Encouragement is Everything The Return Rachel Baker May 18th, 2025 Encouragement doesn’t always change your circumstances, but it can change your strength to face them. Theme Verse: “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Mental Health Trends Since COVID-19 U.S. Adults Reporting Symptoms: A Boston University study found U.S. adult depression rates tripled early in the pandemic—from 8.5% to 27.8%—and rose to 32.8% in 2021, affecting nearly 1 in 3 adults. Prevalence of Mental Health Issues: Among U.S. adolescents aged 12–17, 1 in 6 experienced a major depressive episode, and 3 million had serious thoughts of suicide. ​ Impact of Social Media: A Pew survey found 48% of U.S. teens see social media as mostly negative—up from 32% in 2022—with girls more likely to report harm to confidence and sleep. Overall Trend: According to the CDC, U.S. suicide rates rose 4% in 2021 after two years of decline, reaching 14.1 per 100,000—and climbed to 14.3 in 2022, the highest since 1941. The world is aching for encouragement—but not the shallow kind. What we need is encouragement rooted in something eternal. Who wrote it? Paul, during 2nd Missionary journey, about 51AD. To whom? The young, multi-ethnic,, persecuted church in Thessalonica. Why? Paul was torn away from them (Acts 17). He’s anxious for their faith, sends Timothy to encourage to hold strong to the gospel. Brief explanation of the gospel: God loves you,, sin separates us from Him, Jesus, came to fix that—He died for our sins.. When you trust in Jesus, you’re forgiven and freed. It’s free a gift, not something you earn. The gospel clashed with Thessalonica’s pagan culture. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. 2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 so that no one will be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing. Timothy is sent “to strengthen and encourage.” Biblical encouragement: rooted in the truth of God’s word, character, and Spirit.. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." —Joshua 1:9 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." —Isaiah 41:10 The words of Jesus: ​​"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." —John 16:33 Encouragement is not optional—it’s essential. Encouragement doesn’t erase suffering, but it gives us the strength to endure it with purpose and perspective. 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith? Timothy’s report revives Paul. Who is spurring you on? Who are you championing and encouraging? The faith of others feeds our endurance. And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching. —Hebrews 10-24-25 Your endurance may be the spark someone else needs to keep going. Encouragement is contagious. 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13 May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen. Encouragement is more than words—it’s a commitment to show up and intercede. Recap/Parting Words: Encouragement comes through community. It equips us to face trials with hope. It’s contagious, and it is sustained by prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit. Christian encouragement is not just kind words—it is soul-deep truth wrapped in love, reminding us that in Christ, we are not forgotten, not forsaken, and never fighting alone. Next Steps: Encourage someone this week. Receive Encouragement. Be a Disciple who Makes Disciples Next Week: Holiness and Habits