Writing Encouragement

Posted 12/17/2006

"in my own hand"

1Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; 2Th 3:17; Phm 1:19

Why in writing?

• Takes more thought and refinement
• The writer benefits by spending time meditating on God's goodness, and in looking for that goodness in others' lives.
• Lasting record, to be reviewed (the Scriptures!)
• Record remains accurate, unlike storytelling
• Examples from class
• God's Word establishes exactly who He is
• Love notes while dating
• Legal significance of "having it in writing" (i.e., rental)
• Establishes specific benefits

1. Noticing and pointing out God's work in each others' spiritual lives
2. Commending faithfulness in God's work
3. Praising love shown toward fellow men
4. Lovingly taking an interest in encouraging noticeable growth in each other

• "Thank God for you" Rom 1:8-13 Being thankful for faith, for being good examples, to visit and make established, encouraging one another in faith, eager to spend time with
• "Thank God for you" I Cor 1:4-17 God's grace in growth, to quit being divisive
• 2Cor 1:3-11 Sharing reports of God's comfort in our affliction
• Gal 1:6-10 Encourage to stay true to the Gospel, and not stray
• Eph 1:15-18 Thankful for faith and love toward each other, and that their eyes would be opened to see God's power and riches
• "Thank God for you" Php 1:3-11 Thankful for God's good work, and wishing for more of the same
• "Thanks to God" Col 1:3-11 Thankful for faith and love, and for lots of heavenly treasure being gathered
• "Thanks to God for all of you" 1Th 1:2-5 Thankful for faithful labor in love
• "Thanks to God for you" 2Th 1:3-2:1 For perseverance and faith, not be shaken
• "Thank God as I remember you" 2Tim 1:3-6 Reminders rekindle fervor for God
• "Thank my God always" Phm 1:4-8 Thankful for love and faith and hospitality, to become effective in knowledge through those,
• 1Jo 1:1-4 Sharing what we've learned from God
• 3Jo 1:2-4 Joyful to hear of faithfulness in faith
• Jud 1:3-4 Warning against straying from the faith

Also consider the Psalms and Proverbs, and great passages in Job, Isaiah