Becoming a Barnabas: The Power of Encouragement

Each of us is standing on the shoulders of those who came before us—people who have shaped, encouraged, and opened doors for us in ways we may not even realize. It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives and forget to pause and express gratitude to those who have made a difference. But just as we have benefitted from others, we are also called to be the kind of people others can stand on. The story of the early church, especially the relationship between Barnabas and Paul, is a powerful reminder of this truth.

Barnabas, whose name literally means “son of encouragement,” played a pivotal role in the life of Saul—later known as Paul. When everyone else was afraid of Saul because of his past, Barnabas stepped in, believed in him, and advocated for him. This act of encouragement and risk-taking didn’t just change Saul’s life; it changed the course of history. Paul went on to become one of the most influential figures in Christianity, but none of it would have happened without Barnabas being willing to be the difference maker behind the difference maker.

This is a calling for all of us. Not everyone is meant to be in the spotlight, but every one of us can make a profound impact by helping others step into their calling. Sometimes this means giving up our own preferences, resources, or comfort to help someone else go further, faster. It means paying attention to the needs and opportunities around us, and being willing to step in, even when it costs us something. The legacy we leave is not just about what we accomplish, but about who we help along the way.

As a church, we have the privilege and responsibility to be known for this kind of encouragement and support—not just within our own walls, but for the broader kingdom of God. Whether it’s supporting pastors in other states, encouraging church planters, or simply being present for someone in our community, we are called to be Barnabas to those around us. The impact of our encouragement may never be fully known to us, but God uses these acts in ways that ripple far beyond what we can see.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The people who have shaped our lives often go unrecognized, yet their influence is foundational. Taking time to reflect on whose shoulders we stand on cultivates gratitude and humility, reminding us that none of us arrive where we are alone. Expressing appreciation to those who have invested in us is both honoring to them and grounding for us. [01:28]
• 2. God invites each of us to play a role in His ongoing story, not just as spectators but as active participants. Our willingness and availability matter more than our abilities or knowledge; surrendering to God’s purposes opens doors for us to partner with Him in bringing light and hope to the world around us. [04:23]
• 3. The story of Barnabas and Paul illustrates the transformative power of encouragement and advocacy. Barnabas risked his reputation and comfort to stand with Saul when no one else would, demonstrating that sometimes the most significant impact comes from supporting others rather than seeking the spotlight ourselves. [15:55]
• 4. Being a difference maker behind the difference makers often requires selflessness and sacrifice. It means choosing to invest in others, sometimes at personal cost, and trusting that God can multiply our encouragement in ways we may never see. The legacy we leave is measured not just by our achievements, but by the people we empower and uplift. [19:38]
• 5. Unknown does not mean unimportant. Many of the most impactful roles in God’s story are played by those who are never in the spotlight. Like Barnabas, we may never fully know the ripple effects of our encouragement, but God uses our willingness to help others in ways that can change lives, communities, and even history. [26:11]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:28] - Standing on the Shoulders of Others
• [04:23] - Our Place in God’s Ongoing Story
• [07:30] - Persecution and Scattering of the Early Church
• [10:53] - Saul’s Relentless Pursuit and Encounter with Jesus
• [13:12] - Saul Becomes Paul: A World-Changing Transformation
• [15:55] - Barnabas: The Son of Encouragement
• [17:40] - Barnabas’ Generosity and Advocacy
• [19:38] - Making a Difference Behind the Scenes
• [20:55] - The Church’s Role in Encouragement
• [22:03] - Rethinking Legacy: Who Is Your Legacy?
• [24:10] - The Cost and Opportunity of Encouragement
• [26:11] - The Unseen Impact of Being a Barnabas
• [26:38] - Responding to God’s Invitation and Prayer

Bible Reading

Acts 9:26-28 (ESV) — > And when he had come to Jerusalem, he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how on the road he had seen the Lord, who spoke to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.

Acts 4:36-37 (ESV) — > Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 9:26-28, how did the disciples in Jerusalem initially respond to Saul (Paul) when he tried to join them? What changed their minds?
2. What specific actions did Barnabas take to support Saul/Paul when others were afraid or skeptical of him?
3. In Acts 4:36-37, what did Barnabas do with his property, and why was this significant for the early church?
4. In the sermon, what are some examples given of how people have helped others “go further, faster” or opened doors for them? ([01:28])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Barnabas was willing to risk his reputation and comfort to stand up for Saul when no one else would? What does this reveal about his character? ([15:55])
2. The sermon describes Barnabas as “the difference maker behind the difference maker.” What does this phrase mean, and why is it important in God’s story? ([19:38])
3. The early church faced persecution and hardship, yet people like Barnabas still chose to be generous and encouraging. What might motivate someone to act selflessly in difficult circumstances? ([04:23])
4. The pastor said, “Unknown does not mean unimportant.” How does this idea challenge the way we think about our own roles in the church and in God’s kingdom? ([26:11])

Application Questions

1. The sermon began with the question, “Whose shoulders are you standing on?” Who are some specific people in your life who have helped you get to where you are today? Have you ever thanked them? If not, what’s stopping you? ([01:28])
2. The pastor challenged us to consider, “Is anyone going to say they stand on my shoulders?” Who in your life right now could benefit from your encouragement, support, or advocacy? ([04:23])
3. Barnabas gave up his own resources and comfort to help others. Is there something you have—time, money, influence, skills—that you could use to help someone else go further, faster? What would it look like to do that this week? ([19:38])
4. The sermon mentioned that being a difference maker behind the scenes often requires selflessness and sacrifice. What is one area of your life where you might need to set aside your own preferences to help someone else? ([24:10])
5. The pastor said, “The legacy we leave is not just about what we accomplish, but about who we help along the way.” Who is your legacy? Who might one day say, “I stand on their shoulders”? ([22:03])
6. As a church, we’re called to encourage and support not just people inside our walls, but also those in the broader kingdom of God. What is one practical way you (or your group) could encourage someone outside your immediate circle this month? ([20:55])
7. The pastor encouraged us to “pay attention for the opportunities” to be a Barnabas. What is one way you can be more aware of these opportunities in your daily life? ([26:38])