Encouraging
One Another
Steve W. Reeves
INTRODUCTION:
A. Derek
Redmond of Great Britain competed in the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. He qualified for the semifinal of the 400 meter race with the fastest time. In the finals He had
a fast start and was looking great when suddenly his hamstring tore. He fell to the ground
in excruciating pain, struggled to get up and then hopped toward the finish line. Everyone
admired his courage and determination. Suddenly, Redmond’s father,Jim, ran out from
the stands, pushed away the security guards and ran to his son. With both of them
brushing away tears they finished the race together. Few people will remember who won
the race but many will remember the injured runner who finished the race.
B. The Bible compares life to a race.
1. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 – “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but
one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone
who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a
perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not
with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my
body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself
should become disqualified.”
2. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 – “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the
time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the
race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day,
and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
3. Hebrews 12:1-2 - “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily
ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking
unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before
Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of
the throne of God.”
C. All of us, like Derek Redmond, need someone to run alongside us. This is why
encouragement, along with evangelism and equipping, is the mission of the church.
I want us to consider a man in the book of Acts who ran alongside others. He was
never the main attraction but always played a supporting role. In the process he
became known as the “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). What qualities did
Barnabas possess that made him such an encourager?
I. A SACRIFICIAL SPIRIT
A. We are introduced to Barnabas in the context of Acts 4:32-37.
1. This was during the infancy of the church before it spread beyond Jerusalem.
2. The believers were united. Verse 32 says, “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.”
3. This was a voluntary sharing of possessions based on their love for one another.
B. This text paves the way for the introduction of Barnabas in verses 36-37, “Now
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.”
1. He was an encourager according to verse 36
2. Acts 11:24 calls him “a good man.”
3. He was a preacher and teacher as stated in Acts 13:1.
4. He risked his life by preaching the Gospel alongside Paul in Acts 15:26.
C. The name, “Barnabas” meant “son of Encouragement.” It was especially fitting for
this man because every time you read about him in Acts or 1 Corinthians and
Galatians (the only other books of the Bible in which he is mentioned) he is doing
something for others. He had a remarkable, generous, sacrificial spirit.
C. Such an attitude will do wonders for a church. When we seek to meet the needs of
others rather than looking at ourselves it changes us.
II. A SERVANT’S HEART
A. The next time we read about Barnabas is in Acts 9:26-28. This was in conjunction
with a well-known personality in Acts, the apostle Paul.
1. After Saul (later known as Paul) was converted he returned to Jerusalem. He
wanted to associate with the Christians but they were afraid of him. After all, he
had been persecuting them and had been on hand when Stephen had been
stoned to death (Acts 8:1).
2. Who do you suppose came to Saul and helped him? Acts 9:27 says, “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.”
a. It has been suggested by some scholars that Barnabas had been a student of
the Jewish teacher Gamaliel mentioned in Acts 5:34 who was also a teacher
of Saul according to Acts 22:3. Perhaps they had known one another earlier.
b. Barnabas had no way of knowing if Saul was legitimate or not. He took a risk
to help Saul in this situation.
B. This wasn’t the only time Barnabas
helped someone. In Acts 11 the Gospel was
beginning to spread among the Gentiles
and a large number of people in Antioch were converted. They needed someone to come and strengthen them. Who do
you suppose was selected for the job? Verses 22- 23 say, “The news about them
reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to
Antioch. 23 Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and
began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord.”
1. One of the greatest blessings a new Christian can have is someone who will
come alongside them and encourage them. For Saul and the new Christians at
Antioch it was Barnabas.
2. You may be that person to a young Christian, to a new college student or a
struggling soul. You can be a Barnabas to a new member who is wondering,
“How do I fit in here?”
C. As you continue to read through Acts you
find other passages that describe the
helpfulness and encouragement offered by
Barnabas. 1. Acts 11:29-30 – When Christians in Judea were destitute those in other areas
decided to send a contribution to assist them. It was Barnabas and Paul who
took it to the elders.
2. Acts 13:2 - the Holy Spirit instructed that Paul and Barnabas be set apart for the
work which He had for them. This led to them setting out on the first mission trip
to preach the Gospel.
3. It seems that whenever a call for help went out in the early years of the church
Barnabas was always ready to help.
III. A STEADFAST LOYALTY
A. Perhaps the most vivid illustration of the encouragement Barnabas gave is found
in Acts 15:36-41.
1. He and Paul had returned to Antioch from their first missionary journey.
2. From Antioch they went to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles and then
returned to Antioch with a letter from the apostles in Jerusalem. After they read
the letter Acts 15:31 says the church, “rejoiced because of its encouragement.”
Everywhere Barnabas went it seems as if people are encouraged.
B. Here is what happened next.
1. Paul and Barnabas decided to set out on another journey to preach and
strengthen the congregations that had been established.
2. Barnabas wanted to take John Mark (vs. 35). John Mark had set out with them
on the first journey. Colossians 4:10 says he was a cousin of Barnabas. Paul
does not want John Mark to go with them.
a. From Acts 13:13 we know that when Paul and Barnabas arrived in Pamphylia,
a gentile territory, Mark turned back.
b. If there was one thing Paul could not stand it was prejudice (see Galatians 2).
c. Paul did not want to take Mark but Barnabas insisted. A sharp contention
arose and they went separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark and Paul took
Silas.
C. in 2 Timothy 4 as Paul wrote his final words notice verse 11 – “Only Luke is with
me. Pick up Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service.”
1. What had happened to change Paul’s attitude towards John Mark?
2. Barnabas had gone the second mile with Mark. He did not give up on him. He
persevered.
D. Aren’t you thankful to have had people in your life who did not give up on you
when you made mistakes? Aren’t you thankful to have a God who did not give up
on you but made it possible for you to be forgiven and live with Him? Aren’t you
glad to have people who will walk with you when you are injured and when you
have fallen and help you cross the finish line like Jimmy Redmond did with his son,
Derek?
CONCLUSION
A. As we conclude I urge you to consider these passages.
1. Eph. 4:29 – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for
necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
2. 1 Thess. 5:11 – “Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you
also are doing.”
3. Heb. 10:24-25 – “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and
good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner
of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day
approaching.”
B. You have heard me say before that I have been preaching for many years but I have
never, ever had anyone come to me and say, “I’m getting entirely too much
encouragement around here.” William Arthur Ward said, “Flatter me and I won’t
believe you. Criticize me and I’ll be discouraged by you. Ignore me and I will feel
badly towards you. Encourage me and I’ll never forget you.” I want to encourage you
and help you in your response to God’s grace today.
