How can we "encourage" others to "remain true to the Lord" today? Scripture Snapshot “ When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with steadfast purpose.” — Acts 11:23 Setting the Scene • Barnabas travels to Antioch, a city bursting with new believers. • He recognizes God’s work, celebrates it, and immediately urges the young church to stay loyal to Christ. • His joy plus his exhortation become a model for us. Why “Remain True”? • Relationship, not just ritual (John 15:4–5). • Perseverance proves genuine faith (Hebrews 3:14). • Faithfulness fuels witness in a skeptical world (Philippians 2:15–16). What Does “Encourage” Look Like? • The Greek word means “to call alongside.” • It blends warmth (“you can do this”) with resolve (“don’t drift”). • It is both spoken and shown (1 John 3:18). Practical Ways to Encourage Others Today 1. Celebrate Evidences of Grace – Point out growth you see: “I notice you handled that conflict with patience.” – Scripture tie-in: Philippians 1:6; 1 Thessalonians 1:2–3. 2. Speak Truth Daily – Share a verse, a text, a handwritten note. – “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another” (Colossians 3:16). 3. Meet Consistently – Worship, small groups, coffee catch-ups. – “Not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another” (Hebrews 10:25). 4. Pray Out Loud Together – Hearing intercession builds faith (James 5:16). – Brief, specific prayers remind others they’re not alone. 5. Model Perseverance Under Pressure – Share testimonies of God’s faithfulness during trials (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). – Authentic stories carry more weight than abstract advice. 6. Guard Against Discouragement – Identify lies (“God has abandoned me”) and replace them with truth (Deuteronomy 31:8). – Send timely reminders of God’s promises (Isaiah 41:10). 7. Serve Shoulder to Shoulder – Ministry partnerships tighten bonds and keep hearts focused outward (Galatians 6:9–10). 8. Correct Gently When Needed – “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). – Restoration, not condemnation, protects faith. 9. Foster an Atmosphere of Hope – Regularly revisit the return of Christ (Titus 2:13). – Hope anchors weary souls (Hebrews 6:19). 10. Remind Each Other of Identity – “You are chosen, holy, beloved” (1 Peter 2:9). – Identity fuels loyalty; knowing whose we are keeps us true. Barnabas-Style Encouragement Checklist □ I look for God’s grace before I look for flaws. □ I express joy openly when I see faith in action. □ I challenge friends to press on with “steadfast purpose.” □ I stay close enough to notice when someone drifts. The Outcome We Anticipate • Strengthened believers (Acts 14:22). • Unified witness to a watching world (John 17:23). • Glory to God as perseverance bears fruit (Matthew 5:16). Keep the Charge Before You “Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 |
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