Encourage Others

Introduction: Have you ever wanted to quit? Just stop it all right now because it seems its’ no use going on the way you are now. Many times, you have good reasons to do this.

The world situation is very discouraging. Attempts at peace in the world, where you work, even in church are scuttled due to peoples own selfish agendas. People will lie, steal and cheat if it is to their own advantage. There is hope however!!

Hope comes through others that encourage and help. God has al ways sent such people just when they are needed. We should be grateful for encouragers. We should be one ourselves.

Encourage by Example Acts 20:18-19

1. Paul was not a religious performer. He was consistent.

2. Sustained this consistency by daily prayer, total surrender to Christ

3. Paul was not bragging about his humility. Knew the Ephesian leaders may become proud as the endured. Wanted them to see if their leader was not proud then they should not be proud either. Reminded them that Paul himself had many ribbons of honor.

4. Paul reminded them he had set forth a lifestyle of humility and faithful service and they should too.  Paul taught by example.

Encourage by Telling Acts 20:20-21, 27

1. Paul called his listeners to repentance. In Greek it means ”to change your mind”. In short you do a 180 and go in the opposite direction. This theme is through out the Old Testament

2. Paul preached to both Jew and Gentile. It is the same for all people. Note: Some believe that God will make room for those that faithfully practice the other “great religions”. He will not. Acts 20:21 makes it clear, there is only one way and that is Christ.

3. Paul witnessed:

   1. Publicly

   2. Privately

   3. Positive and negative aspects of the Gospel

   4. Jew and Gentile

4. Paul encouraged witnessing by showing others how to do it and to do it faithfully.

Encourage by Warning Acts 20:28-31

1. Paul loved all men, but he did not love all that they did

2. He described some of the in unfriendly terms. To injure the church or cause disruption is to play with their anger of God. He called some wolves, other Vipers.

3. Wolves were false prophets who substituted their word for God’s word

4. Devil’s servants are not always clearly marked and impersonate Christians

5. Pitiful when a life has compromised and weakened so that it is undistinguishable from the world.

6. Be on guard. Be ready to give the test. If they glorify Christ, then they are the real thing.

7. Paul warned about danger within and without

Encourage by Giving Acts 20:35

1. In our enthusiasm to give we sometimes shift to consumerism. We think of the church as an entertainment center to attract the lost.

2. Paul could have relied on gifts but instead he chose to work. Showed Christian servants should not be in the ministry for money. Work and obedience were to be their trademark.

3. Those that serve vocationally should be supported financially. The rest should not expect financial compensation

4. Paul’s final lesson to the Ephesians was from the Lord Himself “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Encourage by Loving Acts 20: 36-37

1. You can be doctrinally straight, sacrificial, courageous and tireless and fail as a Christian. You must love!

2. As Paul turned to go the leader knelt with him in prayer and wept. They would miss him because they loved him.

   1. Note: Would people weep if you left?

Conclusion: It is time to consider a new level of Christian service. One of encouraging others than just ourselves.