The Power Of Encouragement

by Josh Hollingsworth
(Bryant, Arkansas)

Acts 11:19-25

INTRODUCTION: Webster’s definition of encouragement is to inspire with courage, hope or confidence. How often do we encourage others or are we encouraged? Will we out of our own kindness say a word of encouragement or doing something nice? Or is the only time we encourage someone is when someone has encouraged us?

The Bible talks about encouragement in Acts 11:19-25. The text is about Barnabas who is known as the Son of Consolation. Consolation also means encouragement. We see how Barnabas encouraged others in this passage and how he was willing to be used, how he obeyed God and how he had a good testimony.

THEME: HOW CAN WE BE LIKE BARNABAS?

I. WE CAN BE LIKE BARNABAS BY BEING WILLING TO BE USED. vs. 22

1. Barnabas Wanted To Be Used. vs. 22
   1. He wanted to be used of God.
   NOTE: Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8
   2. He wanted to be used by the church.
   
   
2. Barnabas Was Eager To Be Used. vs. 22
   1. He personally let God know he was eager.
   2. He let the church know he was eager.
   NOTE: And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Acts 4:36-37



3. Barnabas Was Available To Be Used. vs. 22
   1. He made God his first priority.
   2. He did not have material possessions holding him back.
   
   
4. Barnabas Was Prepared To Be Used. vs. 22
   1. He had a growing relationship with God.
   2. Ministering in the church was preparing him.

T.S. HOW CAN WE BE LIKE BARNABAS?

I. WE CAN BE LIKE BARNABAS BY BEING WILLING TO BE USED. vs. 22

II. WE CAN BE LIKE BARABAS BY OBEYING GOD. vs. 23

1. When Barnabas Obeyed God He Saw The Grace Of God. vs. 23
   1. The Grace of God is a favor done without expectation of return.
   2. The Grace of God made him glad.



2. When Barnabas Obeyed God He Exhorted Others. vs. 23
   1. Exhorted is encouraging or lifting others up.
   2. He used his talents that God gave him.



3. When Barnabas Obeyed God He Had A Purpose. vs.23
   1. His purpose came from God.
   2. His purpose was that they would cleave unto the Lord.

T.S. HOW CAN WE BE LIKE BARNABAS?

I. WE CAN BE LIKE BARNABAS BY BEING WILLING TO BE USED. vs. 22
II. WE CAN BE LIKE BARABAS BY OBEYING GOD. vs. 23

III. WE CAN BE LIKE BARNABAS BY HAVING A GOOD TESTIMONY. vs. 24

1. Barnabas Had A Testimony Of Being A Good Man. vs.24
   1. The definition of good is kind, caring, companionate, generous, giving, profitable and useful.
   2. He obeyed the laws and others liked him.
   
   
2. Barnabas Had A Testimony Of Being Full Of The Holy Ghost vs.24
   1. He let the Lord work through him.
   2. He was not afraid to share his beliefs.



3. Barnabas Had A Testimony Of Being Full Of Faith.
   1. He would disciple and encourage other Christians.
   2. He witnessed to the lost.

CONCLUSION:

How can we be like Barnabas? We can be like Barnabas by being willing to be used. We can be like Barnabas by obeying God. We can be like Barnabas by having a good Testimony.

We can be like Barnabas by being willing to be used. Is God calling you into full time ministry to be a pastor, missionary, youth pastor or is he urging you to get involved with a ministry of the church? Have you shut God out or have you been like Barnabas and let God use you any way he wants?

We can be like Barnabas by obeying God. Are you obeying God in your life? Can you see the Grace of God, do you encourage others and does your life have a purpose? Will you come today and tell God that you are willing to obey Him?

We can be like Barnabas by having a good testimony. Are you known as a good person, a person full of the Holy Ghost and faith? If you do not have a good testimony will you ask God for forgiveness today and ask him to help you change your life around?

The Power Of Encouragement
Acts 11:19-25

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