Empowered by Encouragement: Transforming Lives Together
Summary
### Summary
Happy Father's Day to all the fathers present and those watching online. Today, we honor the fathers who have shaped us, especially my own father and my husband, Bok, whose dedication and love have been a blessing to our family and church. As a church, we have been reflecting on our values, aiming to embody the love of Jesus in our interactions. Last week, we discussed honor, and today, we focus on encouragement.
Encouragement is a powerful tool that can transform lives. Ephesians tells us that we are God's masterpieces, and we are called to see each other through God's eyes—never abandoned, never rejected, always fighting for each other's hearts. I shared a story from my youth pastoring days in New Zealand, where a simple act of encouragement had a profound impact on a broken woman. Our words have the power to bring life or death, and we must choose to use them wisely.
God created us to need each other, just as He created Adam to need Eve. In our post-COVID world, the need for connection and community is more critical than ever. Encouragement is the glue that binds us together, infusing us with the courage to face challenges and reach our potential. I shared a personal story about my daughter, Jana Grace, who won a swimming race because she believed in herself, illustrating the power of positive words.
We looked at the story of Saul, who became Paul, and how Barnabas, the "son of encouragement," played a crucial role in his transformation. Barnabas saw the potential in Paul and later in John Mark, choosing to believe in them despite their pasts. This kind of encouragement can change the course of history.
Criticism and negativity can erode the church, but we are called to be different. Jesus teaches that our words reflect our hearts, and we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Encouragement is not just about saying nice things; it's about heart surgery, letting God heal our wounds and change our perspectives.
In closing, I invited everyone to commit to being a people of encouragement, to call out the gold in each other, and to let the Holy Spirit heal any wounds caused by negative words. Let's stand together, support each other, and be a light to the world, showing that we are His disciples by the way we love one another.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Encouragement: Encouragement is a transformative force that can change lives. Our words have the power to bring life or death, and we must choose to use them to uplift and inspire others. Just as God created the world with His words, we too can create positive change through our speech. [49:03]
2. Community and Connection: God created us to need each other, just as He created Adam to need Eve. In our disconnected world, especially post-COVID, the need for community and belonging is more critical than ever. Encouragement acts as the glue that binds us together, helping us to face challenges and reach our potential. [49:59]
3. Barnabas: A Model of Encouragement: Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement," played a crucial role in the transformation of Saul into Paul. He saw the potential in others and chose to believe in them despite their pasts. This kind of encouragement can change the course of history and is a model for how we should treat each other. [55:03]
4. Criticism vs. Encouragement: Criticism and negativity can erode the church, but we are called to be different. Jesus teaches that our words reflect our hearts, and we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Encouragement is not just about saying nice things; it's about heart surgery, letting God heal our wounds and change our perspectives. [01:09:07]
5. Commitment to Encouragement: We are called to commit to being a people of encouragement, to call out the gold in each other, and to let the Holy Spirit heal any wounds caused by negative words. By doing so, we can be a light to the world, showing that we are His disciples by the way we love one another. [01:19:12]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[43:50] - Honoring Fathers
[44:53] - Church Values: Encouragement
[45:39] - The Power of Words
[46:44] - Seeing Each Other as God Sees Us
[47:33] - Story of Encouragement in New Zealand
[49:03] - The Power of Life and Death in the Tongue
[49:59] - The Need for Community
[50:52] - Infusing Courage Through Encouragement
[51:45] - Jana Grace's Story
[52:38] - Calling Out the Gold in Each Other
[54:02] - The Story of Saul and Barnabas
[55:03] - Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
[56:48] - Encouragement in Church Life
[57:28] - Barnabas and John Mark
[58:41] - Paul's Teachings on Encouragement
[59:27] - The Importance of Daily Encouragement
[59:54] - Letting Go of Past Hurts
[01:00:26] - Seeing Each Other as Masterpieces
[01:01:04] - Personal Struggles and Encouragement
[01:02:37] - The Role of the Church Community
[01:03:15] - Practicing Encouragement
[01:04:32] - Ephesians 4:29: Building Each Other Up
[01:06:10] - The Challenge of Criticism
[01:09:07] - Jesus' Teachings on Words and the Heart
[01:10:31] - Heart Surgery: Transforming Our Words
[01:12:13] - The Inward and Outward Transformation
[01:14:00] - The Power of Constructive Words
[01:15:08] - The Story of Ben Ruth
[01:16:29] - Being Louder Than the World's Noise
[01:17:42] - Healing from Wounded Words
[01:18:15] - Responding to the Call for Encouragement
[01:19:12] - Prayer and Commitment to Encouragement
[01:20:58] - Invitation to Respond and Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power of Encouragement
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 2:10 - "For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."
2. Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
3. Hebrews 3:13 - "But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 2:10, how does God view us, and what does this imply about our interactions with others?
2. What does Proverbs 18:21 say about the power of our words? How does this align with the sermon’s message on the impact of encouragement? [49:03]
3. In Hebrews 3:13, what is the purpose of encouraging one another daily? How does this help prevent a hardened heart?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does seeing each other as God’s masterpieces (Ephesians 2:10) change the way we interact within our church community? [45:39]
2. Reflect on the story of Barnabas and Saul. How did Barnabas’ encouragement transform Saul’s life and ministry? What can we learn from Barnabas’ example? [55:03]
3. The sermon mentioned that criticism and negativity can erode the church. How can we allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts to be more encouraging? [01:09:07]
#### Application Questions
1. Think of a time when someone’s words of encouragement had a significant impact on you. How can you replicate that impact in someone else’s life this week? [48:13]
2. In what ways can you actively contribute to building a stronger sense of community and connection in our church, especially in a post-COVID world? [49:59]
3. How can you practice being a “son of encouragement” like Barnabas in your daily interactions? Identify one person you can encourage this week and plan how you will do it. [55:03]
4. Reflect on any critical or negative words you may have spoken recently. How can you seek forgiveness and make amends? What steps can you take to ensure your words are more uplifting in the future? [01:09:07]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of calling out the gold in each other. Who in your life needs to hear words of affirmation and encouragement from you? How will you make this a regular practice? [52:38]
6. How can you let go of past hurts caused by negative words and allow the Holy Spirit to heal those wounds? What practical steps can you take to move forward in forgiveness and healing? [01:18:15]
7. Consider the commitment to being a people of encouragement. What specific actions can you take to foster a culture of encouragement in your small group or church community? [01:19:12]
By engaging with these questions, we can deepen our understanding of the power of encouragement and its transformative impact on our lives and our church community. Let’s commit to being a light to the world by the way we love and uplift one another.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Encouragement
Encouragement is a transformative force that can change lives. Our words have the power to bring life or death, and we must choose to use them to uplift and inspire others. Just as God created the world with His words, we too can create positive change through our speech. Encouragement is not just about saying nice things; it's about seeing the potential in others and calling it out. When we speak life into someone, we are partnering with God in His work of transformation. This is a powerful reminder that our words matter and can have a lasting impact on those around us. [49:03]
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." — Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who needs encouragement today. How can you use your words to uplift and inspire them?
Day 2: Community and Connection
God created us to need each other, just as He created Adam to need Eve. In our disconnected world, especially post-COVID, the need for community and belonging is more critical than ever. Encouragement acts as the glue that binds us together, helping us to face challenges and reach our potential. When we encourage one another, we are building a strong, supportive community that reflects the love of Jesus. This sense of belonging and connection is essential for our spiritual growth and well-being. [49:59]
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." — Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you contribute to building a stronger sense of community in your church or neighborhood this week?
Day 3: Barnabas: A Model of Encouragement
Barnabas, known as the "son of encouragement," played a crucial role in the transformation of Saul into Paul. He saw the potential in others and chose to believe in them despite their pasts. This kind of encouragement can change the course of history and is a model for how we should treat each other. By believing in the potential of those around us, we can help them become who God created them to be. Barnabas's example challenges us to look beyond people's past mistakes and see the greatness that God has placed within them. [55:03]
"Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians." — Acts 11:25-26 (ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs someone to believe in them? How can you be a Barnabas to them today?
Day 4: Criticism vs. Encouragement
Criticism and negativity can erode the church, but we are called to be different. Jesus teaches that our words reflect our hearts, and we must allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from within. Encouragement is not just about saying nice things; it's about heart surgery, letting God heal our wounds and change our perspectives. When we choose to speak life and encouragement, we are allowing God to work through us to bring healing and transformation to others. This requires a conscious effort to let go of negativity and embrace a spirit of love and grace. [01:09:07]
"Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door." — James 5:9 (ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. Are there any instances where you could have chosen encouragement over criticism? How can you make a conscious effort to speak life in the future?
Day 5: Commitment to Encouragement
We are called to commit to being a people of encouragement, to call out the gold in each other, and to let the Holy Spirit heal any wounds caused by negative words. By doing so, we can be a light to the world, showing that we are His disciples by the way we love one another. This commitment requires intentionality and a willingness to be used by God to bring hope and encouragement to those around us. It is a daily choice to see the best in others and to speak words that build up and inspire. [01:19:12]
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to become a more encouraging person? How can you make encouragement a daily habit in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Our words are powerful tools. We look in the Bible and it says this. Proverbs. The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. And it goes as far as to say the tongue has the power of life and of death. The power of life. And. Of death. I find it really interesting when you go to Genesis and God says, let there be light. He used his words to create this world around us and it happened. His language was what brought this to form. And we are made in his image, aren't we? Every single one of us. Which means our words are also powerful." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "When we encourage, we infuse courage into each other. Encouragement provides us with strength. To look ahead, move forward, and reach for the next goal. The whole emotional tone of a tough situation can be transformed with encouragement." (22 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We are called to call out the potential in each other. We are lost without one another. We need each other to name the masterpiece that lives within us. We have a world shouting at us, telling us that we're not good enough. The world of comparison on social media that tries to rip us down and make us believe that someone has a better life." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We are called to use our words like Father God does, to breathe life into each other, to be different, to be counterculture, to be a people of encouragement and of power. Do you believe that? Do you want that? Can you imagine if this church was a place where people walked in? Through these doors and as soon as we met people, we were calling out the things in them that God had placed in their life." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you really knew that God was for you, what would change? What would change? It's easy for me to stand here and say, hey, church, let's be encouraging. Let's start using nice words with each other. But Jesus says it's for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. It's an inward transformation. It's to do with the cultivation of our relationship with God, the time that we're spending with him, the way that we're letting his Holy Spirit come and enter our lives and change us, that we respond to who he is, that we spend time in the Bible reading what he's saying and applying it to our lives, listening to each other, coming together, being in fellowship, with one another." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We need each other. We're not supposed to live in a space of isolation, disconnection, post-COVID. This is one of the biggest problems right now. Research is showing that we are so disconnected. I've got to say, UK, you're even more disconnected right now in terms of community than New Zealand is. There's a desire for belonging and connection. Do you know what the glue is that will bind us together as a church? Yes, Preacher Stewart. It's also, you could come and grab a microphone with me mate. It's also encouragement. What we get from Jesus, our relationship with him, but it flows into encouragement. The way that we speak to one another helps to bridge the gap. That we call out the goal that we come together and believe in one another." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "How often in church life does someone offend us or do something that is not of our flavor? And we shut the door in their face. We don't invite them to our table. We reject them from our party. We don't invite them into a conversation. We become critical about the way that they do ministry or the way that they have relationships or whatever they're up to. But Barnabas. Barnabas chose to be an encourager. The son of encouragement. You see later on he continues this journey when Mark John comes along and he joins Paul. And he joins Barnabas on this journey. Saul who's become Paul. And he ditches them. And so later on when he wants to rejoin another mission, Paul is like, no, sorry, buddy. You have got a history of letting us down. You are not coming. Ironic, isn't it? But Barnabas. Barnabas comes and says, no, no, Paul. I believe in Mark, John Mark. I believe in him. I believe that he can do something greater and different. I'm not going to allow his history to dictate his future." (72 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In church life, it's so easy to look for what needs fixing, isn't it? Or how a ministry could be better. Or how an agenda could have been written. Or a sermon preached. And this creates such a slow erosion of the church. Criticism is not a fruit of the Spirit. It is quite the opposite. It's so easy to take our own personality and to put it on a church and say, this is what I think this should be. Or this is how this person should do this. Or this is my perspective, my way, do it my way." (40 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We don't need platforms in this church today. We need each other. The body of Christ, every single one of us sitting in this room, has a purpose and a plan that God has put in your life. They're a gifting mix that He wants to use, and we want to come together where every single person's voice matters, where we're all invited to. A table where we encourage each other and we call out the goal together, where we see each other as a masterpiece that God has created us to be." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We can carry baggage in. I can carry baggage in. I can carry hurt. Pain. We can carry history. We can have things happen between us that we keep remembering. We're called to be different. We're called to be counterculture. We're called to be like God. God forgets. We're purified. When we do something wrong and we come to him. He purifies us. We're called to have the perspective of God on one another. To give each other a fresh start. To keep calling out the gold. And seeing what is good in one another. What God has created us to be. Because everyone is fighting a battle that we know nothing about. Let's lift each other up." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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