“BE A COMFORTER TO OTHERS”
ACTS 4:32-37
INTRODUCTION:
A. Definition: “To encourage (inspire with courage or hope); to cheer; hearten; comfort; urge; impel; stimulate. That which gives boldness, confidence”
B. Discourage means: “To retard; oppose; hinder”
C. Because man is weak, he often needs help from an outside force
I. GOD COMFORTS MAN:
A. Hagar; Genesis 21:9-21
B. The strength and shield of Joshua; Joshua 1:1-9
C. Paul in the storm; Acts 27:22-28
D. Enslaved promised pardon; Ephesians 1:7; I Corinthians 10:13
E. Through His word; Matthew 10:30-31
II. CHRISTIANS ARE TO COMFORT ONE ANOTHER:
A. Christ set the example; Isaiah 61:1-3
1. Sick of palsy; Matthew 9:1-7
2. Disciples on the stormy sea; Matthew 14:27
3. Those in tribulation; John 16:33
B. We are to imitate Christ; I Corinthians 11:1
1. Strong to encourage the weak; Galatians 6:1-2
a. Illustration: Moses encouraged Joshua and Israel; Exodus 14:10-14; Deuteronomy 31:1-8
b. Weak can encourage the strong; Deuteronomy 1:38; 3:28
c. Jesus craved support; Matthew 26:40
2. Old to encourage the young; David and Solomon; I Kings 2:1-4
3. Paul encouraged Timothy; I Timothy 2:1; II Timothy 1:2
4. Young to encourage the old; Ephesians 6:1; Proverbs 10:1
5. Encourage ourselves; Danger in self-pity:
a. Children; I Corinthians 14:20; 16:13
b. Seek help from above; I Samuel 30:6; Philippians 4:13
c. Some burdens we must bear alone; Galatians 6:5
CONCLUSION:
A. Will you allow God and man to encourage you?
B. Will you gain strength to encourage others?
