DISCUSSION GUIDE
Week 3 • Sept. 22/23, 2012 • Encourage One Another (Jason Strand)
INTRODUCTION In Jason Strand’s message, he taught that encouragement has great power in our lives, especially biblical encouragement. He said that we should encourage others by 1) Remembering that encouragement costs us nothing; 2) If you think something good, say it out loud; and 3) Re-energize others by encouraging people. The following Bible verses and questions will give you a strong foundation to encourage one another.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS 1. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 10:32, and Proverbs 12:25. Encouragement is powerful. Take a minute to identify someone in your life who does not have anyone encouraging them. What is their relationship with God like? What is their family life like? How can you intentionally intervene and encourage them? What are some meaningful and biblical opportunities for encouragement with this person? 2. Read Hebrews 10:23-25. What are the main ideas and calls to action in this verse? Discuss what the Bible would consider “acts of good works and love.” In order to encourage one another, the writer insists they not stop meeting together. How important is this part of the verse? 3. Jason Strand noted that encouragement should not be an “atta-boy” shallow comment. Instead our encouragement should help spur others along to living biblical lives. Read Ecclesiastes 7:5, Proverbs 28:23. What encouragement have you received lately that was deep and meaningful? Does that person know how much it meant to you? 4. Read Hebrews 3:13, Hebrews 12:15, and Jude 1:22-23. Discuss what each verse asks you to do. How is each verse unique in its call to believers? How can encouragement be a tool to fulfill each of these verses? 5. Read Numbers 20:1-13. Moses lost his cool with the Israelites. What would have happened if he would have encouraged the Israelites instead of scolding them in this story? Why does God care that Moses said what he said—what did Moses not display? How does holiness tie into encouragement? 6. Read Proverbs 3:3-4. What are the main parts of this verse? Discuss how you see this truth in your life and in the people around you. How have you forgotten loyalty and kindness and lost the favor of people? What is the hardest part of this verse for you?
THINK ABOUT IT Read John 13:35, Matthew 5:13-16, 1 Peter 2:12, 2 Timothy 2:22-26. As believers, we are Christ’s ambassadors here on earth. After reading the verses above, remember that your ability to encourage people will impact your ability to reach others for Christ. Criticism is hardwired into us by our sinful nature. Help drown out that negativity and evil by intentionally encouraging people around you, especially your fellow believers (Galatians 6:10).
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