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A Leader Strengthens Others

"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing
1 Thessalonians 5:11

Workout

Read Romans 1:8-15
Paul was a spiritual father to many, including the believers in Rome.  He writes to both instruct and strengthen them, and part of strengthening them includes telling them how thankful he is to God for them and their faith in Jesus Christ.  He longed to see them and impart to them "some spiritual gift to strengthen them."  This is not speaking of particular spiritual gifts (i.e. 1 Cor. 12) but of how Paul wanted to share some spiritual insight or gift that would encourage their faith and strengthen them.  The term "strengthen" carries the idea of fixing, establishing or supporting.  Paul wanted more than anything for the Roman believers to be firmly strengthened and established in their faith.

Meaning

1.  What stands out to you in this passage?
2.  Why is strengthening others important for a spiritual leader?  How does this relate to a leader?
3.  Could you explain to someone where your greatest strength comes from and why?
4.  Describe the greatest act of physical or mental strength you've ever seen or personally experienced?  Where did the strength come from to accomplish this feat?
5.  The spiritual life of a christian athlete is much more like a marathon run than a sprint.  What kind of strength do you need to run a marathon race?  What kind of strength does your team need to finish your season strong?
6.  Describe a time when you had to depend on the strength of Christ.  How did you get through it?  What could you do as a leader to strengthen your teammates?