Sunday Service: 26/09/2021
Supporting Scripture: Hebrews 10:24-25
Title of Message: The Power Of Encouragement
Delivered by: Pastor Mercy
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Hebrews 10 vs 24-25
Most of us have seen babies who were on the verge of taking their first unassisted steps. For several days or weeks, they stand alone confidently for moments at a time, screaming with delight at the accomplishment of balancing their little bodies on their little feet.
After a while they consider moving one of those firmly planted little feet in front of the other. All the while parents are persuading the little child to venture toward them.
“You can do it! Come on!” says father/mother, arms outstretched to catch Baby if he/she stumbles.
The baby responds with thoughtful, complete trust in its parents but with measured caution in its own ability. When Baby does finally take that first step it is a wonderful day – it leads to new worlds of adventure that baby could never imagine. And I am confident that Baby’s parents’ loving, consistent, cheering presence was a major ingredient in the achievement.
We live in a world of daily challenges – crisis days when everything seems to fall apart. Days when it looks as if we have come to the end of the road & that God has turned against us! Our natural tendency during trials is to just give up on life. But the bibles urges us to encourage one another.
For us to fully understand the power of encouragement, we shall look at two things: the Principle and the Person of Encouragement.
The Principle of Encouragement.
Encourage means “to comfort, console and strengthen. Encouragement is an act that helps someone to be a better person, when life is rough and tough. The word “encourage” is similar to “Comforter,” one of the names of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16; 15:26). People often connect the moving of God’s Spirit only with signs, wonders and miracles. However, when we truly encourage one another, we show God’s Holy Spirit is working in us and through us.
God commands us to encourage one another daily. We don’t have to wait for others to encourage us, but we ourselves take the initiative and become an encouragement even if others are not. This ministry is not for pastors only but for every believer (Heb. 3:13).
“But exhort one another daily, while it is called “Today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.”
Many times, an act of kindness, appreciation or hug has helped a weak brother/sister stand on their feet and keep walking with God. Blessed is that person who encourages!
We are to consider one another (Heb. 24a). To consider means “to be attentive or mindful.” In short, we are to regularly focus on encouraging one another – not by chance but by design and as part of our nature. We are to provoke one another (v.24b). “Provoke” means “to incite, stir up, or stimulate someone to do something.” Are we to provoke another to anger, bitterness, or evil? No, but “unto love and to good works.” There is a good and bad side in everyone, and we are to provoke someone’s good side. If a brother/sister becomes a more loving, better or a righteous person, then we have truly encouraged them!
The Person of Encouragement
I want us to see a personal example in a man who lived a life of encouragement. And this person is Barnabas. Originally his name was Joseph, but he was nicknamed ’son of encouragement’. He left a trail of encouraged people behind him wherever he went. Just about every time he appears in the New Testament, he’s encouraging people.
We first encountered Barnabas in Acts 4:34-37. Joses earned the nickname “Barnabas” for his unselfish, sacrificial life and testimony. Barnabas sold his land to support God’s work and people. (Acts 11:24)
“For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”
Barnabas is described as “a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.” His goodness and faith brought encouragement to the brethren – proof that the Holy Spirit works in and through him.
In (Acts 9:26-27) we see how Barnabas risked his name, reputation and honour on behalf of Saul who later became Paul the apostle. Paul just became a new believer. Sadly, he persecuted Christians. Barnabas supported Paul when no one else would even like to see, let alone believe him! I wonder what could have happened to Paul if Barnabas did not sponsor him?
Barnabas gave Paul his first ministry break. When God opened a door in Antioch, the early church sent Barnabas (Acts 11:25-26).
“Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians.”
Barnabas could have taken the Antioch work for himself. Yet he took time, money and effort searching for Paul, which paid off! Note that Barnabas won “many people” to the Lord; but, with Paul on his team, they “taught a great many people.” Their ministry was so effective that “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”
Conclusion: As Christians, we owe a lot to Barnabas. We owe Paul to him who went on to write 14 epistles, even if Barnabas himself did not write a single epistle! Such is the power of encouragement! The church of God needs many more ‘people of encouragement’ like Barnabas. Would you be a Barnabas to others today?