I apologize for the length of this one. It started out as an article, but somehow turned into a little bit of a study as I take you on a journey with me of what I learned about encouragement from the Apostle Paul. Enjoy!

June 10, 2019

I just read and reread through those first chapters of Paul’s letters to the early churches in the New Testament. As I studied and looked through those letters, one thing I noticed that stuck out the most was that Paul didn’t give surface encouragement. He went deeper.

Let’s take a look and see some of the things that Paul tells these people.

TO THE ROMANS

Look what Paul says here to the followers of Christ at Rome. He tells them that he is thankful for them. He says he is thankful for their faith. He tells them, hey, your faith here is Rome is talked about all over the world!

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; Romans 1:8-9 (KJV)

Then look what Paul says. He tells those believers that he takes the time to pray for them. When you are a leader, letting someone know you are praying for them can mean so much.

TO THE CORINTHIANS

Paul encouraged these fellow believers at Corinth with a little authority and discipline in his words. As leaders, encouraging others in the body of Christ isn’t always about telling them what a good job they are doing. Sometimes it’s an act of calling attention to something that isn’t biblical or an exhortation to do what it right. Sometimes it’s a call to unity.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1 Corinthians 1:10-11 (KJV)

Paul then reminds those people of what is important. Look what it says in those last three verses of chapter one.

That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:29-31 (KJV)

When I read that line “That no flesh should glory in his presence”, it made me stop in my tracks because so much emphasis is on self today, even in our churches. Paul is exhorting these people to glory in Christ, not in themselves. This is how he chooses to greet them as part of this letter. It’s a call back to reality. It’s a reminder of what being a Christ follower is all about.

As Christian women’s leaders, we shouldn’t be trying to encourage other women by lifting up the flesh, by pushing vanity, by pushing pride, or anything like that. Let’s follow Paul’s example and encourage other believers by reminding them that we should take the importance off of ourselves and glorify Christ!

And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation. 2 Corinthians 1:7 (KJV)

See what he says? And our hope of you is stedfast.

Paul is cheering them on to keep on holding on. He knew there were still troubles and a breakdown in the church there, but he also knew that they weren’t a lost cause. He encouraged them to be faithful.

There are other little tidbits that Paul tells these Corinthians in that chapter, so be sure to read it and ferret those things out.

If you read on down through 2 Corinthians chapter 2, you will see all the heartfelt things that Paul said to these people. He knew some of the things he had said to them in the past had to sting. He wanted them to know he did it out of love and out of a desire to see them thrive in the work of Christ.

There is so much involved with Paul’s relationship with the believers at Corinth, but we won’t delve into all of that here.

TO THE GALATIANS

Here we are again. Those Galatians needed some hard encouragement to stay faithful just like the church in Corinth did. Paul is very concerned about these believers and what is happening among them. He encourages them to do what is right and not be drawn away from the true Gospel of Christ.

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 (KJV)

TO THE EPHESIANS

Paul greets the believers at Ephesus by telling them that he has heard of their faith. He tells them he is thankful for them and that he is praying for them.

Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Ephesians 1:15-17 (KJV)

I notice here that Paul doesn’t just tell those people he is praying for them, but he also tells them specifically how he is praying for them. He tells them what he wants God to do for them. I think sometimes we need to do that. We need to not just rotely say we are praying for someone, but once in a while maybe we should say, hey, this is how I am praying for you. This is what I want God to do for you. It goes a little deeper than the surface.

TO THE PHILIPPIANS

We always think of this as the joy book, so it is fitting that Paul’s greeting here is so upbeat for those believers at Philippi.

I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Philippians 1:3-6 (KJV)

And look at this nugget in the next verse that Paul says to these lovely people. He tells them, ” I have you in my heart”. Don’t you just love that? I would call that more than surface encouragement. What a way to lift someone’s spirit! I have read that passage a multitude of times, but I don’t think I ever noticed that phrase before.

Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. Philippians 1:7 (KJV)

Paul goes on to tell the Philippians how much he misses them and can’t wait to see them. He then goes on down that chapter and throughout the book by encouraging those people at Philippi in some very specific things in order to serve and glorify the Lord.

TO THE COLOSSIANS

Paul basically says the same thing here that he does to the Ephesians. Yeah, I think Paul was using a form letter (ha-ha!). He tells them he has heard of their faith and of their love to all the believers.

We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, Colossians 1:3-4 (KJV)

In verses 7 and 8 of this chapter, Paul emphasizes the love that these people had for other people. When we talk about someone’s love for people, that goes so much deeper than talking about how they look. Don’t you think?

As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. Colossians 1:7-8 (KJV)

Paul calls attention to a particular person and calls him by name, Epaphras. I think when we can mention people by name it is a great thing. As a women’s leaders, it is so important to get to know the names of our team members and volunteers. It shows we know who they are and that they are remembered and appreciated. It can be an encouragement.

TO THE THESSALONIANS

So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8 (KJV)

In his letter to these same people in 2 Thessalonians, Paul again says how thankful he is for them. I see this as a theme here. Paul is always thankful for people. That’s so important in a leader. He also mentions their faith and their love for people. On down through the chapter Paul is encouraging these people in their faith. Encouraging someone in their faith is so much deeper than concentrating on the little and petty things that we sometimes want to discuss.

TO TIMOTHY

This letter isn’t written to a whole church but to one particular person. Timothy was a young preacher going into the ministry. I see from this that it is an example to encourage those new to ministry. What about those new to a women’s ministry team or a volunteer you are working with? Those ladies need some encouragement. Take time with them on a personal level, like Paul did with Timothy here is this book.

Paul is giving Timothy a charge to stay faithful and fight the good fight. Paul was concerned here for Timothy that he wouldn’t end up as others did that didn’t keep the faith. Sometimes a charge is needed to encourage someone to minister more fervently for the Lord.

This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 1 Timothy 1:18-20 (KJV)

I think well intentioned guidance and advice is a way to encourage on a deeper level when we are dealing with those who help in our women’s ministries. I’m not talking about just always telling people what to do and how to do it, but good, godly, selfless advice and instruction can help encourage and motivate people.

I love how Paul’s phraseology changes to the next letter of 2 Timothy. Here Paul calls Timothy his “dearly beloved”.

To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2 (KJV)

Paul goes on through this chapter telling Timothy how thankful he is for him and also how he was basically proud of the testimony of faith that Timothy had. He calls Timothy’s faith, unfeigned faith. It was real, sincere, and pure.

When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. 2 Timothy 1:5 (KJV)

One thing I also notice here is that Paul mentions Timothy’s mother and grandmother. He mentions them by name. Again, calling people by name is important. I think it is important to call people by name just in everyday life, but as leaders, I think it is very important. It shows you are attentive, concerned, and thoughtful. It is an encouragement to others when we take the time to know them, their families, and who and what is important to them.

TO TITUS

Again, this letter addresses a specific person. Titus was a young missionary who served with Paul. Titus was Paul’s go-to guy. Do you have one of those in ministry? Have someone who you can constantly rely on? That is how Titus was to Paul.

If you look through all the verses that Titus is mentioned in throughout Paul’s ministry, you see that Paul gave him some tough jobs and challenges. Here in Titus chapter one, we see Paul again giving Titus another hard job. That job was to go to Crete to set some things in order within the church there. It’s never easy dealing with people and troubles within the church.

Those kinds of things can be disconcerting. They can be trying. It takes a person that can handle it. It takes commitment and faith. We see here in this first chapter of Titus how Paul mentions those wonderful traits that Titus had. I know this letter must have been an encouragement to Titus.

Another thing that I think shows that Paul encouraged Titus as a leader and helper beyond a surface level was that he gave Titus some authority. Look in verse 13.

This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; Titus 1:13 (KJV)

Paul gave Titus the authority and direction to take this matter in hand. Sometimes as a leader, we need to give our helpers and team members some authority and some responsibility. They will never learn how to do things if we don’t allow them the leeway to do it. Leaders can’t always do things on their own. They have to allow others to serve in the capacities that God has equipped them for and allow them to use their gifts.

One other quick thing I came across about Titus is in one of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians. There he mentions the care that Titus had for the people there. He called it, “earnest care”. What a great compliment! What great encouragement! What Paul says to the people in Corinth about Titus is heartfelt and so encouraging. He isn’t talking about outward Titus. He is talking about heart Titus.

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you. 2 Corinthians 8:16 (KJV)

I could go on and mention so many things about Titus. If you are a women’s ministry leader and have never studied the relationship between Paul and Titus, I urge you to do so. They were a great leadership team! They helped each other in the work that God had for them. They could not have accomplished so much alone. Paul was a great leader, but folks, he did not work alone!

TO PHILEMON

Again, Paul starts one of his letters by calling attention to the fact that he was praying for this brother, Philemon. I think it is so important that we tell others we are praying for them. It is a little thing to say, but it can be such an encouragement.

Paul also calls attention to Philemon’s love and faith to God and to the other saints.

I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers, Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints; That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. Philemon 1:4-6 (KJV)

Down in verse 7 of this chapter, we see that Paul talks about how Philemon refreshed the saints. That’s such a powerful encouraging statement about this man. To me that defines deep encouragement. Paul is telling this man what a wonderful impact he has had on other believers. Paul is telling this man that he is making a difference.

For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother. Philemon 1:7 (KJV)

MY FINAL THOUGHTS

Paul was a great leader and I think we can learn from him and those letters that he wrote. We can see through those letters how he encouraged those believers of the early church.

You will notice that I did not include Hebrews here, it is not written in the form of a letter like the other books I mention and doesn’t have all those personal notes addressed to people in the first chapter like the others. It has long been debated as to whether Paul wrote Hebrews or not; however, we do want to grab something important from this book.

You can see that the writer wanted the best for these people. You can see he was encouraging them to encourage each other. We have got to learn to encourage each other in the body of Christ. When we are leaders, it is just part of the territory to build relationships and be an encouragement.

Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 3:12-13 (KJV)

Sometimes all it takes to encourage someone is just to tell them that you are grateful for them and that they are in your prayers. Can you do special things to thank people, like having them over for dinner, taking them out for coffee, or even buying them a little gift? Yes, but there isn’t anything elaborate to encouraging others.

Encouragement in its purest form is a simple thing. I think so many people think they need this big plan to encourage others, especially leaders. They think they have to buy gifts or do something amazing to show their support for their team or helpers. That can sometimes be a great and noble thing to do, but I have found with working with leaders and helpers in the local church over the years, that people just want to be thanked for what they do. They want to know that what they are doing is making a difference. They want some simple recognition like a thank you or some kind of acknowledgement that their effort counts. They want contact and communication.

That is what Paul did in his letters. He just kept acknowledging the work and faithfulness of those leaders of the early church. He just kept telling them he was praying for them. He kept thanking them for their prayers. Even when he called attention to the contentions at the church of Corinth, he was still encouraging them in the work of the faith.

There is nothing wrong with surface compliments, such as “Oh, that dress is pretty!”, “That color looks so good on you!”, or “I love your hair that way!”. Just being nice to someone is great, but calling attention to those things that are on a deeper level goes to the core of Christian encouragement.

I think Paul’s encouragement wasn’t the surface kind. He went deeper. His encouragement in his letters revolved around talking about people’s hearts, about their love for people, about how their faith had made an impact, about how he was thankful for them, about how he was thankful for their prayers, about how he prayed for them, and even about spiritual discipline.

I think as leaders we need to develop that skill to encourage other believers in a deeper and more meaningful way. I think part of it is just getting to know our helpers and volunteers on a more personal level so we can cut through the surface and encourage them more effectively. When we go deeper and reach for that significant encouragement, it’s then we lift up people and propel them into action and service.

What do you find is the best way to motivate and encourage other believers in Christ?

Copyright ©2019 Julia Bettencourt.

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