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November 18, 2007. Barnabas. Background on Barnabas. Also named Joses [or Joseph] (Acts 4:36) A Jew from the tribe of Levi Likely an unmarried man (1 Cor. 9:3-6) From the island of Cyprus Located about 47 miles south of Turkey 60 miles west of Syria 200 miles north of Egypt. Cyprus.
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November 18, 2007 Barnabas
Background on Barnabas • Also named Joses [or Joseph] (Acts 4:36) • A Jew from the tribe of Levi • Likely an unmarried man(1 Cor. 9:3-6) • From the island of Cyprus • Located about • 47 miles south of Turkey • 60 miles west of Syria • 200 miles north of Egypt
What Does “Barnabas” Mean? • Acts 4:32-33 (NKJV): • Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. • And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all.
What Does “Barnabas” Mean? • Acts 4:34-37 (NKJV): • Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, • and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. • And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, • having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
Question • What do Barnabas’ actions as recorded in Acts 4:36-37 tell us about Barnabas’ character? • Barnabas loved [“agape”-ed] his brothers and sisters • Barnabas gave
Question • Why do you think GOD wants us to give? • Among many other reasons, GOD wants us to give because HE gave, He gives, and He will continue to give … and He wants us to be like Him • Our giving teaches us sacrifice, by which we can better appreciate His sacrifice – “His only begotten Son”
Barnabas Believed in Others • Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9:20-30 • John Mark – Acts 15:36-41
Question • What did Ananias think when Jesus instructed him to go find Saul of Tarsus? (Acts 9:10-16) • “You want me to do what now, Lord?!?” • How do you think the disciples at Damascus felt when Saul of Tarsus entered the door? • “Um…Pass the Pepto-Bismol!”
Question • Barnabas took a “life-and-death” risk befriending and defending Saul. How is GOD a risk-taker? • He gave angels and humans free will – the ability to choose, and reject Him • Despite the heartbreak, suffering, and devastation that would follow upon our disobedience, GOD chose to have children • “GOD lets others into His story, and He lets their choices shape it profoundly” – John Eldredge
An Encourager • Merriam-Webster defines “encourage” as • To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope • To attempt to persuade • To spur on
An Encourager • “The best athlete is the one who makes his teammates better.”-- Someone other than Tim Harris
An Encourager • Acts 11:21-23 • And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. • Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. • When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
Encouragers Wanted • The world…brethren…people… need encouragement! • Some people have the gift of being good encouragers (Kerry Lashlee, James Morgan) • Others “have to work” to be an encourager • But being an encourager is something everyone can do • The key to being a good encourager is love!
Encouragers Wanted • GOD expects us to edify one another • Romans 14:19; 15:1-2 • 1 Corinthians 8:1; 10:23-24; 14:26 • 2 Corinthians 12:19 • Ephesians 4:11-16,29 • 1 Thessalonians 5:11
“He Was a Good Man” • Acts 11:24 • For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. • What a wonderful tribute to Barnabas from the Holy Spirit! • Isn’t this what we want to be said of each of us?
Barnabas Was a Worker • Sold his property and donated proceeds (Acts 4:36-37) • Witnessed Saul’s preaching (9:27) • Was sent by the church in Jerusalem to Antioch to witness what GOD had done (11:19-23) • Taught many people with Saul in Antioch (11:26) • “Mentored” John Mark (12:25; 15:36-41)
Barnabas Wasn’t Perfect • Galatians 2
The Conclusion • Barnabas was clearly a man who loved the LORD • He loved his brethren • He made an impact everywhere he went • He gave us a good example of how we should see what people can be • BE A BARNABAS!!!