2. “Therefore comfort each other and edify (encourage) one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11) “Therefore comfort each other and edify (encourage) one another, just as you also are doing.” (1 Thess. 5:11) THE MINISTRY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

3. Discouragement is Dangerous Life is difficult, discouragement is real (failure, disappointment, fear) May attack spiritual growth (Moses, Elijah, Paul, Peter) Has Potential to hinder God’s will May lead to apathy, unbelief, sin, cynicism, critical spirit God can use our discouragement Life is difficult, discouragement is real (failure, disappointment, fear) May attack spiritual growth (Moses, Elijah, Paul, Peter) Has Potential to hinder God’s will May lead to apathy, unbelief, sin, cynicism, critical spirit God can use our discouragement

4. Excellent Example: Barnabus “And Joseph who was also named Barnabus by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement)” Insignificant doing the significant Key player in spread of Gospel Insignificant doing the significant Key player in spread of Gospel

5. Qualities of an Encourager: Able to encourage themselves in the Lord (David) (1 Sam. 30: 6) Are generous See in others what many miss What’s right not popular Uses words but more than words Refuses to entertain gossip and the tearing down of others Able to encourage themselves in the Lord (David) (1 Sam. 30: 6) Are generous See in others what many miss What’s right not popular Uses words but more than words Refuses to entertain gossip and the tearing down of others

6. All are called to offer godly Encouragement “Therefore comfort each other…” Barnabus is not the exception but the model Godly encouragement starts at home Look for the opportunities to encourage Barnabus is not the exception but the model Godly encouragement starts at home Look for the opportunities to encourage