Class #6 Assignment: Word Studies, Topical Studies

The Barnabas Ministry

Making Sense of the Bible

Class #6 Assignment: Word Studies, Topical Studies
You'd like to be a more "encouraging" person. So you choose to examine the word "encourage" in 1 Thessalonians.

The word "encourage" is used in the NIV in 2:12, 3:2, 3:7, 4:18, 5:11, 5:14. What conclusions would you draw from a study of encouragement using these passages?

2:12 Encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
3:2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and God's fellow worker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith
3:7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith
4:18 Therefore encourage each other with these words.
5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
5:14 And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Perspectives from the Original Language
The Greek uses the word "parakaleo" is used in these, but also in 4:1, 4:10. How does change your perspective on the concept of "encouragement?"

4:1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge (parakaleo) you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
4:10 And in fact, you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge (parakaleo) you, brothers, to do so more and more.

Notice the Greek text on 2:12 and 5:14:

2:12 Encouraging (parakaleo), comforting (paramuthomai) and urging (marturomai, perhaps better translated "testifying to") you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
5:14 And we urge (parakaleo) you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage (paramuthomai) the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.

Now what conclusions would you draw from such a study? What are the differences between "urging" and "encouraging" and "comforting" (hint: consider the role of leadership). Do you use the word "encourage" the same way the Paul did in 1 Thessalonians? What would you do next, if you were seeking to become more "encouraging" as a person?