What do we say when someone needs encouragement and we cannot find the words? In his November 8 sermon, Pastor Jon reminded us that we do not need a perfect answer to point someone toward a dependable Savior. Drawing from 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18, he highlighted Paul's invitation: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Whether you worshiped with us or are catching up now, here are three truths to carry into your week:

• Encouragement gives strength, not just comfort. A worried student, a grieving friend, or a struggling neighbor may need more than reassurance. We can listen with compassion and help strengthen their trust in Christ as they face what comes next.
• Our hope rests in Jesus, not in being enough ourselves. Paul grounds his encouragement in the truth that Jesus died and rose again (1 Thessalonians 4:14). Because Christ lives and will return, those mourning loved ones who died in faith have the hope of being together with him. That same living Savior sustains us in our daily struggles.
• Encouraging one another is a calling for the whole church. We do not need to have experienced every difficulty to share the hope we have received. As the hymn “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” reminds us, Jesus lives to help in time of need, calm troubled hearts, and bring his people safely home.

This week, consider two people: someone who has strengthened your faith, and someone God has placed in your life who needs encouragement. Thank the first, and reach out to the second—with a call, a thoughtful message, or time to listen. You may not know exactly what to say, but you can remind them that their hope does not depend on having everything together. Jesus died and rose again, and his love gives us strength to keep going.

Trinity Merrill Lutheran Church | Pastor Jon | November 8, 2026
Theme: Encouraging one another through the hope of Jesus’ death, resurrection, and return.

Reading

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 — The sermon’s primary passage: hope for those grieving and encouragement grounded in Christ’s resurrection.
• John 11:21–27 — Additional study: Jesus comforts Martha and identifies himself as the resurrection and the life.
• Hebrews 10:23–25 — Additional study: holding firmly to hope and encouraging one another.

Warm Up
When has someone’s encouragement helped you face a difficult situation?

1. What do you usually think someone needs when they ask for encouragement?

Scripture Exploration
Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 slowly before answering.

1. What concern is Paul addressing in 1 Thessalonians 4:13? Notice that he distinguishes grieving with hope from grieving without hope—not grieving from never grieving.
2. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:14–17, what has Jesus already done, and what does Paul promise will happen when he returns?
3. What does “these words” in 1 Thessalonians 4:18 point back to? Recall how Pastor Jon contrasted this encouragement with simply saying, “Believe in yourself.”

Personal Reflection

1. How does Jesus’ death and resurrection provide a different foundation for encouragement than confidence in our own abilities?
   • Go deeper: How can this hope remain dependable when circumstances do not improve?
2. In John 11:21–27, how does Jesus direct Martha’s hope toward himself? Consider how this encounter helps you understand Paul’s words about grieving with hope.
3. Read Hebrews 10:23–25. How does God’s faithfulness support the call to encourage one another?
   • Go deeper: Pastor Jon described encouragement as strengthening someone’s belief, not merely making them feel better. How does that distinction shape Christian encouragement?

Personal Application

1. Where are you currently relying on being “strong enough” or “capable enough”? Write one sentence about how Christ’s death and resurrection speak to that concern.
2. Who has pointed you toward Christ during a difficult season? Choose one way to thank that person this week, and set a day to do it.
3. Whom has God placed in your life who may need encouragement? Plan one specific contact this week—a conversation, call, message, or visit—in which you can listen before sharing hope.
4. What practical support could accompany your words of encouragement? Choose one manageable action to offer, such as a meal, transportation, or time together, and note when you will follow up.

Closing prayer: Lord Jesus, you died and rose again, and you will bring your people to be with you forever. Strengthen our hope when we grieve or feel afraid. Help us listen with compassion and encourage others with your faithful promises. Amen.