Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“Anatomy of An Encourager”
Introduction
For a couple weeks last year, we explored the concept of encouragement. The Greek term variously translated in our English Bibles (urge, beg, comfort, exhort, encourage, advocate, counsel, help, ask) comes from a combination of the verb “to call” and the preposition “beside”. It paints a picture of someone coming along another person in need of encouragement. Encourage is the action. Encouragement is the result of the action.
Encourager is the description of the one doing the action. The noun and verb appear nearly 150 times in the New Testament. God does it. People practice it. God commands the church to practice it toward one another. Jesus does it. It is the central function of the Holy Spirit. Other terms like inspire, motivate or influence capture the sentiment of the term. The core idea has to do with an activity that takes place in community.
We all need and desire someone to come along side of us in our life journey. The key passage in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians clearly focused on the nature of encouragement. Interestingly, he wrote it because he sensed his first letter felt discouraging to some. He urged them to bless God for His encouragement in times of suffering. We made a several observations from that passage which used the word encourage or encouragement 10 times in five verses.
• God’s encouragement flows out of God’s nature.
• God’s encouragement addresses ALL our troubles.
• God’s encouragement empowers us to encourage others who face affliction.
• God’s encouragement keep pace with our suffering.
• Our encouragement comes through our connection with Christ.
• God’s encouragement to us in order that we encourage others.
• Encouraging others energizes them to endure their suffering.
• God’s encouragement inspires hope amid discouragement.
Paul had been encouraged by Titus who had been encouraged by the Corinthian’s expression of love for Paul and then Paul encouraging the Corinthians by his letter. Feelings of encouragement provide a new sense of courage, inspiration to go on or do the right thing. The act of encouraging comes from a connection with someone who motivates us in a positive direction out of a negative state (discouragement).
Encouragement comes from at least four things.
RESOTRATION OF DIVINE PERSEPCTIVE
A significant aspect of encouragement involves words. In times of difficulty we need God’s perspective on life in a broken world. Many times, our discouragement comes from faulty thinking. These, along with a multitude of other negative “messages” play over and over in our thoughts even to the point of mental paralysis. We need renewed thinking. The major source of that renewed perspective flows from the Scriptures.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4
Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to remind the apostles of His teaching.
In times of difficulty, we need divine perspective on the past, present and future.
God’s encouragement helps us to address things that happened in our past.
Renewed perspective aids our struggle with things in the present.
Divine perspective assures us of God’s continued presence in the future.
Divine perspective encourages the soul to endure, repent, move on.
UNDERSTANDING DIVINE PURPOSE
Hurtful unexplained events in our life tend to cause discouragement. “What’s the point?” The knowledge that there is some point to it all stirs strength and encouragement. That comes from God’s prompting or from someone God sends our way to help understand divine purpose.
REALIZING DIVINE PRESENCE
God designed us for community. Disconnection from meaningful community brings greater vulnerability to discouragement. Jesus promised the presence of one just like Him; the Holy Spirit. The word God used to describe His ministry is the same word we have been exploring; “One called alongside”. Some translated it “The Comforter”; others “The Helper.” It all comes from the same word meaning “to called alongside.”
The very word indicates PRESENCE.
I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Encourager, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16-17
There are times when we sense God’s special presence. There are times when God sends someone to come along side at the right time. The presence of God or people He sends brings encouragement.
SENSING DIVINE PARTNERSHIP
God ordained a community of people called the church through whom He chooses to accomplish His will regarding the world and individuals. Encouragement is the life-giving blood that flows through the community of believers. Words of encouragement bring life and inspiration. There are words of discouragement that bring death and paralysis. God calls us to encourage one another. We can’t do that in isolation. Relationships can be energizing or excruciating. What does encouragement look like in the community of believers?
Here are some observations we made from the numerous verse of Scripture.
The early church grew through the encouragement of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit specifically gifts certain people to encouragement Rom 12:8.
Encouragement flows out of the character of God and His Word.
We gain encouragement from observing love demonstrated in the family.
Christ’s encouragement of us motivates us to encourage others.
Encouragement comes as an answer to prayer.
Encouragement is a primary role of pastors.
God promises encouragement in sorrow.
Encouragement strengthens believers to persevere.
The manner of encourage is like a loving father and his children.
Encouragement desires to build up others.
Encouragement may be corrective in nature.
Encouragement is a continual function of the gathered community.
We energize one another by both our words and our presence. Our words provide perspective, truth and hope, care, sympathy, inspiration. There is power in words; power to both heal and hurt.
There are words and then there are words empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. Proverbs 18:21
Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29
Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, but a good word makes it glad. Proverbs 12:25
A man has joy in an apt answer, and how delightful is a timely word! Proverbs 15:23
Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances. Proverbs 25:11
Our words can provide divine perspective. Our company provides divine presence. In times of deep trauma and sorrow, presence can often do what words can’t. We have explored the character of encouragement.
We all need encouragement because we are broken people living in broken world and need help from one another to navigate its numerous hazards. There are two sides to encouragement. The one being encouraged and the one encouraging. Many do not accept help for one reason or another. Fear of being hurt, pride, selfishness resists the help of others. On the other hand, past experiences of people coming along side for ill purposes or with negative attitudes.
Few today are willing to allow anyone to see what is inside. Few have developed a relationship with another to the point of complete trust and transparency. Few invite any one to come close enough to really know us.
Few are willing in to risk such vulnerability. I want this to be a year of encouragement for the Chico family.
When we establish an atmosphere of love and acceptance there will be a climate for genuine, lasting encouragement and the healing of such fragile diseased and damaged souls as ours. We need the skillful scalpel of dedicated surgeons not the awful axe of self-motivated log splitters. We need the mindset of a fireman rather than a policeman. We need the heart of a coach rather than the perspective of a referee. We need those willing to weep for others rather than whip them. Let us pray for and work toward a family atmosphere of unconditional acceptance and realization of the worth and dignity and necessity of each member.
God established the function of the church specifically to promote unity, diversity and mutuality. Whenever we bite and devour one another we only bite the hand intended to feed us or the feet intended to transport us or gouge the eye that sees or plug the ear that hears. We need a ministry mentality to flood our family. It begins with a commitment to be God's instrument. present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.
Today I want to touch on some of the characteristics of a good encourager.
1. Come along side in love
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. Eph 4:15
2. Come along side in humility
For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder. I am afraid that when I come again my God will humble me before you, and I will be grieved over many who have sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual sin and debauchery in which they have indulged. 2Co 12:20-21
3. Come along side in gentleness
And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. 2Ti 2:24-26
4. Come along side in the Spirit
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Gal 5:25-26
5. Come along side after personal examination and cleansing
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Gal 6:1
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, `Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye. Mat 7:3-5
6. Come along side after a record of positive encouragement
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Eph 4:29
7. Come along side as a loving Father
For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1Th 2:12
8. Come along side with patience
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage - with great patience and careful instruction. 2Ti 4:2
9. Come along side with much prayer
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 1Sa 12:23
If anyone sees his brother commit a sin that does not lead to death, he should pray and God will give him life. 1John 5:16
10. Come along side with a sacrificial heart
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Joh 15:12-13
There are many Biblical models of encouragers.
Barnabas had a name which meant Son of encouragement. He sold property in order to help those in need.
He came along side of Paul in the early days when everyone else was afraid of him.
The news about them (new believers) reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord. And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Acts 11:24-26
He collected funds to help the persecuted Christians.
He powerfully partnered with Paul on multiple mission trips.
He took John Mark under his wing when Paul refused to take him.
Paul is connected to multiple aspects of encouragement.
His heart for people comes through.
He prayed constantly.
He was willing to sacrifice himself for the salvation of others.
He spent long hours serving and expended significant emotion energy for others
Paul affirmed Timothy as an encourager.
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. Philippians 2:19-22
The ultimate encourager is the Holy Spirit.
The key to his encouragement is His continual presence.
He also empowers to keep on the path.
He also enlightens to God’s perspective on life.
He bears witness to the truth.
He inspires love, joy and hope.
He enables boldness in difficult situations.
He urges us to do the right thing.
He never leaves us or forsakes us.
We must be intentional about encouragement.
It takes time and energy.
It takes boldness and humility.
Let 2018 be the year of encouragement. Be open to let others come along side you. Be open to coming alongside others. Encouragement is the life blood of the body. Coming along side to serve is the major function of the body and family.
Sadly, we sometimes feel all alone.
Make every effort to come to me soon; for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; 2 Timothy 4:9-10
At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me; may it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was rescued out of the lion's mouth. 2 Timothy 4:16-17
It is said that Christians are notorious for abandoning or killing their wounded. We assume that because people disappear or are absent they have deserted. The truth is, sometimes they have been seriously wounded on a battlefield somewhere and our job is to come along side and nurture them back to health.
