WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:07.100 So we've seen the need for encouragement, and last week we looked at the practice of encouragement. 00:00:08.199 --> 00:00:13.839 ! This evening what I want to do is look at a kind of flesh and blood example, an example 00:00:13.839 --> 00:00:20.000 ! of encouragement. The best example I think we have in the New Testament is that of Barnabas. 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:30.899 Medical students, you've looked at your textbooks, and you've lectures, but then it comes to 00:00:30.899 --> 00:00:35.960 the point where you've got to get on the ward, and you see real life examples of what you've 00:00:35.960 --> 00:00:40.879 learnt in the classroom and in their books. I imagine that's quite thrilling. And we've 00:00:40.879 --> 00:00:45.179 looked at the theory of encouragement, and now I want to see that encouragement is embodied 00:00:45.179 --> 00:00:52.359 in a living human being. He's introduced there in Acts 4 verse 36. Can you see that? Joseph, 00:00:52.519 --> 00:00:58.019 Acts chapter 4 and verse 36. That's Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas, 00:00:58.340 --> 00:01:05.219 which means son of encouragement, a Levite, a native of Cyprus. Barnabas was a cousin of 00:01:05.219 --> 00:01:10.819 John Mark, we know that in Colossians chapter 4 and verse 10. And the early church met for 00:01:10.819 --> 00:01:18.879 prayer in the home of John Mark's mother in Jerusalem. Mary. Barnabas had relatives in 00:01:18.879 --> 00:01:24.879 Jerusalem, and his name was Joseph. But no one knows him by Joseph, do they? Are they 00:01:24.879 --> 00:01:29.359 knowing by his nickname? That's quite reassuring, the New Testament nicknames. And that name was 00:01:29.359 --> 00:01:34.819 attached to him by the apostles, because of the man he was and the way he lived. And it 00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:42.879 means a son of encouragement. When the Jews spoke of the son of someone, and they met all 00:01:42.879 --> 00:01:49.000 his character, and was summed up in that word. It was as if they were saying, this man's father 00:01:49.000 --> 00:01:55.879 and mother are encouragement. Wherever he went, whatever he did, he was Mr. Encouragement. 00:01:55.879 --> 00:02:04.819 He was always encouraging people. And this man, Joseph, became known as the encourager. Now 00:02:04.819 --> 00:02:09.439 I wondered about how did you do this? Do we list these virtues? Do we classify them? But 00:02:09.439 --> 00:02:16.159 I think that the easiest way is to look at kind of six references in the New Testament to 00:02:16.159 --> 00:02:19.879 who Barnabas was. It's not a particularly neat way of instructing a sermon, but I hope to leave 00:02:19.879 --> 00:02:25.780 with it. These aren't all the references to Barnabas, but I think they are the main ones. The 00:02:25.780 --> 00:02:35.240 first one is in Acts chapter 4, verse 37. Barnabas sold a field that belonged to him, and he 00:02:35.240 --> 00:02:40.080 brought the money, and he laid it at the apostles' feet. So that's the introduction. I'm just 00:02:40.080 --> 00:02:47.719 encouraging. He sells his land, he donates the money to the church, and this is the context. 00:02:48.900 --> 00:02:53.080 I'm sure you know, in the early church there's this tremendous outburst of love and generosity. 00:02:53.080 --> 00:02:58.660 We're told about it in Acts chapter 4, verse 32. Now the full number of those who believed 00:02:58.660 --> 00:03:04.439 were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him 00:03:04.439 --> 00:03:10.540 was his own, but they had everything in common. Occasionally you hear that the early church 00:03:10.540 --> 00:03:16.800 practiced a kind of rudimentary form of communism. That what we're being told is that Christians 00:03:16.800 --> 00:03:22.560 all had a giant sale, they put out everything that they had, they realized all the proceeds, 00:03:22.700 --> 00:03:27.320 and they put all the money into a common pot, so that all the possessions were merged into 00:03:27.320 --> 00:03:30.880 one. I think that's a misunderstanding. I don't think that's what the early church did at all. 00:03:32.100 --> 00:03:35.900 I think they did something prudent, practical, and sensible. Look at Ephesians 34. There was 00:03:35.900 --> 00:03:40.800 not a needy person among them. For as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and 00:03:40.800 --> 00:03:46.640 brought the proceeds of what was sold, and they laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was 00:03:46.640 --> 00:03:53.860 distributed to each as any had need. They sold them, they brought the proceeds, and they 00:03:53.860 --> 00:04:00.580 laid it at the apostles' feet. Now all those mirrors are what is called iterative, perfected, 00:04:00.620 --> 00:04:03.700 I'm sure you knew. I didn't even know that from the beginning of this. We'll go there soon. 00:04:03.699 --> 00:04:12.759 And we all know what that is. This is what they are. That when a need arose, when occasion 00:04:12.759 --> 00:04:18.459 demanded, a member of the church would sell some of his property and help a brother and 00:04:18.459 --> 00:04:23.959 sister in time of need. And then again, perhaps there would be a further occasion, another crisis. 00:04:25.399 --> 00:04:29.219 And there would be a young widow, maybe with a family, with no property or money, and again 00:04:29.220 --> 00:04:34.620 on that occasion, a member of the church would sell a land or a house or give the money as 00:04:34.620 --> 00:04:39.860 it was needed. And the apostles would give it in the case of need. The NIV is a better 00:04:39.860 --> 00:04:45.460 translation. It says, from time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them, brought 00:04:45.460 --> 00:04:51.460 the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet. From time to time. They were ready 00:04:51.460 --> 00:04:57.400 to give out everything they possessed if it was needed. And in this context, Barnabas is an 00:04:57.399 --> 00:05:03.000 outstanding instance. And I think he's meant to contrast this to the Ammonias and Sapphira 00:05:03.000 --> 00:05:07.379 in the next chapter. Do you remember, they were, well, of the appearance, so religious, 00:05:07.560 --> 00:05:11.000 didn't they? They say, we've sold this house, they bring the money in a kind of massive charity 00:05:11.000 --> 00:05:17.479 check. But they're hypocritical, unselfish and dishonest. Their pretense of Christian love 00:05:17.479 --> 00:05:22.819 is contrasted, I think, with Barnabas, who sells his property, gives all the money to the 00:05:22.819 --> 00:05:26.099 apostles for them to use. In other words, Barnabas is not self-protective. 00:05:27.399 --> 00:05:31.079 That's the first thing the Bible tells us about him. He is able to face personal loss 00:05:31.079 --> 00:05:36.279 for the sake of others. He's willing to impoverish himself in order to help his brothers and 00:05:36.279 --> 00:05:41.560 sisters in need. And we saw last week, didn't we, that is an essential quality of an encourager. 00:05:41.639 --> 00:05:47.859 But it's not an easy thing. It's not something shallow or trivial. We must be prepared to 00:05:47.859 --> 00:05:57.060 be givers. You must be prepared to give. To give to other people. Time is so precious, 00:05:57.060 --> 00:06:02.259 consistent. Your time. Your time that you might have liked to keep for yourself. To give your 00:06:02.259 --> 00:06:07.740 energy. To helping other people when you're feeling tired. And you would far rather rest 00:06:07.740 --> 00:06:16.939 to make yourself available. To help other people. To lose. Sometimes. As we'll see later. 00:06:16.939 --> 00:06:23.980 Sometimes to face loss, embarrassment, misunderstanding. And you're attempt to help other people. 00:06:24.459 --> 00:06:32.360 It's costly and it's demanding. An encourager cannot be selfish. The encourager cannot be self-protective. 00:06:32.360 --> 00:06:39.780 And if we're serious about being encouragers, we have to be prepared, don't we, for God's pruning 00:06:39.780 --> 00:06:47.660 knife. You know the pruning knife that you prune your branches? That God prunes something 00:06:47.660 --> 00:06:52.360 that we may feel is ours. And I have got the right to keep it. But we have to surrender that 00:06:52.360 --> 00:06:58.180 right gladly for the greater good to help someone else. Let's turn to the second reference. 00:06:58.180 --> 00:07:04.480 It's on your sheet. Acts chapter 9 verse 26. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join 00:07:04.480 --> 00:07:08.340 the disciples. That's the apostle Paul. When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the 00:07:08.340 --> 00:07:12.800 disciples, but they were all afraid of him. Not believing that he really was a disciple. 00:07:13.280 --> 00:07:17.579 But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey 00:07:17.579 --> 00:07:22.879 had seen the Lord and how the Lord had spoken to him. And how in Damascus Paul had preached 00:07:22.879 --> 00:07:27.879 fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them. And moved about freely. 00:07:27.879 --> 00:07:31.420 Freely in Jerusalem. Speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. It's one of the most significant 00:07:31.420 --> 00:07:37.120 moments in the New Testament. Saul of Tarsus has been converted. And he returns through the 00:07:37.120 --> 00:07:41.879 mother church to Jerusalem. And he wants to join the church. And the disciples, understandably 00:07:41.879 --> 00:07:48.079 and naturally, are terrified. And they are cautious. And they are suspicious. And Katie, they want 00:07:48.079 --> 00:07:57.319 nothing to do with this man. So remember, here is the great persecutor of the church. He 00:07:57.319 --> 00:08:02.539 tells us that he had some of the Christians in Jerusalem put to death. He was responsible 00:08:02.540 --> 00:08:13.780 for the murder of husbands and sons and fathers. Of some of these Christians in Jerusalem. And 00:08:13.780 --> 00:08:21.160 now their murderer wants to join the fellowship. And this is interesting that to the end of 00:08:21.160 --> 00:08:26.700 his life, Paul had such a burden for the Jewish, for the Jerusalem church. Wherever he went. You 00:08:26.699 --> 00:08:30.819 see that, don't you? He's collecting money for them. And praying for them. And urging the 00:08:30.819 --> 00:08:36.379 Gentile churches. Remember the saints in Jerusalem. And I'm sure there's a personal element in 00:08:36.379 --> 00:08:43.039 that, isn't there? I'm sure there was a burden and a grief on Paul's heart. And so he knew 00:08:43.039 --> 00:08:50.139 why some of those families were poor. He had made them poor. He'd removed the breadwinner. 00:08:50.299 --> 00:08:54.539 And to his dying day, he tried in some way to make up for the wrong that he'd done. But 00:08:54.539 --> 00:09:00.659 in any case, the church wanted something to do with him. Except Barnabas. But Barnabas 00:09:00.659 --> 00:09:09.059 took him. And brought him to the apostles. It's like an even more poignant expression, 00:09:09.179 --> 00:09:13.240 isn't it? In Acts chapter 9 verse 17. Just come with me. It's a little kind of detail 00:09:13.240 --> 00:09:22.159 but it's alright. Chapter 9 verse 17. Two little words there. Which are incredibly moving. 00:09:22.159 --> 00:09:30.059 I don't know if you've picked that up. There's a Saul is blinded sitting in a room in Tarsus. 00:09:30.879 --> 00:09:34.719 This is the man who's the terror of the Christians. And God speaks to a teenage disciple called 00:09:34.719 --> 00:09:39.879 Alonais. And he says, I want you to go and meet with Saul of Tarsus. And speak with him. 00:09:41.240 --> 00:09:46.299 And Saul is in the room. He's blind. He's repentant. He's broken hearted. He thinks of what 00:09:46.299 --> 00:09:52.139 he's done. He's done the evil, the murder, the slaughter, the threats. How he has fought 00:09:52.139 --> 00:09:55.959 against Jesus Christ. And perhaps he knows that there's a believer coming to see him. 00:09:56.419 --> 00:10:02.159 And how will this believer behave towards him? What will be the first words Saul of Tarsus 00:10:02.159 --> 00:10:06.879 ever hears from the lips of Christian? And Ammonius comes into the room and says, 00:10:06.879 --> 00:10:19.120 Acts 9 verse 17. Brother Saul. That's the grace of God, isn't it? Brother Saul to the murderer. 00:10:22.259 --> 00:10:25.820 What must that word must have meant to Saul of Tarsus? He calls me brother. 00:10:27.820 --> 00:10:34.460 Oh, he's coming here to kill him. He calls me brother. And Barnabas is the same. He receives 00:10:34.460 --> 00:10:39.480 Saul. Let's note a couple of things. He's open minded. He did not react instantly like 00:10:39.480 --> 00:10:45.780 other Christians. Barnabas is willing to listen to what Paul has to say. He's able to explain 00:10:45.780 --> 00:10:51.300 what happened to Saul. He's seen the Lord on the road. Christ has spoken to him. He's 00:10:51.300 --> 00:10:56.680 preached boldly in the name of Jesus. He's spent time with Paul. He has been unprejudiced 00:10:56.680 --> 00:11:02.920 and open minded and open hearted. He is troubled to take time with Saul. He's a discerning 00:11:02.919 --> 00:11:09.500 man. He sees great potential with Saul. This suspect, isolated, lonely man with a very 00:11:09.500 --> 00:11:15.279 bad track record. And Barnabas sees his gifts, his energy, his passion, and all these how they 00:11:15.279 --> 00:11:20.360 could be used for the Lord. He's not naive. Some Christians are very naive, aren't they? 00:11:20.399 --> 00:11:24.419 They're easily taken in. They're imposed upon. They're deluded. But Barnabas is not naive. 00:11:24.639 --> 00:11:29.639 But he does see the reality of his Christian experience. He sees the marks of grace. 00:11:29.639 --> 00:11:35.199 And change. He sees the true potential in people, in this person, and he's courageous. 00:11:37.819 --> 00:11:42.439 It would be far safer, wouldn't it, and far easier, to Barnabas to join all the other 00:11:42.439 --> 00:11:45.279 Christians to stay clear of this man and to have nothing to do with him. But Barnabas 00:11:45.279 --> 00:11:49.480 takes it as a risk. And it was a risk to Barnabas. We're reading now, aren't we, two thousand 00:11:49.480 --> 00:11:57.819 years later. Put yourself back then. It was a risk, isn't it? The risk of sponsoring this 00:11:57.820 --> 00:12:04.240 man. Of going bail for him in the church. Saying, I believe in him. I think he's genuine. 00:12:04.980 --> 00:12:09.080 And when I just stand with him. We say, can we, I think we can do this. I think we can 00:12:09.080 --> 00:12:14.560 say in human terms, what if there'd not been a Barnabas? Suppose the whole Jerusalem church 00:12:14.560 --> 00:12:18.400 had stayed clear of Saul and no one had anything to do with him. Suppose if he hadn't found any 00:12:18.400 --> 00:12:24.000 way into the Jerusalem church. How different his ministry would have been? And I think God 00:12:24.000 --> 00:12:27.840 is showing to us that if we're truly going to have the spirit of Barnabas, we will be 00:12:27.840 --> 00:12:32.320 ready to listen. We will be ready to listen to that awkward and promising, difficult individual. 00:12:34.159 --> 00:12:39.259 We'll be ready to befriend the outsider. We'll be ready to be patient with the person who 00:12:39.259 --> 00:12:44.580 might have strange views and very incomplete knowledge. We'll be ready to try and help them 00:12:44.580 --> 00:12:53.580 fit into the group. We'll not always be concerned with playing it absolutely safe. And I know 00:12:53.580 --> 00:12:59.280 we're a Presbyterian church. And the problem with Presbyterians is we so easily get into 00:12:59.280 --> 00:13:06.160 the mentality of don't make any mistakes. And don't take a step out of line and make sure 00:13:06.160 --> 00:13:11.520 that your back is covered. Make sure that you're not exposed in any way. And we become terrified 00:13:11.519 --> 00:13:15.600 of making mistakes. Let me say to you the biggest mistake in Christian ministry is to do nothing. 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:22.799 The biggest mistake in God's service is to run no risks. To attempt nothing for God. 00:13:24.639 --> 00:13:30.079 And I think there are times when we have to run these risks with people. We need wisdom, 00:13:30.079 --> 00:13:34.319 don't we, to pray earnestly that we'll be able to discern the work of how he's spreading people, 00:13:34.319 --> 00:13:41.360 to see the potential of someone, of that pharaoh or that girl who is so argumentative and 00:13:41.360 --> 00:13:47.200 every time you talk to them they give you a hard time about the gospel. But think about that 00:13:47.200 --> 00:13:52.800 person. Think about if the Lord was to win them. And all that ability and all that incisiveness 00:13:52.800 --> 00:14:00.399 and all that intellect used for God. Think of the guy in your office. He's a great, he's great fun. 00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:05.440 Everybody loves him. He's very popular. His jokes are inappropriate but he's really bright. 00:14:05.440 --> 00:14:13.280 And you think he'd never be interested. But just suppose the Lord were to change him. Think 00:14:13.280 --> 00:14:20.000 about what he could do with young people. Or the girl who is slightly wild. She's a flirt. 00:14:21.680 --> 00:14:26.240 She's always out clubbing. It's easy to say, isn't it, but she's shallow and superficial. But think 00:14:26.240 --> 00:14:33.280 of the attractiveness of that person. Think if that personality was transformed by grace, what could 00:14:33.279 --> 00:14:40.240 it be done for the work of God's kingdom? The other Christians, they looked at Saul and they said, 00:14:40.240 --> 00:14:45.039 oh no, no, no. It's better not to risk it. Barnabas says, I will go and talk with him. I 00:14:45.039 --> 00:14:49.919 will go and listen to what he says. I will spend time with him. And as he did, he was convinced 00:14:49.919 --> 00:14:57.360 that there'd be the work of God. Number three, Acts 11 verses 19 to 26. There's been a dramatic 00:14:57.360 --> 00:15:04.000 work of God in Antioch. And many from outside the church have been won to the Lord Jesus. 00:15:05.360 --> 00:15:09.200 The city of Antioch is the third largest city in the ancient world after Rome and Alexandria. 00:15:09.840 --> 00:15:14.320 It's a city at this time of about half a million people. It's a city with street lighting, with 00:15:14.320 --> 00:15:21.600 paving stones. It's complex. It's sophisticated. It's a metropolis. And amongst this kind of 00:15:21.600 --> 00:15:29.040 sophisticated Greek speakers, a whole load of people have been won for the Lord. And 00:15:29.040 --> 00:15:32.360 the church, the mother church, years about it in Jerusalem, and they're not sure what to 00:15:32.360 --> 00:15:38.720 think. And they're not sure whether it's a good thing or a bad thing. So try to put yourself 00:15:38.720 --> 00:15:39.879 in their position. 00:15:43.320 --> 00:15:48.000 Let's say a man at O'Brentford, they begin in a few weeks time, and David George goes down 00:15:48.000 --> 00:15:54.080 to do a book table in Brentford on a Saturday, with Pete Lofthouse and Sue and the gang. And 00:15:54.080 --> 00:16:02.399 they ring Stuart up and they say, we've had a great morning. And we've had a really great 00:16:02.399 --> 00:16:07.759 morning. We've been out witnessing, and 250 people have been converted. And they will be 00:16:07.759 --> 00:16:14.080 coming to church tomorrow, tomorrow morning. Now, I'd be very interested to see what the 00:16:14.080 --> 00:16:20.080 reaction would be. One would be great joy, but one would be you'll be swamped. Suddenly 00:16:20.800 --> 00:16:27.759 you've got any background. You haven't got any teaching. I know a church in Tasmania about 00:16:27.759 --> 00:16:36.080 15 years ago that saw about 120 students converted over an academic year. She'd been praying for 00:16:36.080 --> 00:16:40.960 students for years, but actually when they came in, they couldn't handle it. They couldn't 00:16:40.960 --> 00:16:46.320 handle it. A very funny story about that, that I can't tell, but I'll see what I do to 00:16:46.320 --> 00:16:52.080 them, I'll tell you. But people come into church with no shoes on. And the people who've been 00:16:52.080 --> 00:16:54.639 in church for years, they just couldn't handle it. They'd prayed for it for years. These 00:16:54.639 --> 00:16:57.680 people didn't have any background, they didn't have any teaching. They had all their own ideas. 00:16:57.680 --> 00:17:02.480 They were mixed up with the world. Communion, church, discipline was an absolute nightmare. 00:17:03.600 --> 00:17:07.279 And it's been a tick, it's a lot of time to sort that out. And these conservative 00:17:07.279 --> 00:17:12.079 Jewish Christians, they hear of this work of God among the Gentiles, but is it sound? 00:17:12.079 --> 00:17:16.079 Is it biblical? Is it genuine? They're good questions. Are they truly Christians? 00:17:17.839 --> 00:17:23.599 Calvin says this, he says, Satan's cunning, cunning. Satan's cunning is well known as soon 00:17:23.599 --> 00:17:30.319 as he sees a door open for the gospel, he writes by all sorts of means to corrupt what is pure. 00:17:30.319 --> 00:17:37.439 And so that the result, the result is that along with the teaching of Christ, various heresies 00:17:37.439 --> 00:17:45.119 proliferate. Calvin is saying there's nothing easier than for growing corn to be ruined in 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:52.720 the early stages of growth. When there is a work of God, there's often a degree of disorder 00:17:52.720 --> 00:17:59.680 and confusion. I think you can look through church history and see those. But actually, 00:17:59.680 --> 00:18:04.559 when there's a genuine work of God, there's a mixture of things which maybe aren't quite 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:11.120 right and things which we shouldn't defend. And gradually they sort themselves out. Growth 00:18:11.120 --> 00:18:15.360 is always messy. It is always messy. Even the little bit of growth we've known as a church, 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:21.680 I think you can point to some of the messiness of that. There's an untidy period. And so the 00:18:21.680 --> 00:18:26.640 church was assigned to send someone to investigate. Well, who do you send? And they said Barnabas. 00:18:27.759 --> 00:18:32.720 And you can imagine coming the anxiety amongst the young Christians in Antioch. One of the big 00:18:32.720 --> 00:18:39.360 boys is coming down. Presbytery have sent one of their own. One of the top men. He's 00:18:39.360 --> 00:18:43.600 heard all the great preachers. He's possibly seen the blessing on the great day of the Pentecost, 00:18:43.600 --> 00:18:48.160 the phenomenal growth of the church. And now he's coming down to our little work. What would 00:18:48.160 --> 00:18:54.080 you think when he arrives? And we're told that Barnabas came. Barnabas came and he saw the 00:18:54.080 --> 00:19:01.360 grace of God and he was glad. And he encouraged them all. That with purpose of heart they should 00:19:01.360 --> 00:19:09.120 continue with the Lord. Now, I have no doubt that there were many, many imperfections. And 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:14.319 those new Christians would have been very raw and very immature. And they had much to learn. But 00:19:14.319 --> 00:19:20.799 Barnabas saw the evidence of God's grace and he was glad and he was encouraged. And we're 00:19:20.799 --> 00:19:26.799 not told he found fault. And we're not told that he started criticizing and saying, well, that is wrong 00:19:26.799 --> 00:19:33.039 and that is wrong and you need to reform. His initial contact with them was gladness. And encouragement 00:19:33.039 --> 00:19:37.440 and positive reinforcement. Now, I am not saying that unsound teaching doesn't matter. Don't 00:19:37.440 --> 00:19:41.440 think that. I'm not saying that we should be woolly minded. I am not saying that we should be 00:19:41.440 --> 00:19:49.200 foolishly enthusiastic and undiscerning. But we do need to have the mentality which will start 00:19:49.200 --> 00:19:58.399 by encouraging what is good rather than criticizing what is bad. And are you not in danger sometimes 00:19:58.400 --> 00:20:03.519 of being a fault finder? You show me a work of God and I'll show you what's wrong with it. 00:20:04.080 --> 00:20:09.680 Isn't that what's spreading us sometimes? We know that there are things wrong. But that's 00:20:09.680 --> 00:20:15.200 not the way to put them right. We don't need to be glad at what's been achieved or do we always 00:20:15.200 --> 00:20:22.560 feel like criticizing what has been accomplished. So let me ask you, you hear a sermon, what do you 00:20:22.559 --> 00:20:30.720 focus on? What has helped you or the flaws? You go to a church, what do you focus on? The weaknesses 00:20:30.720 --> 00:20:36.799 or the strengths? You see a bucket of water on your way to the crash and it's what do you see? Half 00:20:36.799 --> 00:20:43.839 full or half empty. Barnabas was encouraging and he was glad. And where we see the evidence of the 00:20:43.839 --> 00:20:52.319 real grace of God we can be glad even if it's not our party, even if it's not our group, even if it's 00:20:52.319 --> 00:20:58.879 something that would not line up exactly where we would line up. When we hear of many genuine 00:20:58.879 --> 00:21:05.519 conversions in the church which may not be dominantly sound, can we honestly say praise God and thank God 00:21:05.519 --> 00:21:14.160 for that and I glorify you Father for your work. Or do we say, God why don't you work with those 00:21:14.160 --> 00:21:20.559 people over there? Why don't you work with us? We are far sounder. Well that's one of the reasons why 00:21:20.559 --> 00:21:29.599 God doesn't work with us. And Acts tells us as a result of this, look at verse 24, a great number of 00:21:29.599 --> 00:21:37.439 people were added to the church, weren't they? Acts chapter 11, a great number of Acts chapter 11 and verse 25. 00:21:39.039 --> 00:21:42.799 So Barnabas went to Tarsus, he took the sword and when he found him, oh that's not right, 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:48.799 it's the next one it says, um, Acts 13, where am I? I've got lots of my notes. 00:21:51.279 --> 00:21:55.519 Yeah, Acts 13, verse 25 and, um, verse 6. 00:21:59.599 --> 00:22:07.519 That's not right either. Anyway, a great number of people rallied to the Lord, take my word for it, 00:22:07.519 --> 00:22:09.759 alright? Somebody can point out the verse 24. 00:22:09.759 --> 00:22:10.559 24. 00:22:10.559 --> 00:22:11.759 11. 00:22:11.759 --> 00:22:12.799 11. 00:22:12.799 --> 00:22:14.879 24. At least someone's listening. 00:22:14.879 --> 00:22:15.279 Yeah. 00:22:15.279 --> 00:22:21.599 That's right. So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul and when he found him, they brought him to Antioch 00:22:21.599 --> 00:22:25.279 and for a whole year they met with the church and told a great many people and in Antioch the disciples 00:22:25.279 --> 00:22:27.039 were first called Christians. 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:30.399 It's the verse before, isn't it? A great number of rabbits to the Lord. 00:22:30.399 --> 00:22:35.799 It's amazing. 00:22:35.799 --> 00:22:37.279 It's not all, anyway. 00:22:37.279 --> 00:22:41.039 It's positive, isn't it? He has an impact. 00:22:41.039 --> 00:22:48.319 Now, just notice in the verses I did just read to you which, he doesn't leave them in their immaturity. 00:22:48.319 --> 00:22:52.960 Can you see that? He doesn't just say, oh carry on with all the things that are wrong, he does it tactfully 00:22:52.960 --> 00:22:56.420 and wisely and positively. He takes Paul with them and they teach for a year. 00:22:56.420 --> 00:22:58.840 but notice, just notice 00:22:58.840 --> 00:23:01.740 the huge influence of this man 00:23:01.740 --> 00:23:03.660 in two crises, when Paul wanted to 00:23:03.660 --> 00:23:04.940 join the Jerusalem church 00:23:04.940 --> 00:23:07.440 and in the deputation to Antioch 00:23:07.440 --> 00:23:09.320 Barnabas plays this pivotal role 00:23:09.320 --> 00:23:11.060 in the history of the New Testament church 00:23:11.060 --> 00:23:13.279 an encourager 00:23:13.279 --> 00:23:15.500 an encourager 00:23:15.500 --> 00:23:17.220 is far more significant than you imagine 00:23:17.220 --> 00:23:18.660 you think it's a peripheral thing 00:23:18.660 --> 00:23:21.000 so that you may think 00:23:21.000 --> 00:23:22.600 there are the missionaries aren't there 00:23:22.600 --> 00:23:25.240 there are the church planters, there are the preachers 00:23:25.240 --> 00:23:26.380 there are the elders 00:23:26.380 --> 00:23:28.640 and there are the people that can't do much else 00:23:28.640 --> 00:23:29.700 they're simply the encouragers 00:23:29.700 --> 00:23:31.819 but actually you look through the New Testament 00:23:31.819 --> 00:23:33.140 and Barnabas is key 00:23:33.140 --> 00:23:36.940 and number 4, Acts 13 verse 9 00:23:36.940 --> 00:23:40.200 and you may say that's a really strange reference 00:23:40.200 --> 00:23:42.200 Acts 13 verse 9 00:23:42.200 --> 00:23:47.299 it says this 00:23:47.299 --> 00:23:50.380 but Saul, who was called Paul 00:23:50.380 --> 00:23:51.680 filled with the Holy Spirit 00:23:51.680 --> 00:23:54.059 looked intently at him 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:59.519 it's the point in the New Testament 00:23:59.519 --> 00:24:02.220 where Paul takes over the leadership 00:24:02.220 --> 00:24:04.399 and from now on 00:24:04.399 --> 00:24:06.019 Paul is not called Saul anymore 00:24:06.019 --> 00:24:08.519 Saul is called Paul 00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:10.399 so just notice the change 00:24:10.399 --> 00:24:11.419 look at verse 2 00:24:11.419 --> 00:24:14.259 look at verse 2 00:24:14.259 --> 00:24:17.960 there were in the church of Antioch 00:24:17.960 --> 00:24:18.879 prophets and teachers 00:24:18.879 --> 00:24:21.059 Barnabas and Simeon 00:24:21.059 --> 00:24:21.919 in the end 00:24:21.919 --> 00:24:23.799 can you see verse 2 00:24:23.799 --> 00:24:24.619 set apart from me 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:26.220 Barnabas and Saul 00:24:26.220 --> 00:24:27.799 can you notice who's in the leader's role 00:24:27.799 --> 00:24:30.519 and then look at verse 7 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:32.799 he was with the proconsul 00:24:32.799 --> 00:24:33.599 so she is Paul 00:24:33.599 --> 00:24:34.799 a man of intelligence 00:24:34.799 --> 00:24:35.679 who summoned Barnabas 00:24:35.679 --> 00:24:36.379 and Paul 00:24:36.379 --> 00:24:38.220 again Barnabas is in the driving seat 00:24:38.220 --> 00:24:38.700 isn't he 00:24:38.700 --> 00:24:40.259 but look at verse 13 00:24:40.259 --> 00:24:43.000 now Paul and his companions 00:24:43.000 --> 00:24:45.139 from now on 00:24:45.139 --> 00:24:46.039 it's Paul and his party 00:24:46.039 --> 00:24:48.279 and Barnabas has merged 00:24:48.279 --> 00:24:49.680 as he into the supporting group 00:24:49.680 --> 00:24:52.579 it's the moment the protege 00:24:52.579 --> 00:24:53.440 surpasses 00:24:53.440 --> 00:24:55.099 the teacher 00:24:55.099 --> 00:24:56.200 who befriended him 00:24:56.200 --> 00:24:57.659 here's the moment 00:24:57.659 --> 00:24:59.839 when the one who is encouraged 00:24:59.839 --> 00:25:01.039 outstrips the encourager 00:25:01.039 --> 00:25:02.960 and he begins to leave him 00:25:02.960 --> 00:25:04.180 far behind in usefulness 00:25:04.180 --> 00:25:05.839 and they move out of the Gentile world 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:06.579 to Cyprus 00:25:06.579 --> 00:25:09.180 Saul's asses is far more qualified 00:25:09.180 --> 00:25:09.759 by birth 00:25:09.759 --> 00:25:10.980 and educating him 00:25:10.980 --> 00:25:11.539 so from now on 00:25:11.539 --> 00:25:12.319 Paul takes over 00:25:12.319 --> 00:25:12.559 that 00:25:12.559 --> 00:25:15.939 so I like encouraging people 00:25:15.939 --> 00:25:16.740 I like encouraging people 00:25:16.740 --> 00:25:17.919 because they owe something to me 00:25:17.919 --> 00:25:20.319 I like people who owe something to me 00:25:20.319 --> 00:25:22.500 I like people who depend on me 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.079 and look up to me 00:25:23.079 --> 00:25:23.639 and admire me 00:25:23.639 --> 00:25:25.919 I'm not so keen on people 00:25:25.919 --> 00:25:27.179 who expect me to admire that 00:25:27.179 --> 00:25:29.899 I wonder why that is 00:25:29.899 --> 00:25:32.039 we can feel good 00:25:32.039 --> 00:25:32.980 can't we have having people 00:25:32.980 --> 00:25:34.059 under us if you like 00:25:34.059 --> 00:25:34.919 it feeds our ego 00:25:34.919 --> 00:25:36.299 but when they outstrip us 00:25:36.299 --> 00:25:36.980 when we realise 00:25:36.980 --> 00:25:38.000 that the younger Christian 00:25:38.000 --> 00:25:39.460 is far more gifted 00:25:39.460 --> 00:25:40.159 than we are 00:25:40.159 --> 00:25:41.119 when we see someone 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:42.699 that we helped 00:25:42.699 --> 00:25:45.039 now the Lord is using 00:25:45.039 --> 00:25:46.979 in a way that he's never used us 00:25:46.979 --> 00:25:48.819 well that's what happened to Barnabas 00:25:48.819 --> 00:25:50.979 that's what happened to this encourager 00:25:50.979 --> 00:25:53.779 and how easy it would have been 00:25:53.779 --> 00:25:54.599 to be jealous 00:25:54.599 --> 00:25:56.359 and say wait a minute 00:25:56.359 --> 00:25:58.479 I brought this man into the church 00:25:58.479 --> 00:26:01.659 where has all this Paul 00:26:01.659 --> 00:26:03.119 and his party come from 00:26:03.119 --> 00:26:06.819 but this is what has happened 00:26:06.819 --> 00:26:08.659 God is tactfully warning us 00:26:08.659 --> 00:26:10.119 of the realities of encouragement 00:26:10.119 --> 00:26:12.159 that we will see 00:26:12.159 --> 00:26:13.000 God willing 00:26:13.000 --> 00:26:13.779 some of us 00:26:13.779 --> 00:26:14.759 some of whom we knew 00:26:14.759 --> 00:26:16.319 as spiritual toddlers 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:18.879 going far beyond us 00:26:18.879 --> 00:26:21.039 and of that we should be glad 00:26:21.039 --> 00:26:23.239 we should be ready for that 00:26:23.239 --> 00:26:24.019 Calvin again says 00:26:24.019 --> 00:26:24.919 no matter whom the Lord 00:26:24.919 --> 00:26:26.019 has used to make his name 00:26:26.019 --> 00:26:26.619 illustrious 00:26:26.619 --> 00:26:28.519 the faithful servants of Christ 00:26:28.519 --> 00:26:29.739 ought to follow the example 00:26:29.739 --> 00:26:30.379 of Barnabas 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:31.919 and rejoice at the success 00:26:31.919 --> 00:26:32.479 of the gospel 00:26:32.479 --> 00:26:34.859 perhaps the best way 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.439 is for those who are 00:26:35.439 --> 00:26:35.759 children 00:26:35.759 --> 00:26:36.799 when we think of our children 00:26:36.799 --> 00:26:38.739 what do we want for our children 00:26:38.740 --> 00:26:40.079 we want our children to go beyond us 00:26:40.079 --> 00:26:40.480 don't we 00:26:40.480 --> 00:26:43.019 nothing would make your parents 00:26:43.019 --> 00:26:43.960 happier children 00:26:43.960 --> 00:26:44.980 than for you to kind of 00:26:44.980 --> 00:26:46.420 surpass them 00:26:46.420 --> 00:26:47.960 we pray that our children 00:26:47.960 --> 00:26:49.980 will be far better Christians 00:26:49.980 --> 00:26:50.740 than us don't we 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:52.240 we pray that our children 00:26:52.240 --> 00:26:53.480 will be far more used 00:26:53.480 --> 00:26:54.039 of the Lord 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.559 than we are 00:26:54.559 --> 00:26:55.640 we pray that our children 00:26:55.640 --> 00:26:57.539 will far surpass us 00:26:57.539 --> 00:26:58.940 in gifts and graces 00:26:58.940 --> 00:27:00.279 we won't feel jealous of that 00:27:00.279 --> 00:27:00.700 will we 00:27:00.700 --> 00:27:03.279 our nose won't be put out of joint 00:27:03.279 --> 00:27:03.980 I hope not 00:27:03.980 --> 00:27:05.079 we will feel nothing 00:27:05.079 --> 00:27:06.740 but gladness and thankfulness 00:27:06.740 --> 00:27:07.240 to God 00:27:07.240 --> 00:27:08.379 and that is the way 00:27:08.379 --> 00:27:09.319 that we have to learn 00:27:09.319 --> 00:27:10.259 to feel about people 00:27:10.259 --> 00:27:10.879 whom the Lord 00:27:10.879 --> 00:27:12.000 uses us to help 00:27:12.000 --> 00:27:15.679 and so if they go to Brentford 00:27:15.679 --> 00:27:17.960 and 350 join in a few weeks 00:27:17.960 --> 00:27:19.279 and it becomes a kind of marriage 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:20.759 we've got to be thrilled 00:27:20.759 --> 00:27:21.480 haven't we 00:27:21.480 --> 00:27:23.980 and we can trickle down 00:27:23.980 --> 00:27:24.500 with them 00:27:24.500 --> 00:27:26.079 that's alright 00:27:26.079 --> 00:27:29.079 the story is all positive 00:27:29.079 --> 00:27:29.980 Galatians chapter 2 00:27:29.980 --> 00:27:32.039 Galatians chapter 2 00:27:32.039 --> 00:27:34.200 and we see the frailty 00:27:34.200 --> 00:27:34.980 of Barnabas 00:27:34.980 --> 00:27:37.259 you remember the incident 00:27:37.259 --> 00:27:38.220 Paul was being a hand job 00:27:38.220 --> 00:27:39.399 and he's 00:27:39.399 --> 00:27:41.700 Peter was being a hand job 00:27:41.700 --> 00:27:42.119 and he's really 00:27:42.119 --> 00:27:43.019 been happy to eat 00:27:43.019 --> 00:27:43.920 with Gentiles there 00:27:43.920 --> 00:27:45.980 he's disregarded 00:27:45.980 --> 00:27:47.099 the Jewish food laws 00:27:47.099 --> 00:27:47.779 but then 00:27:47.779 --> 00:27:49.180 a party of friends 00:27:49.180 --> 00:27:50.240 come down from Jerusalem 00:27:50.240 --> 00:27:51.960 kind of ultra-conservatives 00:27:51.960 --> 00:27:52.940 right wing 00:27:52.940 --> 00:27:53.700 of the church 00:27:53.700 --> 00:27:54.500 very extreme 00:27:54.500 --> 00:27:55.619 and then they come to Peter 00:27:55.619 --> 00:27:57.659 and Peter withdraws 00:27:57.659 --> 00:27:59.559 and he separates himself 00:27:59.559 --> 00:28:03.899 he fears those 00:28:03.899 --> 00:28:05.579 in the circumcision party 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:08.539 and the rest of the Jews 00:28:08.539 --> 00:28:09.940 and he plays the hypocrites 00:28:09.940 --> 00:28:11.579 Galatians chapter 2 verse 11 00:28:11.579 --> 00:28:18.720 when Kephas 00:28:18.720 --> 00:28:20.099 came to Antioch 00:28:20.099 --> 00:28:21.200 I opposed him to his face 00:28:21.200 --> 00:28:22.519 because he stood condemned 00:28:22.519 --> 00:28:24.179 for certain men 00:28:24.179 --> 00:28:24.819 came from James 00:28:24.819 --> 00:28:25.799 he was eating with the Gentiles 00:28:25.799 --> 00:28:26.399 but when they came 00:28:26.399 --> 00:28:26.859 he drew back 00:28:26.859 --> 00:28:27.839 and he separated himself 00:28:27.839 --> 00:28:28.960 from the circumcision party 00:28:28.960 --> 00:28:30.120 and the rest of the Jews 00:28:30.120 --> 00:28:31.279 acted hypocritically 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:32.340 along with him 00:28:32.340 --> 00:28:33.259 so that even 00:28:33.259 --> 00:28:34.360 Barnabas 00:28:34.360 --> 00:28:34.920 was led astray 00:28:34.920 --> 00:28:35.740 by the hypocrisy 00:28:35.740 --> 00:28:37.819 the details 00:28:37.819 --> 00:28:38.900 don't matter 00:28:38.900 --> 00:28:39.779 so much to us tonight 00:28:39.779 --> 00:28:40.920 the chronology 00:28:40.920 --> 00:28:41.480 of that passage 00:28:41.480 --> 00:28:42.319 is quite difficult 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:43.799 but clearly 00:28:43.799 --> 00:28:44.620 Barnabas is 00:28:44.620 --> 00:28:46.039 indefensibly in the wrong 00:28:46.039 --> 00:28:46.720 he shouldn't have done 00:28:46.720 --> 00:28:47.259 what he did 00:28:47.259 --> 00:28:48.519 it was hypocritical 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:50.059 he knew better than that 00:28:50.059 --> 00:28:51.860 he was being manipulated 00:28:51.860 --> 00:28:52.759 by public opinion 00:28:52.759 --> 00:28:53.279 in the church 00:28:53.279 --> 00:28:54.220 and you can hear 00:28:54.220 --> 00:28:55.200 Paul's surprise 00:28:55.200 --> 00:28:56.059 that he had pain 00:28:56.059 --> 00:28:57.279 in that little expression 00:28:57.279 --> 00:28:58.400 even Barnabas 00:28:58.400 --> 00:28:59.060 I would have expected 00:28:59.060 --> 00:29:00.080 better from Barnabas 00:29:00.080 --> 00:29:02.140 now I'm not excusing 00:29:02.140 --> 00:29:02.700 what he did 00:29:02.700 --> 00:29:04.540 I'm simply reminding you 00:29:04.540 --> 00:29:04.860 of something 00:29:04.860 --> 00:29:06.000 that I find enormously 00:29:06.000 --> 00:29:06.940 encouraging tonight 00:29:06.940 --> 00:29:08.800 and that is 00:29:08.800 --> 00:29:09.560 that we don't have 00:29:09.560 --> 00:29:10.140 to be perfect 00:29:10.140 --> 00:29:12.980 to be an encourager 00:29:12.980 --> 00:29:14.240 that is used by God 00:29:14.240 --> 00:29:17.460 we say don't we 00:29:17.460 --> 00:29:18.500 in our church circles 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.380 that we don't believe 00:29:19.380 --> 00:29:20.480 in sinless perfection 00:29:20.480 --> 00:29:21.400 I hope we don't 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:23.500 and yet the way 00:29:23.500 --> 00:29:24.280 we react 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:25.319 when somebody 00:29:25.319 --> 00:29:26.200 points out 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.180 our faults 00:29:27.180 --> 00:29:28.819 it's almost as if 00:29:28.819 --> 00:29:29.379 we did believe 00:29:29.379 --> 00:29:30.240 in sinless perfection 00:29:30.240 --> 00:29:30.779 and we can get 00:29:30.779 --> 00:29:31.399 very edgy 00:29:31.399 --> 00:29:31.859 can't we 00:29:31.859 --> 00:29:32.180 when people 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:33.180 point out our faults 00:29:33.180 --> 00:29:34.460 and very irate 00:29:34.460 --> 00:29:35.579 when someone comes 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:36.599 and puts their finger 00:29:36.599 --> 00:29:37.420 on a sore point 00:29:37.420 --> 00:29:38.480 we get very defensive 00:29:38.480 --> 00:29:39.200 even angry 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:41.940 and many many Christians 00:29:41.940 --> 00:29:42.579 struggle 00:29:42.579 --> 00:29:43.259 because they think 00:29:43.259 --> 00:29:44.399 I've got to be perfect 00:29:44.399 --> 00:29:46.920 and sometimes 00:29:46.920 --> 00:29:47.839 people who seem perfect 00:29:47.839 --> 00:29:48.779 they're not actually 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.440 the most encouraging 00:29:49.440 --> 00:29:50.259 people to be around 00:29:50.259 --> 00:29:50.599 are they 00:29:50.599 --> 00:29:53.199 and again 00:29:53.199 --> 00:29:54.079 I'm not excusing 00:29:54.079 --> 00:29:54.959 Barnabas mistaken 00:29:54.959 --> 00:29:55.559 imperfection 00:29:55.559 --> 00:29:56.039 he shouldn't have 00:29:56.039 --> 00:29:56.319 done it 00:29:56.319 --> 00:29:56.779 he was wrong 00:29:56.779 --> 00:29:57.379 but there's something 00:29:57.379 --> 00:29:58.639 encouragingly human 00:29:58.639 --> 00:29:59.079 about it 00:29:59.079 --> 00:29:59.959 he made a wrong 00:29:59.959 --> 00:30:01.079 decision under pressure 00:30:01.079 --> 00:30:04.039 hands up 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:05.019 if you've never 00:30:05.019 --> 00:30:05.679 made a wrong 00:30:05.679 --> 00:30:06.119 decision 00:30:06.119 --> 00:30:08.480 no hands up 00:30:08.480 --> 00:30:09.919 we all do it 00:30:09.919 --> 00:30:12.480 we do it in the church 00:30:12.480 --> 00:30:14.919 and here's a man 00:30:14.919 --> 00:30:15.519 and perhaps it's 00:30:15.519 --> 00:30:16.299 part of his quality 00:30:16.299 --> 00:30:17.019 as an encourager 00:30:17.019 --> 00:30:18.740 he's made his own 00:30:18.740 --> 00:30:19.699 share of mistakes 00:30:19.700 --> 00:30:21.279 and I'm not using 00:30:21.279 --> 00:30:21.920 this as a apology 00:30:21.920 --> 00:30:22.420 for his sin 00:30:22.420 --> 00:30:22.940 at all 00:30:22.940 --> 00:30:23.600 but there are times 00:30:23.600 --> 00:30:24.120 when it is 00:30:24.120 --> 00:30:25.180 of the utmost 00:30:25.180 --> 00:30:25.779 encouragement 00:30:25.779 --> 00:30:26.700 to put your arm 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:27.460 around someone 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:27.840 and say 00:30:27.840 --> 00:30:28.860 look I've done 00:30:28.860 --> 00:30:29.420 what you did 00:30:29.420 --> 00:30:31.480 I've made that 00:30:31.480 --> 00:30:31.819 mistake 00:30:31.819 --> 00:30:32.539 and I understand 00:30:32.539 --> 00:30:33.799 and the Lord 00:30:33.799 --> 00:30:34.400 forgave me 00:30:34.400 --> 00:30:35.059 and I was able 00:30:35.059 --> 00:30:35.700 to start again 00:30:35.700 --> 00:30:36.460 that is wonderfully 00:30:36.460 --> 00:30:36.920 encouraging 00:30:36.920 --> 00:30:38.200 isn't it 00:30:38.200 --> 00:30:39.340 and people felt 00:30:39.340 --> 00:30:40.039 close to Barnabas 00:30:40.039 --> 00:30:40.460 because of that 00:30:40.460 --> 00:30:40.900 last thing 00:30:40.900 --> 00:30:41.420 last one 00:30:41.420 --> 00:30:42.500 Acts 15 00:30:42.500 --> 00:30:43.860 36-39 00:30:43.860 --> 00:30:44.940 and it's the time 00:30:44.940 --> 00:30:45.799 when Paul and Barnabas 00:30:45.799 --> 00:30:46.259 have a bitter 00:30:46.259 --> 00:30:47.200 angry quarrel 00:30:47.200 --> 00:30:49.259 about Barnabas 00:30:49.259 --> 00:30:49.700 his relative 00:30:49.700 --> 00:30:50.380 John Mark 00:30:50.380 --> 00:30:51.440 and John Mark 00:30:51.440 --> 00:30:52.100 has fallen by the 00:30:52.100 --> 00:30:52.519 wayside 00:30:52.519 --> 00:30:53.039 he went on the 00:30:53.039 --> 00:30:53.620 first missionary 00:30:53.620 --> 00:30:54.000 journey 00:30:54.000 --> 00:30:54.600 and he quit 00:30:54.600 --> 00:30:55.299 he'd given up 00:30:55.299 --> 00:30:55.900 he'd gone home 00:30:55.900 --> 00:30:56.799 and they're about 00:30:56.799 --> 00:30:57.240 to set out 00:30:57.240 --> 00:30:57.720 on the second 00:30:57.720 --> 00:30:58.340 missionary journey 00:30:58.340 --> 00:30:58.880 and Barnabas 00:30:58.880 --> 00:30:59.400 wants to take 00:30:59.400 --> 00:30:59.799 John Mark 00:30:59.799 --> 00:31:00.279 with him again 00:31:00.279 --> 00:31:01.039 and Paul doesn't 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:02.180 and Barnabas 00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:02.860 urges that he 00:31:02.860 --> 00:31:03.319 be taken 00:31:03.319 --> 00:31:04.319 and Paul refuses 00:31:04.319 --> 00:31:06.019 Luke says 00:31:06.019 --> 00:31:07.460 the contention 00:31:07.460 --> 00:31:08.880 became so sharp 00:31:08.880 --> 00:31:09.559 that they parted 00:31:09.559 --> 00:31:10.180 from one another 00:31:10.180 --> 00:31:11.240 they split up 00:31:11.240 --> 00:31:12.380 here were mates 00:31:12.380 --> 00:31:14.600 here were friends 00:31:14.600 --> 00:31:15.360 close friends 00:31:15.359 --> 00:31:15.899 they'd walked 00:31:15.899 --> 00:31:16.599 over a thousand 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:17.359 miles together 00:31:17.359 --> 00:31:17.819 in the cause 00:31:17.819 --> 00:31:18.359 of Christ 00:31:18.359 --> 00:31:19.519 they'd been 00:31:19.519 --> 00:31:20.419 stoned together 00:31:20.419 --> 00:31:21.479 by stones 00:31:21.479 --> 00:31:23.240 they'd preached 00:31:23.240 --> 00:31:23.740 together 00:31:23.740 --> 00:31:25.379 they'd suffered 00:31:25.379 --> 00:31:25.939 together 00:31:25.939 --> 00:31:27.139 they loved each 00:31:27.139 --> 00:31:27.339 other 00:31:27.339 --> 00:31:28.339 they were indebted 00:31:28.339 --> 00:31:28.919 to each other 00:31:28.919 --> 00:31:29.740 and yet those 00:31:29.740 --> 00:31:30.519 two Christians 00:31:30.519 --> 00:31:31.259 they have a 00:31:31.259 --> 00:31:32.259 violent quarrel 00:31:32.259 --> 00:31:35.240 the word literally 00:31:35.240 --> 00:31:36.579 is a very very 00:31:36.579 --> 00:31:37.299 bitter quarrel 00:31:37.299 --> 00:31:37.719 it's the word for 00:31:37.719 --> 00:31:38.179 a fever 00:31:38.179 --> 00:31:38.879 you have a high 00:31:38.879 --> 00:31:39.679 point of a fever 00:31:39.679 --> 00:31:41.199 there was an 00:31:41.199 --> 00:31:42.859 angry feverish 00:31:42.859 --> 00:31:44.179 shouty quarrel 00:31:44.180 --> 00:31:44.779 between two 00:31:44.779 --> 00:31:45.539 godly Christian 00:31:45.539 --> 00:31:45.840 men 00:31:45.840 --> 00:31:46.180 what was it 00:31:46.180 --> 00:31:46.400 about 00:31:46.400 --> 00:31:46.820 was it about 00:31:46.820 --> 00:31:47.279 doctrine 00:31:47.279 --> 00:31:49.019 was it about 00:31:49.019 --> 00:31:49.539 theology 00:31:49.539 --> 00:31:50.420 was it about 00:31:50.420 --> 00:31:50.940 the substance 00:31:50.940 --> 00:31:51.680 of the faith 00:31:51.680 --> 00:31:53.840 let's be honest 00:31:53.840 --> 00:31:54.360 it was about 00:31:54.360 --> 00:31:55.299 a minor detail 00:31:55.299 --> 00:31:56.759 of practical 00:31:56.759 --> 00:31:57.799 missionary strategy 00:31:57.799 --> 00:31:58.420 and they reached 00:31:58.420 --> 00:31:59.480 such rage with 00:31:59.480 --> 00:31:59.860 each other 00:31:59.860 --> 00:32:00.620 that they actually 00:32:00.620 --> 00:32:01.360 split up and 00:32:01.360 --> 00:32:01.640 they couldn't 00:32:01.640 --> 00:32:01.940 agree 00:32:01.940 --> 00:32:04.180 it's quite 00:32:04.180 --> 00:32:04.680 interesting to 00:32:04.680 --> 00:32:06.140 read the 00:32:06.140 --> 00:32:06.799 commentators on 00:32:06.799 --> 00:32:07.400 this verse 00:32:07.400 --> 00:32:09.560 Howard Marshall 00:32:09.560 --> 00:32:09.920 is a New 00:32:09.920 --> 00:32:10.680 Testament scholar 00:32:10.680 --> 00:32:11.299 says the 00:32:11.299 --> 00:32:11.940 reason for the 00:32:11.940 --> 00:32:12.740 contention between 00:32:12.740 --> 00:32:13.580 Paul and Barnabas 00:32:13.579 --> 00:32:14.159 has seemed so 00:32:14.159 --> 00:32:14.939 trivial that some 00:32:14.939 --> 00:32:15.740 deeper cause has 00:32:15.740 --> 00:32:16.399 been suspected 00:32:16.399 --> 00:32:18.879 two Christians 00:32:18.879 --> 00:32:19.639 couldn't fall out 00:32:19.639 --> 00:32:20.039 could they on 00:32:20.039 --> 00:32:20.460 something as 00:32:20.460 --> 00:32:21.359 trivial as this 00:32:21.359 --> 00:32:22.299 there must be 00:32:22.299 --> 00:32:22.960 something deeper 00:32:22.960 --> 00:32:23.379 there must be 00:32:23.379 --> 00:32:24.259 something theological 00:32:24.259 --> 00:32:26.779 well let me say 00:32:26.779 --> 00:32:27.059 to you when 00:32:27.059 --> 00:32:27.960 Christians fall out 00:32:27.960 --> 00:32:29.339 it is almost 00:32:29.339 --> 00:32:31.799 invariably over a 00:32:31.799 --> 00:32:32.539 trivial detail 00:32:32.539 --> 00:32:34.740 disagreements 00:32:34.740 --> 00:32:35.759 amongst Christians 00:32:35.759 --> 00:32:37.319 and sadly there 00:32:37.319 --> 00:32:38.039 are many of 00:32:38.039 --> 00:32:39.519 the estrangements 00:32:39.519 --> 00:32:40.299 coldness 00:32:40.299 --> 00:32:41.019 separation 00:32:41.019 --> 00:32:42.119 breaking of 00:32:42.119 --> 00:32:42.480 fellowship 00:32:42.480 --> 00:32:43.120 they are not 00:32:43.120 --> 00:32:43.819 often about the 00:32:43.819 --> 00:32:44.500 great pillars of 00:32:44.500 --> 00:32:44.960 faith 00:32:44.960 --> 00:32:46.160 they are not 00:32:46.160 --> 00:32:46.640 often about 00:32:46.640 --> 00:32:47.440 great doctrine 00:32:47.440 --> 00:32:49.539 they are normally 00:32:49.539 --> 00:32:50.019 about something 00:32:50.019 --> 00:32:51.200 practical 00:32:51.200 --> 00:32:51.940 some matter of 00:32:51.940 --> 00:32:52.680 common sense 00:32:52.680 --> 00:32:54.880 I think it's 00:32:54.880 --> 00:32:55.680 wise to go this 00:32:55.680 --> 00:32:55.920 way 00:32:55.920 --> 00:32:56.960 I think it 00:32:56.960 --> 00:32:57.440 needs to go the 00:32:57.440 --> 00:32:57.920 other way 00:32:57.920 --> 00:32:59.319 it's not important 00:32:59.319 --> 00:33:00.400 and Satan uses 00:33:00.400 --> 00:33:00.920 that and we have 00:33:00.920 --> 00:33:01.559 to be very very 00:33:01.559 --> 00:33:01.860 careful 00:33:01.860 --> 00:33:02.599 things escalate 00:33:02.599 --> 00:33:03.200 under control 00:33:03.200 --> 00:33:03.779 although something 00:33:03.779 --> 00:33:04.720 very small can 00:33:04.720 --> 00:33:05.579 divide Christians 00:33:05.579 --> 00:33:07.160 who was right in 00:33:07.160 --> 00:33:07.860 this controversy 00:33:07.860 --> 00:33:08.640 it's very hard to 00:33:08.640 --> 00:33:08.920 say 00:33:08.920 --> 00:33:10.759 the Bible doesn't 00:33:10.759 --> 00:33:11.180 go his clear 00:33:11.180 --> 00:33:11.500 direction 00:33:11.500 --> 00:33:12.080 it says Paul 00:33:12.080 --> 00:33:12.660 was commended 00:33:12.660 --> 00:33:13.200 by the church 00:33:13.200 --> 00:33:13.519 it doesn't 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:14.140 actually say that 00:33:14.140 --> 00:33:14.840 about Barnabas 00:33:14.840 --> 00:33:15.720 but again 00:33:15.720 --> 00:33:16.900 was Paul too 00:33:16.900 --> 00:33:17.220 harsh 00:33:17.220 --> 00:33:19.400 or was he too 00:33:19.400 --> 00:33:20.019 critical of John 00:33:20.019 --> 00:33:20.300 Mark 00:33:20.300 --> 00:33:21.100 was Barnabas 00:33:21.100 --> 00:33:21.620 too soft 00:33:21.620 --> 00:33:23.880 it's possible to 00:33:23.880 --> 00:33:24.060 say 00:33:24.060 --> 00:33:24.560 it's hard to 00:33:24.560 --> 00:33:24.840 contradict 00:33:24.840 --> 00:33:28.880 somebody who 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:29.200 you've been 00:33:29.200 --> 00:33:29.920 befriended with 00:33:29.920 --> 00:33:31.660 and it must have 00:33:31.660 --> 00:33:32.180 been hard for 00:33:32.180 --> 00:33:32.620 Barnabas 00:33:32.620 --> 00:33:34.019 I brought this 00:33:34.019 --> 00:33:34.560 man into the 00:33:34.560 --> 00:33:34.759 church 00:33:34.759 --> 00:33:35.279 I was his 00:33:35.279 --> 00:33:36.039 friend when no 00:33:36.039 --> 00:33:36.660 one else was 00:33:36.660 --> 00:33:37.680 I took the 00:33:37.680 --> 00:33:38.080 risk 00:33:38.080 --> 00:33:38.940 and how does 00:33:38.940 --> 00:33:39.540 he repay me 00:33:39.540 --> 00:33:40.140 he repays me 00:33:40.140 --> 00:33:40.779 by quarrelling 00:33:40.779 --> 00:33:41.200 with me and 00:33:41.200 --> 00:33:41.600 following a 00:33:41.600 --> 00:33:42.140 different course 00:33:42.140 --> 00:33:42.600 that we can't 00:33:42.600 --> 00:33:42.940 assume 00:33:42.940 --> 00:33:44.700 we can't assume 00:33:44.700 --> 00:33:45.100 that the people 00:33:45.100 --> 00:33:46.060 we befriend and 00:33:46.060 --> 00:33:46.700 help and give 00:33:46.700 --> 00:33:47.279 ourselves to 00:33:47.279 --> 00:33:47.840 and sacrifice 00:33:47.840 --> 00:33:48.720 ourselves for 00:33:48.720 --> 00:33:49.680 we can't assume 00:33:49.680 --> 00:33:49.980 that they will 00:33:49.980 --> 00:33:50.519 always be our 00:33:50.519 --> 00:33:50.960 friends 00:33:50.960 --> 00:33:51.540 that they will 00:33:51.540 --> 00:33:52.060 always stand 00:33:52.060 --> 00:33:52.460 with us 00:33:52.460 --> 00:33:53.920 that they'll 00:33:53.920 --> 00:33:54.279 always be 00:33:54.279 --> 00:33:54.980 grateful for us 00:33:54.980 --> 00:33:55.259 that they'll 00:33:55.259 --> 00:33:55.720 always agree 00:33:55.720 --> 00:33:56.180 with us and 00:33:56.180 --> 00:33:56.580 follow our 00:33:56.580 --> 00:33:56.860 lead 00:33:56.860 --> 00:33:57.820 we have to 00:33:57.820 --> 00:33:58.279 face the 00:33:58.279 --> 00:33:58.880 possibility 00:33:58.880 --> 00:33:59.300 don't we 00:33:59.300 --> 00:33:59.640 in church 00:33:59.640 --> 00:33:59.880 life 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:00.220 that as we 00:34:00.220 --> 00:34:01.000 open ourselves 00:34:01.000 --> 00:34:01.759 up to people 00:34:01.759 --> 00:34:02.700 they may let 00:34:02.700 --> 00:34:03.160 us down 00:34:03.160 --> 00:34:04.860 and they'll 00:34:04.860 --> 00:34:05.300 take a different 00:34:05.300 --> 00:34:05.660 path 00:34:05.660 --> 00:34:07.360 a different 00:34:07.360 --> 00:34:07.800 path of 00:34:07.800 --> 00:34:08.139 doctrine 00:34:08.139 --> 00:34:08.579 I find that 00:34:08.579 --> 00:34:08.900 hard 00:34:08.900 --> 00:34:12.260 a different 00:34:12.260 --> 00:34:12.659 path of 00:34:12.659 --> 00:34:13.159 understanding 00:34:13.159 --> 00:34:13.579 christian 00:34:13.579 --> 00:34:13.980 service 00:34:13.980 --> 00:34:14.579 we've got to 00:34:14.579 --> 00:34:15.039 be ready for 00:34:15.039 --> 00:34:15.240 that 00:34:15.240 --> 00:34:16.380 we've got to 00:34:16.380 --> 00:34:16.760 be willing to 00:34:16.760 --> 00:34:17.260 let them go 00:34:17.260 --> 00:34:19.240 we can't claim 00:34:19.240 --> 00:34:19.820 that they have 00:34:19.820 --> 00:34:20.539 to be dependent 00:34:20.539 --> 00:34:21.000 on us 00:34:21.000 --> 00:34:21.740 that is a 00:34:21.740 --> 00:34:23.039 wrong thing 00:34:23.039 --> 00:34:24.579 we can't say 00:34:24.579 --> 00:34:25.680 you owe me 00:34:25.680 --> 00:34:28.019 and after all 00:34:28.019 --> 00:34:28.599 I've done for 00:34:28.599 --> 00:34:29.180 you this is the 00:34:29.180 --> 00:34:29.780 way you repay 00:34:29.780 --> 00:34:30.280 me 00:34:30.280 --> 00:34:32.619 he wasn't to 00:34:32.619 --> 00:34:32.980 help people 00:34:32.980 --> 00:34:33.519 just to help 00:34:33.519 --> 00:34:34.099 people knowing 00:34:34.099 --> 00:34:34.539 that they might 00:34:34.539 --> 00:34:35.260 disagree with you 00:34:35.260 --> 00:34:35.760 in the future 00:34:35.760 --> 00:34:36.360 are you still 00:34:36.360 --> 00:34:36.860 willing to 00:34:36.860 --> 00:34:37.180 help 00:34:37.180 --> 00:34:39.320 still willing 00:34:39.320 --> 00:34:39.860 to be thankful 00:34:39.860 --> 00:34:40.460 for them 00:34:40.460 --> 00:34:42.300 and it's 00:34:42.300 --> 00:34:42.580 wonderful 00:34:42.580 --> 00:34:43.000 in the 00:34:43.000 --> 00:34:43.120 new 00:34:43.120 --> 00:34:43.320 testament 00:34:43.320 --> 00:34:44.100 we see how 00:34:44.100 --> 00:34:45.120 wonderfully 00:34:45.120 --> 00:34:46.060 God overruled 00:34:46.060 --> 00:34:46.760 the situation 00:34:46.760 --> 00:34:47.080 that the 00:34:47.080 --> 00:34:47.680 quarrel between 00:34:47.680 --> 00:34:48.100 Paul and 00:34:48.100 --> 00:34:48.420 Barnabas 00:34:48.420 --> 00:34:48.740 led to 00:34:48.740 --> 00:34:49.140 two missionary 00:34:49.140 --> 00:34:49.520 groups 00:34:49.520 --> 00:34:50.960 instead of 00:34:50.960 --> 00:34:51.200 one 00:34:51.200 --> 00:34:52.140 and sometimes 00:34:52.140 --> 00:34:52.820 it is far 00:34:52.820 --> 00:34:53.300 better for 00:34:53.300 --> 00:34:53.860 Christians to 00:34:53.860 --> 00:34:54.160 go their 00:34:54.160 --> 00:34:54.640 own way 00:34:54.640 --> 00:34:54.920 when they 00:34:54.920 --> 00:34:55.780 cannot agree 00:34:55.780 --> 00:34:58.660 than for 00:34:58.660 --> 00:34:58.820 there to 00:34:58.820 --> 00:34:59.040 be a 00:34:59.040 --> 00:34:59.440 split 00:34:59.440 --> 00:35:01.800 W.M. 00:35:01.860 --> 00:35:02.080 Taylor 00:35:02.080 --> 00:35:02.940 says the 00:35:02.940 --> 00:35:03.460 quarrel may 00:35:03.460 --> 00:35:03.660 have been 00:35:03.660 --> 00:35:04.120 the making 00:35:04.119 --> 00:35:04.480 of John 00:35:04.480 --> 00:35:04.799 Mark 00:35:04.799 --> 00:35:06.239 he says 00:35:06.239 --> 00:35:06.619 Paul's 00:35:06.619 --> 00:35:07.139 disapproval 00:35:07.139 --> 00:35:07.480 might have 00:35:07.480 --> 00:35:08.179 broken Mark's 00:35:08.179 --> 00:35:08.480 spirit 00:35:08.480 --> 00:35:09.519 Barnabas 00:35:09.519 --> 00:35:10.139 partiality 00:35:10.139 --> 00:35:10.539 might have 00:35:10.539 --> 00:35:10.880 made him 00:35:10.880 --> 00:35:11.199 soft 00:35:11.199 --> 00:35:12.279 but together 00:35:12.279 --> 00:35:12.940 together 00:35:12.940 --> 00:35:14.839 that is the 00:35:14.839 --> 00:35:15.279 beauty of the 00:35:15.279 --> 00:35:15.659 body of 00:35:15.659 --> 00:35:16.019 Christ 00:35:16.019 --> 00:35:18.400 I think on 00:35:18.400 --> 00:35:19.179 every eldership 00:35:19.179 --> 00:35:19.639 you want to 00:35:19.639 --> 00:35:20.079 have good 00:35:20.079 --> 00:35:20.699 cops and 00:35:20.699 --> 00:35:21.500 bad cops 00:35:21.500 --> 00:35:23.559 you want to 00:35:23.559 --> 00:35:24.019 have people 00:35:24.019 --> 00:35:25.359 who are 00:35:25.359 --> 00:35:26.319 soft hearted 00:35:26.319 --> 00:35:27.599 and generous 00:35:27.599 --> 00:35:28.259 to a fault 00:35:28.259 --> 00:35:29.900 than others 00:35:29.900 --> 00:35:30.519 who are 00:35:30.519 --> 00:35:31.039 maybe not so 00:35:31.039 --> 00:35:31.319 much 00:35:31.320 --> 00:35:32.600 you need 00:35:32.600 --> 00:35:32.900 both 00:35:32.900 --> 00:35:34.860 you see 00:35:34.860 --> 00:35:35.220 both in 00:35:35.220 --> 00:35:35.340 the New 00:35:35.340 --> 00:35:35.660 Testament 00:35:35.660 --> 00:35:36.440 and at 00:35:36.440 --> 00:35:36.720 the end 00:35:36.720 --> 00:35:37.160 of Paul's 00:35:37.160 --> 00:35:37.440 ministry 00:35:37.440 --> 00:35:37.940 the split 00:35:37.940 --> 00:35:38.180 and the 00:35:38.180 --> 00:35:38.460 friendship 00:35:38.460 --> 00:35:38.800 has been 00:35:38.800 --> 00:35:39.220 restored 00:35:39.220 --> 00:35:40.059 here is 00:35:40.059 --> 00:35:40.620 the path 00:35:40.620 --> 00:35:40.880 of a 00:35:40.880 --> 00:35:41.160 typical 00:35:41.160 --> 00:35:41.820 encourager 00:35:41.820 --> 00:35:44.260 in the 00:35:44.260 --> 00:35:44.480 Christian 00:35:44.480 --> 00:35:44.980 life as 00:35:44.980 --> 00:35:45.260 we see 00:35:45.260 --> 00:35:45.700 in pilgrims 00:35:45.700 --> 00:35:46.160 progress 00:35:46.160 --> 00:35:46.760 there are 00:35:46.760 --> 00:35:47.180 ups and 00:35:47.180 --> 00:35:47.539 downs 00:35:47.539 --> 00:35:48.780 there are 00:35:48.780 --> 00:35:49.220 joys and 00:35:49.220 --> 00:35:49.700 sorrows 00:35:49.700 --> 00:35:50.960 there are 00:35:50.960 --> 00:35:51.320 successes 00:35:51.320 --> 00:35:51.960 and failures 00:35:51.960 --> 00:35:53.740 and in 00:35:53.740 --> 00:35:54.220 many ways 00:35:54.220 --> 00:35:54.559 to be an 00:35:54.559 --> 00:35:55.000 encourager 00:35:55.000 --> 00:35:56.100 is a 00:35:56.100 --> 00:35:56.500 very only 00:35:56.500 --> 00:35:57.180 human life 00:35:57.179 --> 00:35:58.759 it's an 00:35:58.759 --> 00:35:59.379 easy calling 00:35:59.379 --> 00:35:59.759 to be an 00:35:59.759 --> 00:36:00.099 encourager 00:36:00.099 --> 00:36:00.359 but it 00:36:00.359 --> 00:36:00.779 is very 00:36:00.779 --> 00:36:01.039 very 00:36:01.039 --> 00:36:01.480 significant 00:36:01.480 --> 00:36:03.639 I don't 00:36:03.639 --> 00:36:04.000 think 00:36:04.000 --> 00:36:05.259 that there 00:36:05.259 --> 00:36:05.539 is a 00:36:05.539 --> 00:36:05.839 more 00:36:05.839 --> 00:36:06.339 attractive 00:36:06.339 --> 00:36:07.000 more 00:36:07.000 --> 00:36:07.579 likeable 00:36:07.579 --> 00:36:08.739 more 00:36:08.739 --> 00:36:09.199 winsome 00:36:09.199 --> 00:36:09.500 figure 00:36:09.500 --> 00:36:09.739 in the 00:36:09.739 --> 00:36:09.879 New 00:36:09.879 --> 00:36:10.159 Testament 00:36:10.159 --> 00:36:10.460 church 00:36:10.460 --> 00:36:10.659 than 00:36:10.659 --> 00:36:11.159 Barnabas 00:36:11.159 --> 00:36:13.159 and 00:36:13.159 --> 00:36:13.379 Luke 00:36:13.379 --> 00:36:13.659 says 00:36:13.659 --> 00:36:13.940 this is 00:36:13.940 --> 00:36:15.419 the secret 00:36:15.419 --> 00:36:15.699 of it 00:36:15.699 --> 00:36:15.879 all 00:36:15.879 --> 00:36:16.379 he was 00:36:16.379 --> 00:36:16.699 a good 00:36:16.699 --> 00:36:17.079 man 00:36:17.079 --> 00:36:18.759 full of 00:36:18.759 --> 00:36:19.059 the Holy 00:36:19.059 --> 00:36:19.500 Spirit 00:36:19.500 --> 00:36:20.619 and of 00:36:20.619 --> 00:36:20.960 faith 00:36:20.960 --> 00:36:23.119 may God 00:36:23.119 --> 00:36:23.579 give us 00:36:23.579 --> 00:36:23.859 in this 00:36:23.859 --> 00:36:24.259 church 00:36:24.259 --> 00:36:25.199 many 00:36:25.199 --> 00:36:25.919 encouragers 00:36:25.920 --> 00:36:27.260 we're 00:36:27.260 --> 00:36:27.480 going to 00:36:27.480 --> 00:36:27.920 sing to 00:36:27.920 --> 00:36:28.039 Christ