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ENCOURAGEMENT

AUGUST 15, 2010

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Acts 4:32-37: All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared every thing they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles feet.

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BARNABAS Acts 4:32-37• His actual name was ________ .• He was a ________ from _______ .• He _______ a reputation for encouraging

people.

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Acts 9:26-30:When he (Saul) came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

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BARNABAS Acts 4:32-37• His actual name was Joseph .• He was a Levite from Cyprus .• He earned a reputation for encouraging people. Acts 9:26-30• He ______ him (Saul) and _______ him to the

apostles.• He told the ________ how Saul had seen the Lord.• He _____ __ for someone who was being

wronged.

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Acts 11:19-26 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message only to the Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord. Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

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BARNABAS Acts 4:32-37• His actual name was Joseph .• He was a Levite from Cyprus .• He earned a reputation for encouraging people. Acts 9:26-30• He took him (Saul) and brought him to the apostles.• He told the apostles how Saul had seen the Lord.• He stood up for someone who was being wronged. Acts 11:19-26• He was sent to ________ to see the Greek believers. • He was a _____ man, full of the _____ _____ and _____.• He went to Tarsus to look for _____.

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BARNABAS Acts 4:32-37• His actual name was Joseph .• He was a Levite from Cyprus .• He earned a reputation for encouraging people. Acts 9:26-30• He took him (Saul) and brought him to the apostles.• He told the apostles how Saul had seen the Lord.• He stood up for someone who was being wronged. Acts 11:19-26• He was sent to Antioch to see the Greek believers. • He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith.• He went to Tarsus to look for Saul.

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1 Thessalonians 5:11-23: Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else. Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do not put out the Spirit’s fire; do not treat prophecies with contempt. Test everything. Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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PAUL’S CHECKLIST FOR ENCOURAGERS1 THESSALONIANS 5• Build each other up (5:5)

• Respect leaders (5:12)• Hold leaders in highest regard (5:13)• Live in peace (5:13)• Warn the idle (5:14)• Encourage the timid (5:14)• Help the weak (5:14)• Be patient (5:14)• Resist revenge (5:15)• Be joyful (5:16)• Pray continually (5:17)• Give thanks (5:18)• Do not put out the Holy Spirit’s fire (5:19)• Do not treat prophecies with contempt (5:20)• Avoid every kind of evil (5:22)• Count on God’s constant help (5:23)