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Encourage One Another

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Encourage One Another - 1 Thess. 5:11According to 1 Thessalonians 5:11, God has given us the responsibility of encouraging one another. It demonstrates that we’re members of one another in the Body of Christ (Rom. 12:5). The New Testament contains numerous uses of the phrase “one another” (allelon in the original language). This word depicts a mutual, reciprocal effort on the part of believers, one toward the other. The word for encourage, parakaleo, denotes calling to one’s side, further strengthening the idea of being there for one another. We come alongside of fellow believers to have a positive effect on their lives, and they in ours.

About Encouragement

Read through the context of 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and you’ll discover some key points like why we need encouragement, who needs it, and how to encourage. (Click on the links below for more on those points.)

We need encouragement to be lights in a dark world. We can encourage one another to remain alert and self-controlled so we reflect our Lord in all we do.

Everyone needs encouragement. As one of the many one-another commands of Body life, encouraging each other occurs reciprocally. No one should have to face the hardships of life alone.

Each one needs encouragement tailored to them. How we encourage one another varies based a person’s particular situation and needs. While encouraging one another should be reciprocal, the way we encourage may differ.

The Best Way to Encourage One Another

Though how we each need encouragement varies, we all need to be pointed to God as the ultimate Source of encouragement.

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. (2 Thess. 2:16-17)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort (paraklesis which is the noun form of the verb parakaleo translated in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 as to encourage) … (2 Cor. 1:3)

As we continue on to verse 4 of 2 Corinthians 1, we read that it is this God “who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God”. Again, the word for comfort in that verse is parakaleo, the same word used when told to encourage one another in 1 Thessalonians 5:11.

The best way to encourage others, then, is to pass on the encouragement we received from “the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort” for He is our ultimate Source of encouragement.

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What Does the Bible Say About Self-Protectiveness?

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Sometimes when we compare ourselves and come up short, we may do things to protect ourselves from coming under ridicule or feeling bad about ourselves. As seen in previous posts, we may get into self-striving to become better or self-exaltation to appear better. We may put up walls, particularly when we’ve been hurt and don’t want it to happen again. We seek to protect ourselves from further harm and hurt. But, what does the Bible say about self-protectiveness?

The Bible Warns Against Self-Protectiveness

We can find at least four biblical reasons trying to protect ourselves isn’t the best course of action, no matter how hurt we’ve been.

  1. Self-protective measures aren’t necessary when we have a God who is for us. This doesn’t mean bad things will never happen to us, but they will always have a greater purpose than harming us.

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? (Rom. 8:31-35)

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

  1. Building walls around ourselves goes against one of God’s purposes in sending Jesus to die. Walls separate us from God and others. God, however, sent Jesus so we can be in fellowship, not just with Him but with one another. Who are we to erect walls Jesus died to break down?

… For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (Eph. 2:11-16)

  1. It’s foolishness to think we’re strong enough to take care of ourselves, especially when we have a God who is fully able.

A horse is a vain hope for deliverance; despite all its great strength it cannot save. But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. (Ps. 33:17-19)

Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. (Ps. 127:1)

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matt. 10:28)

  1. It’s foolishness for us to think we’re wise enough to know how to best bring about justice. God wants us to leave vengeance to Him, not to take matters into our own hands, which is where self-protective measures may take us. He has the wisdom to do what is right.

Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. … (Rom. 12:19-21)

Scripture Encourages Us to Trust God Instead

No Need for Self-Protectiveness with God as our Protector
We can trust God rather than seek to protect ourselves because He promises to be our …
helper (Ps. 121:1-2),
shield (Ps. 18:30),
deliverer (Ps. 3:8),
sustainer (Ps. 3:5),
and hiding place (Ps. 32:7).

Consider these truths about God’s protection:

  • He’s powerful enough to protect us from anyone or anything. If He could create all things out of nothing, certainly He can take care of that which He created.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 121:1-2)

  • He’s so wise He always knows what’s best.

As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. (Ps. 18:30)

He who watches over you will not slumber. (Ps. 121:3)

Rather Than Put Protective Walls Around Ourselves, Let’s Do This

Remember, there’s a spiritual battle waging around your soul that no amount of self-protection will overcome. Jesus prayed for our protection from the evil one (Jn. 17:15). Jesus is the overcomer (Jn. 16:33). — “… be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God …” (Eph. 6:10-18)

Keep your eyes on what you have in Him rather than your circumstances, troubles, hurts, etc. We can learn to be content, and live the life God intends for us because we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phil. 4:11-13). In Him, we can have peace, no matter what (Phil. 4:6-7; Jn. 16:33). His peace will guard our hearts even when our circumstances don’t change.

Call on the name of the Lord when feeling vulnerable. Jesus prayed for our protection by the power of His name (Jn. 17:11-12).

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What Does the Bible Say About Self-Exaltation?

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Self-Exaltation is about our need to make ourselves look good. It may stem from comparing ourselves to others. Perhaps we do excel in some areas but feel the need to make sure others know it. Maybe, however, we think we’re not as good as others and so we try to make ourselves appear better by talking and acting like we’re better. Whatever the cause, we’re bragging about ourselves.

The Bible Warns Against Self-Exaltation

God’s Word clearly informs us of His opposition to pride and arrogance. Even if it’s true that we are as good as we say, we’re moving into the dangerous territory of pride which God hates. And, if we aren’t as good as we make ourselves out to be, we’re moving into the manipulative territory of deceit.

To fear the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. (Prov. 8:13)

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. (Prov. 16:18)

Jesus warned His disciples about pride and wanting to be in a place of honor. He said it’s better to let others recognize and honor you, rather than exalt yourself (Lk. 14:8-11).

For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Lk. 14:11)

Jesus taught that we shouldn’t worry about being first or best or always right because that’s when we lose.

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (Matt. 16:24-25)

But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matt. 19:30)

Scripture Encourages Us to be Humble Instead

We need to get the focus off of ourselves and put it on God. Who we are and what we have in Him is enough. We can trust Him.

Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor. (Prov. 15:33)

We don’t need to be anxious about what others think. When life is all about Him, making ourselves look good becomes less and less important. God will take care of us.

God Opposes Self-Exaltation, Gives Grace to the Humble
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (James 4:6-7)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Pet. 5:6-7)

Rather Than Exalt Yourself, Do This

Follow the example of Christ who came to serve others rather than be served. Humility, rather than self-exaltation, exemplifies Christlikeness. With the focus off ourselves, and onto God, we’re freed to serve.

… whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk. 10:43-45)

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. … (Phil. 2:3-11)

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What Does the Bible Say About Self-Striving?

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Self-striving is about our human effort to make something happen or to become who we should be. Sometimes it stems from comparing ourselves to others and finding ourselves to be inferior. Our insecurities may drive us to self-striving to try to measure up rather than find our significance in the Lord. Whatever the cause, we’re basically over-estimating our own abilities to change or make things happen and under-estimating God’s ability. And so, self-striving equals self-reliance.

The Bible Warns Against Self-Striving

God makes it clear that no amount of striving will save us.

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. (Eph. 2:8-9)

He also exhorts, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness” (Col. 2:6-7). We continue to live by grace, which in essence, is God doing for us what we can’t do for ourselves. — “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 1:6)

Scripture also describes self-striving in our day-to-day physical lives as meaningless. It just leads to anxiety and stress.

Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat – for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Ps. 127:1-2)

What do people get for all the toil and anxious striving with which they labor under the sun? All their days their work is grief and pain; even at night their minds do not rest. This too is meaningless.(Eccl. 2:22-23)

Scripture Exhorts Us to Cease Striving

Cease from Self-StrivingGod said, “Cease striving and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10, NASB).

As we “behold the works of the Lord” and acknowledge that “the Lord Almighty is with us” (Ps. 46:7-8), we realize that we have an “ever-present help” (Ps. 46:1). We don’t have to rely on ourselves when the One of whom there is none greater is with us. No one can truly fathom His greatness and understanding (Ps. 145:3; Isa. 40:28). That’s what makes Him God. It only makes sense to heed the instruction in Proverbs 3:5-6 to “trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him”.

The Hebrew word for “cease striving”, according to Strong’s concordance, suggests that we sink down or relax. When we sink down into God’s sovereignty as the Lord Almighty, we can relax knowing He’s in control and that He is fully capable to take care of all that pertains to us. When we rely on the Almighty God rather than our own strength, we find peace (Phil. 4:6-7) and contentment (Phil. 4:11-13)

While we do find places in Scripture that seem to suggest we strive for certain things, it’s still not self-striving but rather God working in and through us. We must interpret Scripture with Scripture.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed – not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence – continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Phil. 2:12-13)

To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. (Col. 1:29)

Rather Than Strive, Do This

Do you want to change and get better? Do you want to do what really matters? — Cease striving. Know that He is God.

Here’s the starting point: Trust God instead of worrying. “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness” (Matt. 6:25-34)  As you do, pull on His power. It isn’t necessary to strive when the Almighty God is with us. Pull on His power by …

  • walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-26),
  • relying on His grace (Titus 2:11-12),
  • abiding in Christ (Jn. 15:4-5),
  • and finding your strength in the Lord (Phil. 4:13; Isa. 40:31).

For more on various means through which He empowers us, go to: The Source of the Church’s Power

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How to Be More Discerning

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Discernment requires that we observe and understand a situation. It not only helps us distinguish right from wrong, but also choose between good, better, and best. We’re able to make a judgment about what will work and what won’t. In essence, to discern we make an assessment of the situation that should ultimately lead to making wise choices.

Wisdom's Foundation Has Consequences
As humans, in and of ourselves, we tend to make poor, and even destructive, choices, so how do we become more discerning?

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. (Prov. 14:12)

What We Need to Do to Be More Discerning So We Make Wise Choices

Discernment takes more than following a few steps. It’s something developed within us as we use the right means to get there. Click on the links below to learn more about each of these means to becoming more discerning.

He provides the standard against which we discern what’s right and wrong.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom … (Ps. 111:10)

If we don’t change on the inside first, our attempts to be more discerning will be short-lived.

… be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Rom. 12:2)

This is what God uses to teach us about Himself so we know the right and best way to go.

… by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. (Heb. 5:14)

Since loving God and others are the greatest commandments, we need to filter what we do through this lens.

… that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless … (Phil. 1:9-11)

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Check Your Methods

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Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6a, we can conclude that in coming alongside of people in ministry, we need to keep our message true to God’s Word and our motives pure. When that happens, our methodology will be filled with integrity. So, check your methods. If there’s any form of manipulation, something’s askew.

Check Your Methods When Doing a Personal Ministry Check-upFor the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts. You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed – God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else. (1 Thess. 2:3-6a)

Check Your Methods to Make Sure They’re Upright

Paul said he never used trickery, flattery, or cover-ups. All of that would have been manipulating people into doing what he wanted them to do. How he treated people stemmed from an upright heart, one that was genuine and maintained the right motives. He would set aside his own comfort, convenience, and rights to win people to the Lord (1 Cor. 9:19-23), but not in deceptive, self-serving ways. To help identify how our methods may not always be fully upright, read:

Think about it: The message we proclaim comes from the Almighty God, the One of whom there’s none greater. Why would we think God needs our help to manipulate people into believing and changing? Isn’t God’s Word powerful enough to thoroughly equip people (2 Tim. 3:16-17)? Isn’t it “alive and active” (Heb. 4:12), sufficient to produce faith and lead to salvation (Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 1 Pet. 1:23-25)? Remember, God’s Word is “sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

How to Safeguard Your Methodology

Paul went to great pains to be upright because He sought approval from God, not people. What God thought mattered more than any perceived benefit from others. He knew that doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord also benefited others (2 Cor. 8:21). For that reason he told Timothy, “Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.” (1 Tim. 4:16) That would take diligence and giving himself wholly to it (1 Tim. 4:15).

Paul likened the discipline needed to that of the strict training needed to win in a sports competition. He said, “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Cor. 9:24-27) — How far are you willing to go to make sure your ministry methods remain upright, approved by God?

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