12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command you. 15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.  John 15:12-15

A. Lord Jesus: Encouragement through self-denial

John 15:12-15

1. Humble and sacrificial service John 13:12-17

2. Others-centered living John 14:1-3

B. Apostle Paul: Encouragement through thanksgiving

1. Proclaimed faith Romans 1:8-12

2. Grace of God received 1 Corinthians 1:4-6

3. Partnership in the Gospel Philippians 1:3-5

4. Proclaimed faith and love Colossians 1:3-4

5. Balanced Christian life 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

6. Genuine faith and sensitive heart 2 Timothy 1:3-5

C. Epaphroditus: Encouragement through relationship

Philippians 2:25

1. Spiritually intimate brother – “family member”

2. Fellow Gospel laborer – “fellow worker”

3. Fellow comrade in arms – “fellow soldier”

D. Philemon: Encouragement by love

Philemon 4-7

1. Love and faith toward Jesus

2. Impartial love to all believers

3. Active sharing of the faith

4. Refreshing spirit bringing much comfort and joy to others