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Group Discussion
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Barnabas - Son of Encouragement
August 25,2024
Week 3: Help Others Grow
Pastor Jeff Griffin
Acts 11:19-30
Giving encouragement is more than just a compliment or a pat on the back. Building others up unleashes transformation in their lives — a skill anyone can master. This week, let’s examine the power of spiritual encouragement to help others grow.
If you were the captain of a rocket ship, who would you choose as your co-pilot and why?
1. By way of review, what do you remember learning about the ancient Syrian city of Antioch? Why did Barnabas go there? Why would it matter that Jews and Gentiles interacted in Antioch in building the early church? (You might also take a peek into Acts 11:19-24.)
2. In Acts 11:23, Jeff points out two key characteristics of soaring spiritually: tenacity and zeal. What are some ways people have encouraged you to whole-heartedly remain true to your faith?
“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.”
3. Read Acts 11:25-26. What was the genesis behind them being labeled as Christians? Why would that be especially significant for Saul, the former enemy of the early church?
“Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”
4. How can we be skilled at spiritual encouragement? Think about your sphere of influence, or even in your group. What might each of these aspects look like in a tangible way for you?
- Celebration (Acts 11:23)
- Demonstration (Acts 11:24)
- Introduction (Acts 11:25)
- Connection (Acts 11:26)
- Instruction (Acts 11:26)
- Donation (Acts 11:29)
5. What are some possible benefits of connecting together and studying God’s Word with other believers? What are the potential dangers of going solo as a believer? How can families and communities be transformed by those who are spiritually encouraging one another?
How can you and your group members serve as a spiritual balcony person or rocket booster like Barnabas in others’ lives? What might be different for you if you had someone playing this role in your life? Pray that God allows you to both encourage and also be encouraged.