and His Word which produces obedience to Him.
John 10:27 -Jesus said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

~Hope - God focused confidence, assurance, and expectation.  
Psalm 42:5 – “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him for the help of His presence.”

~Love – Affection toward another person which leads me to continually do what is best for him.
Matthew 22:37 - Jesus said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind….and love your neighbor as yourself.”

II. Basic Truths 

1. God is “The Ultimate Encourager.”
John 14:26 – “The Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you.”

~ “Paraklētos” – One who walks along side of another, exhorts, comforts, intercedes, admonishes in love, consoles, encourages, and strengthens in order that we would experience His glory and love.

2. All of God’s people are “Ambassadors and Priests” and are capable of encouraging others in Christ-likeness.          

~ Ambassador - A competent representative of Jesus Christ and His words.

2 Corinthians 5:20 – “Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God is making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

~ Priest- One living a life of worship, intercession and proclamation in Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:5 – “You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”

Hebrews 13:15-16          

3. In order to keep moving forward in Christ-likeness, we must receive and enjoy godly encouragement.
Hebrews 6:17-20

4. Without godly encouragement to keep moving forward in Christ-likeness, a church cannot function properly.  
Hebrews 10:24-25

5. Without godly encouragement to keep moving forward in Christ-likeness, the impact of proclaiming the Gospel is greatly decreased.
Hebrews 11:1-6

Prayers for this study:
1. That we would “see” ourselves as we really are and God as He really is.
2. To believe that people do not need “professionals” as much as they need Christ-like friends/ministers encouraging them forward in Christ.

Faith Sheet
Transformation Verse -   Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.    John 10:27

Main Points: Godly encouragement stimulates others to keep moving forward in Christ-like faith, hope, and love.

#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday 

Why Godly Encouragement is so Important
Hebrews 6:13-20

1. Read Hebrews 10:24-25. Discuss Sunday’s message with someone.
2. Explain why or why not you see yourself as a “priest” of God who is here to assist others in their maturing in faith, hope, and love.
3. When do you most need encouragement and from whom?
4. Why is godly encouragement important for a local church? In our homes? In discipling/mentoring others?
5. How might you grow as a godly encourager?

# 2- Preparing for Next Sunday
The Power of Listening and Encouraging Words
Proverbs 18:13

1. Read Proverbs 18:13, 21 and10:11, 27. Discuss with someone.
2. Larry Crabb says, “The emphasis of Church life is to better understand Christ and His resources in order to go and more effectively minister to needy people.” Discuss this quote and how gathering with God’s people is preparing you to live this quote out in daily life.
3. He then states, “All Bible believing and gospel proclaiming churches should be known for their emphasis on encouragement.” Why is this important for believers in Christ and also for those who do not yet trust in Christ? Think of as many reasons as possible.
4. Rate yourself as to how you are doing in using words to promote spiritual maturing in others? Healing hurts? Honoring Christ?
5. Pray for one another to grow in using our words wisely to see others move forward in Christ.