What is needed to encourage others?

Service Notes

Tonight we have Vitaly Yurchenko with us to share his testimony. You will love the story of how Sam Wilson became reacquired with him. Vitaly is a missionary with BIEM and serves a seminary in the Ukraine. We are very blessed to get to hear his testimony.

Sermon Introduction

There are some jobs that are more recession proof. Matt Mentzer has worked with the fire department, funeral home, and insurance company. Those are pretty recession resistant.

The ministry of encouraging others is something that is going to be needed until Jesus returns.

Let’s all determine right now that this is a ministry we will be apart.

We can look at the commands of Scripture.

We can also look in our own lives of how meaningful it is.

We have been given a good example in Scripture

Over 100 different people mentioned in the book of Acts

The cast of characters in the book of Acts is quite numerous and includes Peter, James, John, Stephen, Philip, Paul, Ananias, Barnabas, Silas, James, Cornelius, Timothy, Titus, Lydia, Luke, Apollos, Felix, Festus, and Agrippa.

There is one that was called the Encourager. His name is Barnabas

Barnabas the Encourager

First time we meet Barnabas

Acts 4:36–37 “36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.”

Second time we meet him.

Background is needed

God saved a man who was persecuting the church.

This man was the one that people laid their coats in front of as they killed the first martyr.

Right before Saul meets Barnabas he is going to escape death through a window. Acts 9:23–25 “23 And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him: 24 But their laying await was known of Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.”

This brings Paul and Barnabas in the same room Acts 9:26 “26 And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple.”

Could that have been the end of the story?

Acts 9:27 “27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.”

This extra effort to care for someone made a huge difference in the life of many people.

Three Characteristics of a Good Encourager

1. They are genuine people

You are never encouraged by someone who asks how you are doing, but you know they do not really want to know.

Romans 12:9 “9 Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.”

Love without hypocrisy

Simply and sincerely

2. They are assertive

Here we see Barnabas taking the initiative.

We do not see the circumstances but Barnabas goes after Paul.

Wonder if Paul often thought of Paul when he wrote things like this. Romans 12:13 “13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”

3. They are selfless

They are concerned for others.

Philippians 2:20 “20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.”

This trait is life shaping

Opens up opportunities for Barnabas

Acts 11:21–22 “21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.”

Brings Paul along in His journey

Acts 9:28–30 “28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. 29 And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. 30 Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus.”

The Book of Acts will transition from following Peter to following Paul.

Barnabas was there to help turn the page.

Closing

Older gentleman said “i am just a turtle on the fence post” / everyone knew what he meant

Do you know? Let’s commit to be that type of friend.