40 DAYS OF VICTORY | DAYS
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INTRO | 1 | 2 | 3| 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31| 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40
SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6
SERMON NOTES | Overview | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5 | Week 6
40 Days Of Victory
WEEK FOUR – SERMON NOTES
Barnabas’ Journey: More Encouragement
INTRODUCTION
God strengthens our relationships. God builds unity and collaboration. The body of Christ is diverse and global.
When you decide to follow Jesus, you are in God’s family forever. You have brothers and sisters from different cultures and nations. Without encouragement, we become grumpy, selfish, isolated, lonely, and discouraged, feeling defeated.
Barnabas was known as an encourager. In every setting, he was aware of needs, had a heart of compassion, and was ready to take action and be part of the solution. He forgave people fully from the heart.
There was consistency in his character and a closeness to God that were evident in the community of faith. Be proactive, a peacemaker, and leave a positive taste in your conversations (Ephesians 4:29-32).
BIG IDEA
God comforts you so that you can intentionally encourage people. Barnabas encourages people in many ways. He sells his property and gives generously to his church family.
When the Apostle Paul came to know Jesus and wanted to join the fellowship, Barnabas was the bridge. Because Paul had a history of violence against Christians, people didn’t trust him. Barnabas stood in the gap. Barnabas encouraged Mark to join him on a mission trip after Mark failed on his first trip. Barnabas strengthened churches and made disciples in many cities.
May our hearts break for what breaks God’s heart. A person after God’s heart is willing to do whatever God wants. The God of all comfort raises us up to be instruments of His restoration and renewal (2 Corinthians 1:1-5).
KEY POINTS
- Jesus came to serve, and we want to live and love like Jesus.
- God has called you to a ministry of reconciliation.
- God gives you a fresh and compelling vision both locally and globally.
- Your words and encouragement can bring life to other people.
- You never forget who picked you up at your lowest points.
- Avoid gossip, slander, and false assumptions in your conversations.
- Speak the truth in love and build up other people spiritually.
CONCLUSION
God gives us clear direction for our relationships: serve one another, love one another, forgive one another, and encourage one another. When you are doing these positive things, it protects you from the negative cycles and patterns of the world (Colossians 1:28-29).
Pride divides people and leads to strife. Humility and honesty bring healing. Barnabas is a blessing in every setting. Barnabas loved Jews and Gentiles. When your devotion to Jesus is deep, you are swayed by the trends and circumstances.
You have a commitment to God about how you will treat people. God tells us to love our neighbors, as everyone is made in God’s image. Serve your church family diligently. The closer you walk with Jesus, the more you become like Jesus.
FOR FURTHER STUDY
For further study, read Acts 4:32-37, 9:23-31, 11:19-26, 13:1-5, 15:36-41, and watch the daily devotion videos this week.
