How can we encourage others to "devote themselves to every good work"? The Heart Behind Every Good Work • 1 Timothy 5:10 highlights a widow “devoted…to every good work.” Paul is describing a life so saturated with Christ’s love that service flows naturally. • Good works are never a ladder to earn favor with God; they’re the fruit of already-received grace (Ephesians 2:8-10). Seeing the Pattern in 1 Timothy 5:10 Paul lists concrete examples: • “brought up children” – investing in the next generation • “shown hospitality” – opening home and heart • “washed the feet of the saints” – humbly meeting practical needs • “helped the afflicted” – standing with the hurting • “devoted herself to every good work” – an ongoing, intentional lifestyle These deeds show breadth (family, church, stranger, needy) and persistence (a reputation for good works). Grounding Our Encouragement in Grace • Remind people that God “created us in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). • Emphasize Christ’s example: He “gave Himself for us to redeem us… to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds” (Titus 2:14). • Keep motivation anchored in love, not guilt (2 Corinthians 5:14). Practical Ways to Encourage Others Model and invite: • Share stories of how God uses ordinary acts—testimonies spark vision. • Serve alongside others; apprenticeship beats instruction alone (Philippians 4:9). Equip and resource: • Offer training (meal prep for hospitality, budgeting for generosity, simple evangelism tools). • Provide clear on-ramps: sign-up sheets, service teams, mission trips, care lists. Affirm and celebrate: • Publicly acknowledge faithfulness (Romans 12:10). • Write notes or texts when you see someone serving; affirmation fuels perseverance. Cultivate community rhythms: • Small groups adopt local needs—food banks, nursing homes, foster care. • Church calendar includes regular “serve days” so good works become normal. Encourage perseverance: • Galatians 6:9-10—“Let us not grow weary in doing good… as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the household of faith.” • Remind one another of eternal reward (Hebrews 6:10). Scripture to Keep the Fire Burning • 2 Timothy 3:17 – Scripture “equips” for every good work. • Colossians 1:10 – Walk “worthy of the Lord… bearing fruit in every good work.” • Hebrews 10:24 – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds.” • 1 Peter 4:10-11 – Use gifts “as good stewards… so that in all things God may be glorified.” A Lifestyle That Speaks Louder Than Words When believers consistently live out tangible love—like the widow in 1 Timothy 5:10—others are inspired to follow. By grounding encouragement in grace, modeling service, equipping hands, and celebrating faithful acts, we help one another devote ourselves “to every good work,” all for the glory of our Savior. |
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