Let Us Be An Encourager
Acts 4:32-37 (NASB77)
32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own; but all things were common property to them.
33 And with great power the apostles were giving witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.
34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales,
35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet; and they would be distributed to each, as any had need.
36 And Joseph, a Levite of Cyprian birth, who was also called Barnabas by the apostles (which translated means, Son of Encouragement),
37 and who owned a tract of land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Today we will look at how a sold-out person can move the others past the attacks of Satan into the blessings of God’s grace and abundance, and we will use Barnabas as our go to man. When we encourage others, we find our attitude changes in a big way. My beloved when we put self aside to encourage others, we find our load is lightened as we put the needs of others above our own feelings.
Note: I think that the Bible teaches us that some people have the gift of Encouragement, but I think we all have the ability to grow and develop that most wonderful gift. It is a lot about attitude and perspective. Bro. Paul helps us with the pathway to being an Encourager: Romans 1:12 (NASB77) 12 that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.
We hear and act like one person can’t make that much of a difference. My beloved today we will look at one person that was so effective at encouraging that they gave him the nickname Barnabas. It was interpreted as “son of consolation”. The word consolation is the same word that the Holy Spirit is called as “The Comforter.” Well, what does that mean? It literally means encouragement. Now, we’re getting to the bottom line as we read our Word from God for today.
The devil wants to get you discouraged, because folks, if he’s got you discouraged, he has you set for failure. Discouragement is the dark room where the negatives of failure are developed. The best way to stay out of the room is to shine the light of encouragement for others.
When the Holy Spirit works in a person’s heart, giving is looked upon as a blessing, not a burden. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NASB77) 7 Let each one do just as he has purposed in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.
Once again, I think that there are those that have the gift of encouragement, but I also think that we all can give the gift of encouragement, it just means getting outside of self. If we walk away from our time together in worship, let us see this is one of the most precious gifts we can give each other. The cost is so little yet the payoff is out of this world.
Acts 9:26-27 (NASB77) 26 And when he had come to Jerusalem, he was trying to associate with the disciples; and they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was a disciple. 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus.
I would like us to look at five Characteristics that Bababas teaches us about being an Encourager.
An Encourager is a Load Lifter they lift those around them up. This is only done by the power of God’s Holy Spirit, because it is so hard to lift others when we are feeling down. But what a difference we can make when we lift others up, not put them down. What a blessing to help them lift their load not add to it.
2nd An Encourager is a Friend Finder again Acts 9:27 (NASB77) 27 But Barnabas took hold of him and brought him to the apostles and described to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had talked to him, and how at Damascus he had spoken out boldly in the name of Jesus. Here was a man who needed a friend. Barnabas went out and found him and became a friend to a very lonely new disciple. Now, folks I want to tell you there are a lot of new Christians who need somebody to find them, and to be a friend to them. There are a lot of people who need an encourager. Do you know what the new Christian needs? Oh folks, if anybody needs encouragement it is a brand-new Christian. O God, give us some Barnabas’ who will reach out, and find these people, and bring them into the family of the church here at East Baptist.
3rd An Encourager is also a Bridge Builder: When the Gentiles in Antioch accepted the Lord they needed leadership and it was good old Barnabas the N.T church sent down to check them out: Acts 11:22-24 (NASB77) 22 And the news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch.23 Then when he had come and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; 24 for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.
4Th An Encourager is a Disciple Maker: Acts 11:25-26 (NASB77) 25 And he left for Tarsus to look for Saul; 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came about that for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. We need to get hold of the truth that in every church including ours there are people who need to be found, they need to be discovered, they need to be encouraged, they need to be developed. They have gifts and they have abilities. But, it takes someone like Barnabas to find those people and encourage them to use those gifts.
5th. Last but not least we see that An Encourager is a Failure Fixer. John Mark had quit on the first missionary trip that Barnabas and Paul had taken, and Paul would not give him a second chance. But good old Barnabas was as the word put it “determined” to give John Mark a second chance. Acts 15:36-40 (NASB77) 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.”37 And Barnabas was desirous of taking John, called Mark, along with them also.38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And there arose such a sharp disagreement that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.
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