THE AWESOME POWER OF ENCOURAGEMENT (1 OF 3)

NOTE: This sermon is part 1 and 2 of a 7 part sermon series. Three sermons outlines are included in this download.

PREVIEWS:

Part 1: Encouraging People to Carry On
Series: The Awesome Power Of Encouragement
Stuart Briscoe
1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Paul described his work among the Thessalonians as, "encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God" (2:12). But Paul and his colleagues also needed encouragement (3:6-7). In fact, everyone needs encouragement!

I. The Causes of Discouragement.

A. For Paul, Silas, and Timothy.
1. Uncertainty. Acts 16:6-40

2. Hostility. Acts 17:1 9

3. Anxiety. 2:17-18

B. For the Thessalonians.
1. Physical danger. 1:6

2. Spiritual doubt. 3:5

3. Social disruption. 2:17

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Part 2: Encouraging People to Aim High
Series: The Awesome Power Of Encouragement
Stuart Briscoe
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

The stated objective of Paul and his co workers for the Thessalonians was to encourage them to aim high, to "live lives worthy of God." We need to know, not only what they meant by this, but also what means they used to attain their objectives.

I. Encouraging People to Aim High.

A. Why is it necessary?
1. Because of secular orientation.

2. Because of social norms.

3. Because of spiritual confusion.

B. How is it done?
1. By stating the objective.
a. "To live lives worthy of God." v. 12

b. "Not trying to please men but God." v. 4

2. By clarifying the meaning.
a. The Kingdom.

b. The glory. v. 12

3. By explaining the reason.
a. The call of God. v. 12; 4:7

4. By assisting the believer.
a. "The Word of God is at work…" v. 13

b. Caring like a mother. v. 7