Encouragement 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Needed: Encouragement Who needs it? We all do! Helps in time of trouble Serve God of All Comfort Comfort of the Word (Romans 15:4)

We Are God’s Little Flock Only a few believe –Disciples (Luke 12:32) –Chosen by God A spiritual family –Least is greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11)

We Are God’s Little Flock A spiritual family –L–L–L–Least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist (Matthew 11:11) –“–“–“–“First shall be last and the last first” (Luke 13:28-30) –W–W–W–Who would think a thief would be saved? (Luke 23:43)

Bound together in love –Without love we cannot be what we should be (Romans 12:9, 10, 17) –Genuine love and concern (Romans 12:13, 15, 16)

We Are God’s Little Flock Stick together and be encouraging –“United we stand, divided we fall” –More than a slogan –Makes a difference between success and failure as God’s people (Ephesians 4:1-3)

We Are God’s Little Flock You are loved and appreciated –D–D–D–Don’t think otherwise –W–W–W–We are a family –N–N–N–Need every member of the body (1 Corinthians 12:21, 22)

A Better World Beyond Must not grow weary –M–M–M–Means to “succumb to fatigue” (Galatians 6:9; 2 Thessalonians 3:13) –U–U–U–Used of weariness (John 4:6; 2 Corinthians 11:27) –“–“–“–“Well doing” means doing God’s work (Ephesians 2:10)

We shall reap –Discouraging to do what is right with no word of thanks –Paul challenged them –In due time

A Better World Beyond Better place beyond the grave –Fix our hope (1 Peter 1:13) –Paul suffered (2 Corinthians 11:23-28) –Called them a “light affliction” (2 Corinthians 4:16) –Better to depart (Philippians 1:23)

A Better World Beyond Learn from David –His predicament (1 Samuel 30:1-6) –David turned to God (Psalms 18:6; 27:1, 4, 5; 40:1-3) –We have a refuge (Proverbs 18:10) –Pray (Luke 18:1; Philippians 4:6) –He is near (Hebrews 13:6)

Strength From Old Testament Affirmed in the New Testament –Give us hope (Isaiah 40:28-31) –“We are weak, but He is strong.” –Waiting on the Lord is relying on Him –Our God is able (Ephesians 3:20, 21)

Strength From New Testament We have an adversary –Satan is the source of evil (James 1:12-15; 1 Peter 5:8) –God can perfect, or “repair” us –He will comfort us –Come boldly (Hebrews 4:15, 16)

Strength From New Testament God can make us blameless –Jude wrote to vulnerable people (Jude 24) –Encouraged them to be strong –Living in time of apostasy –Need not be afraid –God is able (2 Thessalonians 2:16)

Conclusion Disappointments will come We must be steadfast Someday we will reap