ANTIOCH CHURCH OF CHRIST

The Power of Encouragement

The Power Of Encouragement

I can't think of anyone who can get through life without needing someone along the way to give a "boost." There are some who stupidly say, "I don't need anyone's help." They eventually learn that, as the old saying goes, "No man is an island." God made us creatures of dependence, mostly dependent upon Him. But this also includes depending on others. It is our nature to migrate towards others in times of need.

No one understands this more than the Christian. The disciple of Christ has come out of Satan's domain and into the kingdom (Colossians 1:13), "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” As Christians we know that Satan will not just let the past alone, but will try again to ensnare and trap us back into sin. To avoid these schemes, the Christian needs help, even help from fellow Christians. With aid from God and those who have also put their trust in God, sin can be defeated more easily than by facing it all alone.

This is precisely the point made in Hebrews 3:12, "Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God." An example is the fact that the children of Israel "hardened their hearts" in rebellion to God and His servant Moses (Hebrews 3: 7-11). One way to ward off the danger of apostasy (falling away from the living God) is mutual encouragement (Hebrews 3:13), "But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” Sin is so deceitful that before we realize it, we can be miles away from God. Having brethren close by to encourage us helps us stay faithful.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, "And let us consider one another to provoke (stir up) unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting (encouraging) one another: and so much the more, as ye see the Day approaching;” the writer stresses the importance of gathering with the church when it assembles. Attendance is important, for we "stir up" others to love and good works. We also "exhort one another" while the Day approaches. However, we will not just find such encouragement when the church assembles for worship. We don’t gather with the assembly everyday, so we need to associate with those of like precious faith for further encouragement, such as visiting with one another, sharing meals with one another, and having wholesome fun with one another. Heaven is to be composed of faithful, obedient Christians. Why not spend time with one another now, so we can enjoy being together forever in heaven.

Jimmy

Adapted: Bro Jeff Smith

11/08/09 pm