Empowered by Encouragement: Advancing God's Kingdom Together
Summary
### Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound impact of encouragement and the role it plays in advancing God's kingdom. We began by examining Acts 11:19-30, where the early Christians, scattered due to persecution, spread the gospel to new regions, including Antioch. This scattering, though born out of suffering, was used by God to advance His kingdom. Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement," was sent to Antioch to support the new believers. His actions exemplified the power of encouragement, as he rejoiced in God's work, pushed people to find their purpose, and modeled sacrificial giving.
We also delved into the story of a man who faced numerous failures and discouragements but found his calling through the encouragement of others. This narrative served as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God can use encouragement to redirect our paths and fulfill His purposes.
Encouragement is not just about making people feel good; it's about supplying them with the courage to pursue God's purpose for their lives. This involves recognizing God's work, pushing others towards their divine purpose, and modeling sacrificial giving. We are all called to be encouragers, to lift others up, and to help them see God's hand in their lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Uses Suffering to Advance His Kingdom: The scattering of early Christians due to persecution led to the spread of the gospel to new regions. This shows that God can use our suffering to advance His kingdom, both externally and internally. Our pain has a purpose, and it often serves to further God's work in ways we may not immediately understand. [11:16]
2. Encouragement is a Divine Calling: Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement," exemplified the power of encouragement. He rejoiced in seeing God's work and pushed others to find their purpose. Encouragement is not just about making people feel good; it's about supplying them with the courage to pursue God's purpose for their lives. [25:33]
3. Modeling and Mentoring in Sacrificial Giving: Barnabas not only encouraged others but also modeled sacrificial giving. He sold his field and gave the proceeds to support the early church. This act of generosity set an example for others to follow, showing that true encouragement often involves personal sacrifice. [50:33]
4. The Power of Words: Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Encouragement involves speaking life and truth into others, helping them see their potential and God's purpose for their lives. Negative words and discouragement can have long-lasting detrimental effects, while positive reinforcement can change lives. [24:07]
5. Encouragement as a Ministry: Everyone can be part of the ministry of encouragement. It doesn't require special skills, meetings, or financial costs. By simply being aware of God's work and speaking words of encouragement, we can make a significant impact in the lives of others. This ministry is accessible to all and can be practiced daily. [30:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:27] - Introduction and Acts 11:19-30
[02:55] - Barnabas Sent to Antioch
[04:20] - The Role of Encouragement
[05:46] - Story of Failure and Redemption
[07:00] - Satan's Tool of Discouragement
[08:28] - The Encouragement File
[09:59] - The Power of Words
[11:16] - Suffering and God's Kingdom
[12:40] - Examples from Scripture
[14:07] - Stephen's Martyrdom
[15:31] - Joseph's Story
[18:08] - Esther's Story
[19:41] - Jesus' Crucifixion
[21:13] - Encouragement from God's Word
[22:46] - Encouragement in Parenting
[24:07] - The Power of Words in Parenting
[25:33] - Barnabas: Son of Encouragement
[27:09] - The Importance of Nicknames
[28:36] - Supplying Courage
[30:09] - The Ministry of Encouragement
[31:32] - Seeing God's Work
[32:51] - The Armor of God
[34:10] - Being Alert to God's Work
[35:32] - Experiencing God
[36:53] - Finding God's Purpose
[38:27] - Encouraging Others to Find Their Purpose
[39:52] - Impacting Others Positively
[41:12] - Personal Story of Baptism
[42:23] - Nagging vs. Encouragement
[43:54] - Scolding vs. Encouragement
[45:23] - The Role of Shame
[46:42] - Personal Story of Encouragement
[47:57] - Shoulder Tapping for Ministry
[49:13] - Asking for Help in Ministry
[50:33] - Modeling Sacrificial Giving
[51:57] - Personal Testimony of Tithing
[53:35] - Transparency in Giving
[55:00] - Commending the Church's Generosity
[56:31] - Encouraging Yourself in the Lord
[58:01] - David's Example of Self-Encouragement
[59:37] - Recognizing God's Blessings
[01:01:08] - Homework: Encouraging Others
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Acts 11:19-30 (ESV)
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the reason for the scattering of the early Christians, and what regions did they reach as a result? ([01:27])
2. Who was Barnabas, and what role did he play in the church at Antioch? ([02:55])
3. How did Barnabas respond when he saw the grace of God at work in Antioch? ([31:32])
4. What significant action did Barnabas take to support the early church, and what was its impact? ([50:33])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the scattering of the early Christians due to persecution illustrate the idea that God can use suffering to advance His kingdom? ([11:16])
2. In what ways did Barnabas exemplify the power of encouragement, and why is this significant for believers today? ([25:33])
3. How does the story of the man who faced numerous failures and found his calling through encouragement relate to the sermon's message about the power of words? ([07:00])
4. What does it mean to be part of the ministry of encouragement, and how can this be practiced daily by believers? ([30:09])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced suffering. How did you see God working through that situation to advance His kingdom, either in your life or in the lives of others? ([11:16])
2. Barnabas was known as the "Son of Encouragement." Who in your life has been a Barnabas to you, and how did their encouragement impact you? ([25:33])
3. Think about the words you use daily. Are they more likely to build up or tear down? What steps can you take to ensure your words are encouraging and life-giving? ([24:07])
4. Barnabas modeled sacrificial giving by selling his field to support the early church. What is one way you can practice sacrificial giving in your own life? ([50:33])
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of having an "encouragement file." Do you have a way to remind yourself of the encouragement you've received? If not, how can you start one this week? ([08:28])
6. How can you be more alert to what God is doing in your family or community, and how can you join Him in that work? ([34:10])
7. Identify someone in your life who may need encouragement. What specific action can you take this week to supply them with the courage to pursue God's purpose for their life? ([28:36])
Devotional
### Day 1: Suffering as a Catalyst for God's Kingdom
Description:
God often uses our suffering to advance His kingdom in ways we may not immediately understand. The early Christians, scattered due to persecution, spread the gospel to new regions, including Antioch. This scattering, though born out of suffering, was used by God to advance His kingdom. Our pain has a purpose, and it often serves to further God's work both externally and internally. When we face trials, it is essential to remember that God can use these moments to bring about His greater plan and purpose. [11:16]
Bible Passage:
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a recent trial or suffering you have experienced. How might God be using this situation to advance His kingdom in your life or the lives of others?
### Day 2: The Divine Calling of Encouragement
Description:
Encouragement is a divine calling that goes beyond making people feel good; it involves supplying them with the courage to pursue God's purpose for their lives. Barnabas, known as the "Son of Encouragement," exemplified this by rejoicing in seeing God's work and pushing others to find their purpose. Encouragement is about recognizing God's work in others and helping them see their potential and divine calling. It is a powerful tool that can redirect paths and fulfill God's purposes, even in the darkest moments. [25:33]
Bible Passage:
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV)
Reflection:
Who in your life needs encouragement today? How can you intentionally supply them with the courage to pursue God's purpose for their life?
### Day 3: Modeling Sacrificial Giving
Description:
True encouragement often involves personal sacrifice. Barnabas not only encouraged others but also modeled sacrificial giving by selling his field and giving the proceeds to support the early church. This act of generosity set an example for others to follow, showing that encouragement can be demonstrated through actions as well as words. Sacrificial giving is a powerful way to support and uplift others, demonstrating the love and generosity that God calls us to embody. [50:33]
Bible Passage:
"Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God." (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)
Reflection:
What is one way you can model sacrificial giving in your life this week? How can your actions encourage and support others in their faith journey?
### Day 4: The Power of Words
Description:
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. Encouragement involves speaking life and truth into others, helping them see their potential and God's purpose for their lives. Negative words and discouragement can have long-lasting detrimental effects, while positive reinforcement can change lives. It is crucial to be mindful of the words we use and to intentionally speak encouragement and truth into the lives of those around us. [24:07]
Bible Passage:
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your recent conversations. How can you be more intentional about using your words to build up and encourage others?
### Day 5: Encouragement as a Ministry
Description:
Everyone can be part of the ministry of encouragement. It doesn't require special skills, meetings, or financial costs. By simply being aware of God's work and speaking words of encouragement, we can make a significant impact in the lives of others. This ministry is accessible to all and can be practiced daily. Encouragement is a powerful tool that can uplift and inspire others to pursue their divine purpose and see God's hand in their lives. [30:09]
Bible Passage:
"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)
Reflection:
How can you incorporate the ministry of encouragement into your daily routine? What specific steps can you take to be more aware of God's work in others and speak words of encouragement to them?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Some of you are discouraged today. Many of you can identify with this dude. Story told about Satan. He was down, way down in dark, deep Egypt. He was having a yard sale you know. Figured he'd make a few bucks on some of his old tools. So he spread out all his favorite tools on the table, placed, you know, prices on each. And one buyer purchased this sparkling, well-kept tool labeled anger for a reasonable price. Got a good deal." [07:00] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Why does God allow good people to suffer? Here's your answer, to advance his kingdom. You might not like that answer, but that is the answer. To advance his kingdom. His kingdom out there and his kingdom in you. To advance his kingdom. God's not masochistic. He's not into, you know, I can't wait till they suffer some more. No. But he's got a reason for your pain. A reason for your suffering. You're going through it. This morning, you're like, John, why, why, why? To advance his kingdom." [11:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are you going through it? That's just proof that God's doing something in your life. That's just proof that God's working in your life, advancing his kingdom to you and then through you. That's what God is doing. Man, talk about encouragement. I could stop here. If you get it, there is a purpose in my pain. There is a purpose in my pain." [19:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "This is bigger than me. My feelings, my plans, my aspirations. This is all about him, folks. I don't know if it's occurred to you yet. This whole thing is all about him. Amen? This church is about him. It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about him. This world is about him. We need encouragement. Today, and God's word is filled to the brim with it." [21:13] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Have the courage to encourage. Say that. Have the courage to encourage. Numero dos. Encouragers push people, push people to find God's purpose for their lives. In verse 23, he came and saw the grace of God. He was glad. He exhorted them. He's kind of pushing them. This isn't just, yeah, this is like, yeah, come on, come on, come on. To remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. Hey, find your purpose. You need to find your purpose." [36:53] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "And so God is doing something. Why does God allow good people to suffer? Here's your answer, to advance his kingdom. You might not like that answer, but that is the answer. To advance his kingdom. His kingdom out there and his kingdom in you. To advance his kingdom. God's not masochistic. He's not into, you know, I can't wait till they suffer some more. No. But he's got a reason for your pain. A reason for your suffering. You're going through it. This morning, you're like, John, why, why, why? To advance his kingdom." [11:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God loves using encouragers. And it's sad that they're kind of rare. Some of you, let me, this is free too. In your, in your, in your family, you're raising your children. And you know what you have in your children's life? The discouragement ministry. You think you're trying to teach them, but you're, you're screwing up bad. I love you. You're screwing up bad. Some of you have screwed up, all right? Your kids are adults. And, and that is what it is. And God can, you know, make beauty out of ashes, but it takes a while. It takes some time and it takes a whole lot of prayer." [22:46] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Encouragers see what God's doing and rejoice. They look to see what God is doing. This is where many of us are missing it. When he came, this is Barnabas, and saw the grace of God, he was glad. Interestingly, in the Greek, both of these have the same root word, charis, which is grace. And so when he saw the grace of God, what God was doing, that made his heart graceful. He was glad to see what God was doing." [31:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Encouragers push people, push people to find God's purpose for their lives. In verse 23, he came and saw the grace of God. He was glad. He exhorted them. He's kind of pushing them. This isn't just, yeah, this is like, yeah, come on, come on, come on. To remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. Hey, find your purpose. You need to find your purpose. You in your lives need to find your purpose. It's first and foremost to glorify God, but how do I, do that?" [36:53] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Encouragers, model, and mentors, sacrificial giving. Oh, my goodness. was gone on sabbatical, and he's already back to talking about giving. It's here in the text, Bunky. It's in the text. You want me to preach all of God's word or just skip the scary stuff? Huh? We ain't that kind of church, and I ain't that kind of preacher." [49:13] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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