This episode of the Weekday Podcast centers on the theme of encouragement, emphasizing how God, through the Trinity, Scripture, and the saints, provides strength and hope. Referencing Romans 15:5, 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, and John 14:16, Pastor Chuck highlights how the Holy Spirit is described as "parakletos," meaning one who comes alongside to encourage. He also recounts Peter's declaration of Jesus as the Christ in Caesarea Philippi, underscoring the importance of recognizing and trusting in Jesus as the anointed one. Listeners are reminded that God is for them, cheering them on, and providing the endurance needed to face each day with hope and confidence.
I want to take you to Romans 15:5, where God does this. It says, "he is the God who gives endurance and encouragement during these early days of the new year." I want you to remember what Paul wrote in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, where he said, "we pray that our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father will encourage you and help you always to do and say the right thing."
You know, when Jesus introduced the Holy Spirit to us in John 14:16, he referred to the Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit as parakletos, the noun form of the very word for encouragement and scripture encourages. In Romans 15:4, the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hopes. Well, we read that in Hebrews 12, where there's a crowd of witnesses to the life of faith. And let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that entraps us, and let us run with endurance the race that's set before us.
You know, a multitude of God's children is urging you on today. Like spectators in the stands, a crowd of witnesses applauds from the heavens, calling on to you and me to finish strong, to be encouraged. The Trinity, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, the Holy Scriptures and the saints of God. God places an incredible premium, my friend, on encouragement. Be encouraged.
Today encouragement occurs when we come alongside and call out, you know, if it went back to the parakletos, then we know that the noun paraklis is the combination of para, which is by the side, and kaleo to call.
Well, Jesus modeled this, I mean, Peter, who was the guy who had a foot shaped mouth, was prone to speak too soon, to boast too much. And when Jesus walked in to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, he said, who do men say that I am the Son of man? And they said, well, some say John the Baptist, some say Elijah, others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets. And then Jesus asked this question, but who do you say that I am? And Simon Peter answered, you are the Christ, the son of the living God. Oh my stars.
Religion was to Caesarea Philippi what produce is to a street market. Every type of deity was worshiped there. It was this craziness of religions and cultures. And this is where Jesus asks his followers, who do you say that I am? I can almost imagine the silence among the boys and a throat being cleared. And finally Peter says, hey, you are the Christ, the Son of the living God Jesus. By definition. I mean, really, when we think of Jesus the Christ, we understand that Christ by definition means the anointed or chosen one. Oh my friend, listen. I can't imagine how Jesus must have jumped for joy at that confession. My friend, it's true. Be encouraged today. Be encouraged that he is for you, that Jesus the Christ is pulling for you and encouraging you and he will carry you through this day.
God bless you my friend, and thanks so much for joining me on today's weekday podcast.
