Seeing Potential: Empowering Others Through Encouragement

 

Summary

When Jesus looked at people, He didn't focus on their current state or limitations. Instead, He saw their potential, their capacity for growth, and what God intended for them to become. Jesus had a unique ability to bring out the best in people, not by labeling them or focusing on their shortcomings, but by affirming their potential and expressing His belief in their abilities. He consistently communicated a message of encouragement, often telling people, "I believe you can do it," and "I know you can do this." This approach not only uplifted those around Him but also empowered them to strive towards their God-given potential.

Jesus' perspective challenges us to look beyond the surface and see others through the lens of their potential. It invites us to adopt a mindset that encourages and believes in the growth and transformation of those around us. By doing so, we can help others realize their potential and fulfill the purpose God has for their lives. This perspective is not only transformative for those we encourage but also for ourselves, as it aligns us with the heart of Jesus and His mission to uplift and empower.

Key Takeaways:

- Seeing Potential in Others: Jesus teaches us to look beyond people's current state and see their potential. By focusing on what they can become, we align ourselves with God's vision for their lives and can play a part in their transformation. This perspective encourages us to be agents of hope and change. [00:08]

- Empowerment Through Belief: Jesus empowered others by expressing His belief in their abilities. His words of encouragement were not empty but filled with faith in their potential. This teaches us the power of our words and the impact they can have in uplifting and motivating others. [00:20]

- The Transformative Power of Encouragement: Encouragement is a powerful tool that can bring out the best in people. By affirming others and believing in their potential, we can inspire them to reach new heights and fulfill their God-given purpose. [00:08]

- Aligning with God's Vision: When we see others as Jesus did, we align ourselves with God's vision for their lives. This perspective not only transforms those we encourage but also deepens our own spiritual journey as we participate in God's work of transformation. [00:20]

- The Role of Faith in Growth: Jesus' belief in others was rooted in faith. This teaches us that faith is a crucial component in personal and communal growth. By having faith in others, we can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. [00:08]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:08] - Seeing Potential in Others
[00:20] - Empowerment Through Belief
[00:32] - The Transformative Power of Encouragement
[00:44] - Aligning with God's Vision
[00:56] - The Role of Faith in Growth

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 1:42 - "And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, 'You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas' (which, when translated, is Peter)."
2. Matthew 16:18 - "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it."
3. Philippians 1:6 - "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

Observation Questions:
1. How did Jesus demonstrate His belief in the potential of those He encountered, according to the sermon? [00:08]
2. What specific words or phrases did Jesus use to express His belief in others' abilities? [00:20]
3. In what ways did Jesus' approach to seeing potential in others differ from labeling them based on their current state? [00:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the impact of Jesus' encouragement on those around Him? [00:20]

Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to see others through the lens of their potential, as Jesus did, and how might this perspective challenge common societal views? [00:08]
2. How does Jesus' belief in others' potential align with the concept of faith, and why is this significant for personal and communal growth? [00:20]
3. In what ways can aligning with God's vision for others transform both the encourager and the one being encouraged? [00:44]
4. How does the sermon suggest that encouragement can be a transformative tool in helping others fulfill their God-given purpose? [00:32]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when someone saw potential in you that you didn't see in yourself. How did their belief impact your growth or decisions? [00:08]
2. Identify a person in your life who might benefit from encouragement. What specific words or actions can you use to express your belief in their potential this week? [00:20]
3. Consider a situation where you might have labeled someone based on their current state. How can you shift your perspective to see their potential instead? [00:08]
4. How can you incorporate the practice of affirming others' potential into your daily interactions, and what changes do you anticipate this might bring? [00:32]
5. Think about a personal goal or dream that you have. How can you apply the principles of faith and encouragement from the sermon to pursue this goal? [00:56]
6. What steps can you take to align more closely with God's vision for the people in your community or church? [00:44]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset that consistently looks for and nurtures the potential in others, even when it is not immediately apparent? [00:08]

Devotional

Day 1: Seeing Beyond the Present

Jesus challenges us to look beyond the immediate circumstances and limitations of those around us. He invites us to see the potential and the future that God envisions for each person. By focusing on what individuals can become, rather than where they currently are, we align ourselves with a divine perspective that encourages growth and transformation. This mindset not only helps others to realize their potential but also positions us as agents of hope and change in their lives. [00:08]

"For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7b, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life do you often judge by their current circumstances? How can you begin to see them through the lens of their potential today?


Day 2: Empowerment Through Faithful Words

Jesus empowered those around Him by expressing His belief in their abilities and potential. His words were not mere platitudes but were filled with genuine faith and encouragement. This teaches us the profound impact our words can have on others. By speaking words of belief and encouragement, we can uplift and motivate those around us, helping them to strive towards their God-given potential. [00:20]

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone who needs encouragement today. What specific words of belief can you share with them to empower their journey?


Day 3: The Power of Encouragement

Encouragement is a transformative tool that can bring out the best in people. By affirming others and believing in their potential, we can inspire them to reach new heights and fulfill their God-given purpose. This act of encouragement not only benefits those we uplift but also enriches our own spiritual journey as we participate in God's work of transformation. [00:08]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a time when someone’s encouragement made a significant impact on your life. How can you replicate that impact for someone else today?


Day 4: Aligning with Divine Vision

When we see others as Jesus did, we align ourselves with God's vision for their lives. This perspective not only transforms those we encourage but also deepens our own spiritual journey. By participating in God's work of transformation, we become more attuned to His heart and mission to uplift and empower. [00:20]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you align your perspective with God's vision for those around you? How might this change your interactions with them today?


Day 5: Faith as a Catalyst for Growth

Jesus' belief in others was deeply rooted in faith. This teaches us that faith is a crucial component in personal and communal growth. By having faith in others, we can help them overcome obstacles and achieve their potential. Our faith in their abilities can serve as a catalyst for their growth and transformation. [00:08]

"And Jesus said to him, ‘If you can! All things are possible for one who believes.’" (Mark 9:23, ESV)

Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you can exercise faith in someone else's potential. How can you actively support and encourage their growth today?

Quotes

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Transcript
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