Barnabas the Encourager
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To view a .docx version of this guide, click here.
Introduction
Last week, we talked about the seven people chosen for service so the Apostles could focus on teaching and prayer. Our main idea was that “we can meet the needs of others by using the gifts God has given us.”
As you begin, take some time to discuss how everyone’s application steps from last week have gone.
This week we will be discussing one of the early disciples in the church named Barnabas and the way his encouraging nature influenced those around him.
First, begin your meeting in prayer for God’s blessing over this time with your group.
Connect
- Who is someone you enjoy being around because they’re easy to talk to?
- What are some common qualities of people who are easy to be around?
- How do you think the way people treat others shows their priorities?
Opening Thought
The most meaningful encouragement often shows up in quiet ways such as steady small sacrifices and standing by someone even though it’s easier to walk away. This can remind people that they’re not alone and that someone still believes in them. God invites us to pay attention to the times we can show this kind of encouragement and support to those around us so they can see his love for them.
This leads us to our main idea for this week:
Main idea for the week
We can show the love of Christ by the way we encourage others
Unpack
Read each set of verses out loud as a group, making observations as you go. Afterward discuss each of the connected questions before moving to the next set of verses:
Read
Acts 4:32-37
Acts 11:22-24
Unpack
- Why do you think Barnabas decided to sell what he had and give it to the Apostles? How does this show his priorities?
- Why do you think Barnabas was nicknamed ‘Son of Encouragement’?
- How do you think generosity and encouragement work together?
- In what ways can encouragement be more than just words?
- How do you think support without needing to be in charge can be helpful?
- Who is someone in your life that quietly supports others behind the scenes like Barnabas?
Read
Acts 9:26-28
Acts 15:36-39
Unpack
The verses we just read describe Barnabas’ actions toward Paul (formerly known as Saul, a persecutor of Christians) and John Mark (Paul and Barnabas’ assistant who left them on one of their trips before he was supposed to). Instead of holding their actions against them, Barnabas gives them grace and invites anyone skeptical about them to do the same.
- What does it show about Barnabas’ character that he stood by both Paul and John Mark when others wouldn’t?
- Why do you think it’s so hard to trust someone who has a messy past or made a mistake?
- How do you think we should balance standing up for others while also calling them to be accountable for their actions?
- What do you think this could look like?
- How can we discern when it’s time to move past someone’s history and see who they are now?
- When have you experienced someone standing up for you in the way that Barnabas stands up for these two men? How did that shape your character?
- When was a time you offered encouragement to someone that involved real risk or sacrifice? How do you think that affected them?
Apply
Take a moment to discuss these questions, based on the verses above, as a group to decide what your personal action steps for the week can be:
- How will you look for ways to support and encourage others without drawing attention to yourself this week?
- Who is someone in your life that needs someone to believe in them? How will you encourage them this week?
- How will we as a group encourage each other this week to treat others a little more like Barnabas?
Closing
Read the first section to your group, then read the verse out loud to the group, and finally, move to the Prayer and Verses section:
Loving encouragement can make all the difference to someone who needs it. A quiet word of support, a small act of care, or not giving up on someone when others have can remind people they’re not alone. As we head into the week, let’s look for the ways we can encourage those around us using Barnabas’ story as an example. In doing so, we reflect the kind of love God has for us to those around us
Prayer and Verses
Ask for prayer requests and conclude your time with prayer then share the Key Verse for the Week and Daily Devotional Verses with the group.
Thematic Reflection Verse for the Week
*Read this verse, then encourage the practice of memorization through the week.
1 Corinthians 15:58
“So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
**When practiced consistently, memorizing Bible verses can be an important spiritual practice that centers your mind around the truth that God has given us.
Daily Devotional Verses
Use the S.O.A.P. method to reflect on the verses below.
Scripture: Read the verses several times. Reading out loud can be helpful as well.
Observation: What can you see about the scripture you read?
Application: What is God wanting you to believe, do, or feel, based on what you have read?
Prayer: This is a chance to talk to God about what you have read and ask him for help in living out what you’ve learned.
Day 1: Romans 15:5
Day 2: 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11
Day 3: Hebrews 10:24-25
Day 4: Ephesians 4:29
Day 5: Romans 15:2
Day 6: 1 Thessalonians 5:14