BIG IDEA
We began a brand-new sermon series this weekend called The X-Factor of Friendship. In this series, we are talking about godly friendships. This week, we are looking at the friendship of Paul and Barnabas, two friends who loved Jesus and spread his message together. Their friendship will encourage us as we seek to honor God in our friendships.
BREAK THE ICE
What friend in your life has encouraged you in your faith?
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS
Bible Study
1. What characteristics do you think are essential for a friendship to thrive?
WATCH SERMON RECAP
2. Read Acts 11:19-26. What stands out to you about Barnabas in these verses?
Acts 11:19-26
"Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord. 22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)"
"Meanwhile, the believers who had been scattered during the persecution after Stephen's death traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch of Syria. They preached the word of God, but only to Jews. 20 However, some of the believers who went to Antioch from Cyprus and Cyrene began preaching to the Gentiles about the Lord Jesus. 21 The power of the Lord was with them, and a large number of these Gentiles believed and turned to the Lord.
22 When the church at Jerusalem heard what had happened, they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw this evidence of God's blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. 24 Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went on to Tarsus to look for Saul. 26 When he found him, he brought him back to Antioch. Both of them stayed there with the church for a full year, teaching large crowds of people. (It was at Antioch that the believers were first called Christians.)"
3. Read Acts 13:1-3. What was the foundation of the relationship between Paul and Barnabas?
Acts 13:1-3
"Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called "the black man"), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul. 2 One day as these men were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Appoint Barnabas and Saul for the special work to which I have called them." 3 So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way."
4.Read 1 Thessalonians 5:11. According to these verses, how do we make each other stronger?
1 Thessalonians 5:11
"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."
Application
1. Paul and Barnabas had a relationship built on their love for Christ. Why are these kinds of friendships vital for us?
2. Barnabas was known for his encouragement. How might intentional encouragement impact your relationships?
3. Who is a friend you know who particularly needs encouragement? How can you encourage them this week?
Moving Forward
We must not stop encouraging each other and building each other up, as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says. This begins with our small group. Set a timer for 10 minutes. For the next ten minutes, encourage each of your group members. Tell your group members how you have seen God working in their lives. Commit to speaking these words of encouragement over each other for the next week.
Going Deeper
All of us want to be encouraging. Many of us, however, need guidance on how to encourage the people around us. Let's turn to Scripture to find teaching and examples of ways we can encourage the people around us.
We can encourage through our words:When we think of encouragement, encouraging others through our words is often the first thing that comes to mind. Indeed, speaking encouraging words is one of the greatest ways we can lift others up. After all, our words are powerful
We can encourage through our actions:When we think of encouragement, encouraging others through our words is often the first thing that comes to mind. While encouraging words are certainly a big part of encouragement, they are not the only aspect of encouragement. One of the other ways that we can encourage others is through our actions.
1. Describe the impact of words.
2. Read Ephesians 4:29.
Ephesians 4:29
"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."
3. What are our words suppressed to be like, according to this passage of Scripture.
4. What is the result of speaking the kind of words that Paul describes.
There is one other element of encouragement that we must discuss before we end our time together. While it may not be the first thing to come to mind when it comes to encouragement, it is the most important. As Christ followers, Scripture calls us to encourage each other in our faith.
1. Read Hebrews 10:23-25.
Hebrews 10:23-25
"Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near."
2. What does the author of Hebrews call readers to do in this passage of Scripture?
3. Why is encouraging others through our actions important? (Hint, see verse 25.)
4. In what ways can we encourage others through our actions today?
One of the ways we can encourage others in faith is sharing our stories of the difference Christ has made in our lives. When we share our stories, others are encouraged by how God has worked in our lives. Commit to sharing your story with one person over the next week, and share your experience with your group next time you meet.
1. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died. 15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words."
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, we want you to know what will happen to the believers who have died so you will not grieve like people who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and was raised to life again, we also believe that when Jesus returns, God will bring back with him the believers who have died.
15 We tell you this directly from the Lord: We who are still living when the Lord returns will not meet him ahead of those who have died. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words."
2. Summarize this passage of Scripture in your own words.
3. In light of the truth of this passage, how are we to respond?
4. How does reminding others of this truth bring encouragement?
Reflect:Take a few moments to reflect on what you studied about encouragement.
1. What holds people back from encouragement?
2. Which area of encouragement that we discussed would you like to grow in?
3. What practical thing can you do to grow in that area this week?
©2024 Sagebrush Church
