Yes,

What does encourage

mean?

• “To fill with courage” is technically correct, but vastly insufficient regarding its use in the NT.

• The Greek word translated as “encourage” (parekalei ) is from parakaleo- which literally means to call to one’s side.

• It is also translated as to beseech, comfort, exhort, desire, pray, or entreat; and includes consolation, strengthening, instructing, and teaching. Yes, parekalei is a broad and far-reaching word, and concept and duty!

Consider a few passages in which it is found to illustrate its

wide range of applications and

meanings:Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn, for

they shall be comforted.”

Matthew 8:5, “And when Jesus entered Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, imploring Him,”

Matthew 8:31, “The demons began to entreat Him…”

Matthew 18:29, “So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me…”

Matthew 26:53, “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father…”

Consider a few passages in which it is found to illustrate its

wide range of applications and

meanings:Mark 1:40, “And a leper came to Jesus, beseeching

Him, and falling on his knees before Him...”

Luke 3:18, “So with many other exhortations he preached the gospel to them. ”

Luke 15:28, “…and his father came out and began pleading with him.”

Luke 16:25, “… but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony.”

Acts 2:40, “And with many other words he solemnly testified and kept on exhorting them…”

Who needs Encourageme

nt?The short answer is “Everyone- at least at

some point!”

The better/biblical answer is:

• Obviously, those lacking courage, Acts 28:15 (see also Acts 23:11);

• Those preaching, teaching, and doing good works, Acts 11:19-24; 18:27;

• Those facing tribulations, Acts 14:21-22;

• Those whose faith has weakened, 1Thess.3:1-3

Who needs Encourageme

nt?But we would have to also include:

• The unruly, fainthearted, and weak, 1Thess.5:14;

• The young and/or inexperienced, Titus 2:4; Heb.5:11 – 6:18;

• Those in danger of falling away, Heb.3:12-13;

• Those in need of patience and endurance, Heb.10:19-39;

• Those caught in a trespass, Gal.6:1-2; and,

• Those needing consolation, love, fellowship, affection, and compassion, Phil.2:1; see also Col.2:1-2.

Keys to Encourageme

ntImportant ‘How To’ Tips:

• Take time to think about it first, Heb.10:24; Eph.4:29;

• Speak and act the way you would want to be spoken to and treated, Matt.7:12;

• Always remember the proper objectives- “encourage you as to your faith,” 1Thess.3:2;

“encourage… and build up one another,” 1Thess.5:11

“See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God,” Heb.12:1-17

Conclusions

Think about taking these home with you:• Everyone needs encouragement from time to

time- some more than others; even you may need a boost at some point.

• God and His Word are the ultimate sources of encouragement- point yourself and others back to Him in prayer and knowledge.

• You have the ability to encourage others simply because you know what encourages you (and how it does so)- do that for others!

• What are the biggest impediments to being a “Barnabas”?

Recognition of need in others, and personal abilities to fulfill it!