HOW TO BE AN ENCOURAGER Acts 4:36-37

Intro: One of the great tragedies of our time is that there are so few kind people around.  There are plenty of mean-spirited, hateful people, but there are very few who just take the time to be kind as a lifestyle.  Yet, I believe that this is how every child of God ought to be. Let’s be honest, many people are opinionated, self-centered, rude and sometimes, just plain mean in our dealings with others.  This ought not to be, especially among saved people!  I believe that the Lord would have us to practice a ministry of encouragement as we pass through this world.

When Barnabas (Joses) appeared on the scene in the early days of the church, he stepped out of obscurity doing good, and when he stepped off the stage a few years later; he exited doing good as well.

I.                   LEARN TO REACH OUT (Those AROUND You)

A.  Acts 9:26-27 Encourage The Desperate-Barnabas came to Saul’s side and stood up for Him and told the others about this man’s amazing conversion.  He stood up for one who desperately needed a friend.

B.  Acts 11:22-23 Encourage The Disciples-When the church in Jerusalem heard that there was a new group of believers in Antioch, they sent Barnabas to them to help them along.  The Bible tells us that when he arrived, he “exhorted” them.  This means that he “offered them encouragement!”  He was excited about what God was doing and how these new converts were serving the Lord and he did his best to encourage them to carry on the God.

C.  Acts 15:36-40 Encourage The Discouraged- Because Barnabas gave this discouraged and defeated young man a second chance, his life as a servant of God was salvaged.  In fact, before Paul died in Rome, he requested that Mark be sent to him, 2 Tim. 4:11.  Even more important is the fact that because Barnabas took the time to encourage a discouraged brother, Mark was used of the Lord to pen the Gospel of Mark which gives us an exciting account of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.

II.                          LEARN TO REACH UP (Those ABOVE You)

A.  The Encourager Furthers The Work Of God – The encourager uses his spiritual gifts and love for the Lord and the Lord’s people to see that the work of the Lord is carried out in this world.

1.  Acts 4:36-37 He Promotes The Work Of God - The first impression we are given of Barnabas is that he is a man who gave of himself freely.  He gave of his goods to see that the church and its work went on.  He used the things at his disposal to enhance the work of the Lord.

2.  Acts 11:23-26 He Praises The Work Of God - When Barnabas had seen all that the Lord was doing in Antioch, he set out to find Paul and to share the news with him.  Barnabas refused to keep the good blessings of God quiet!

3.  Acts 13:1-3 He Participates In The Work Of God - Barnabas was chosen by the Holy Ghost to be actively involved in the Lord’s work.  This decision changed the course of his life forever.  From that moment on, every where Barnabas went, he was a servant of the Lord.

B.  Acts 12:25 An Encourager Finishes The Work Of God - This verse tells us that Paul and Barnabas fulfilled their ministry.  That is, they stayed with the work until the work was finished.  As such, they stood as an encouragement to those around them!

III.          LEARN TO REACH IN (The ANIMUS of You—YOUR SOUL)

A.  Acts 11:24 An Encourager Demonstrates Christ By His Life - This verse indicates that Barnabas was a genuine man of God.  He possessed all the characteristics that marked him as being sold out and on fire for the Lord.  His life served as an encouragement to holiness by being holy and blameless.

B.  Acts 13:49-52  An Encourager Displays Contentment In His Life - Barnabas, along with Paul, was preaching the Word of God and as a result, persecution arose against them and they were forced to leave town.  Instead of being discouraged and quitting as many others would have done, they shook the dust from their feet and went on their way rejoicing. That stands as an encouragement to others who are going through battles in life!

Conc: I look at Barnabas and realize just how far I have to go to reach his level.  How about you?  But, if I know my heart this evening, I know that I really want to be an encourager! Wouldn’t you like for your life to be remembered as that of an encourager?  If so, then it will require that you learn to rethink the priorities of your life.  God is going to have to come first.  Others will have to come second and you will have to come last, if at all.  Where is the benefit in that, you may ask?  The benefit lies in the truth that when we make the changes necessary to become an encourager, God will be glorified, others will be edified and we will be rewarded when we arrive home in glory.  Are you an encourager this evening?