08.20.08
Small Group Plan - August 17, 2008
“Our Life Together”
Unity
Small Group Plan
August 17, 2008
Dear Small Group Leader,
His name was Joseph, but he earned a nickname because of what he did — Barnabas, which means, “son of encouragement.”
How did he encourage? When the church in Jerusalem was struggling, he sold his land and gave the money to the apostles - financial encouragement. When the new gentile Christians in Antioch needed support and teaching, the elders in Jerusalem sent Barnabas – relational encouragement. When the new convert Saul was struggling to find his way in ministry, Barnabas sought him out and brought him to Antioch – mentor encouragement. When a young man named John Mark was struggling with failure, Barnabas made sure he got a second chance – mercy encouragement.
There are only 15 passages that mention Barnabas. And many of the people he so carefully nurtured far surpassed him in notoriety. Yet, he modeled a quiet spirit of humility and encouragement that all of us need today.
OPEN IT / INTRODUCE IT …
· How would you define “encouragement?”
· In what situations do you need it the most?
· Are you encouraged most by words or by actions? Explain.
LOOK AT IT / STUDY IT …
Encouragement Personified
Acts 11:22-24
22 News of this reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
· How did Barnabas encourage the Christians at Antioch?
· What was the purpose or goal of this encouragement? Explain.
· How did his character contribute to his ability to encourage?
Encouragement In Action
Acts 15:30-35
30 The men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. 31 The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the brothers. 33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers with the blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them. 35 But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.
· Why is encouragement always well received?
· How can encouragement be a powerful tool for building unity within diversity?
Encouragement Overcoming
Acts 15:37-39
37 Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, 38 but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39 They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.
· Why did Paul and Barnabas reach such a “sharp disagreement?”
· Does disagreeing and parting company have to lead to anger and broken fellowship? Explain.
· How can an encouraging person also be involved in conflict?
· What potential did Barnabas see in John Mark?
USE IT / APPLY IT …
· Today, instead of “Son of Encouragement” we might say “Mr. Encouragement.” Who at Prestoncrest would you name as “Mr. or Mrs. Encouragement?” Why?
· Share ideas of encouraging strategies that you can implement this week.
· Ask God for help in putting them into action.