SD Jan 24.Encouraging
Encouraging Acts 9:26-28; 11:19-26
Life Change Objective: That we are encouragers.
Theme The Son of Encouragement teaches us how to lift others up.
Opening Questions • In reflecting back over the sermon, which particular point or passage of Scripture most challenged, confused or caught your attention? • Have you ever received encouragement at a tough time? How did that help? What did / do you think of that person? • Have you ever provided encouragement at a tough time? How did that bless you? What did / do you think of that person? • Was there a time in your life that you needed encouragement, but did not receive it? How did that situation go?
Observe: What do you see? Read Acts 9:26-28; 11:19-26 • What does the group know about the time period of Acts 9-11 that may give us context? What is notable in this section of text? • Who are the people in the text? • Where does Saul / Paul go first after Damascus? • What is the reaction of the brothers? • How does Barnabus change their minds? • What does Paul do after his acceptance? What is the result? • In 11:19, what event has preceded this section of text? • What is happening in Antioch? • How does Barnabus get to Antioch? • How does Paul get to Antioch? • How long do they spend in Antioch? • What is the result of this time
Interpret: What does it mean? • • • •
How might Paul’s road have been different without Barnabus after Damascus? At Antioch? Would Paul have been a benefit to Barnabus at Antioch had Barnabus not encouraged Paul in Jerusalem? What do you guess was Barnabus’ motivation? How was God’s kingdom advanced by the encouragements of Barnabus? “Romans 12:10 admonishes us to ‘love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other.’ It seems that few, too few, of us honor one another. We are too interested in our own welfare, our own successes, our own achievements, to take time and encourage someone else. We are intimidated by someone else’s gifts or talents. We become so busy climbing the ladder of our own triumphs that we resent taking time to pay homage to someone else.” – Joyce Landorf, Balcony People
Application: How can I put this knowledge to use? •
• •
Consider Saul’s reputation with the Christians before Damascus. He imprisoned them, murdered them; he was purposely anti-everything they stood for. What kind of encourager would it take for you to accept Osama Bin Laden if he now proclaimed himself a Christian? Do you consider yourself an encourager? Why or why not? Who in your life most needs encouragement at this time? How can you encourage them?
Life Change Objective: That we are encouragers.
Theme The Son of Encouragement teaches us how to lift others up.
Opening Questions • In reflecting back over the sermon, which particular point or passage of Scripture most challenged, confused or caught your attention? • Have you ever received encouragement at a tough time? How did that help? What did / do you think of that person? • Have you ever provided encouragement at a tough time? How did that bless you? What did / do you think of that person? • Was there a time in your life that you needed encouragement, but did not receive it? How did that situation go?
Observe: What do you see? Read Acts 9:26-28; 11:19-26 • What does the group know about the time period of Acts 9-11 that may give us context? What is notable in this section of text? • Who are the people in the text? • Where does Saul / Paul go first after Damascus? • What is the reaction of the brothers? • How does Barnabus change their minds? • What does Paul do after his acceptance? What is the result? • In 11:19, what event has preceded this section of text? • What is happening in Antioch? • How does Barnabus get to Antioch? • How does Paul get to Antioch? • How long do they spend in Antioch? • What is the result of this time
Interpret: What does it mean? • • • •
How might Paul’s road have been different without Barnabus after Damascus? At Antioch? Would Paul have been a benefit to Barnabus at Antioch had Barnabus not encouraged Paul in Jerusalem? What do you guess was Barnabus’ motivation? How was God’s kingdom advanced by the encouragements of Barnabus? “Romans 12:10 admonishes us to ‘love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other.’ It seems that few, too few, of us honor one another. We are too interested in our own welfare, our own successes, our own achievements, to take time and encourage someone else. We are intimidated by someone else’s gifts or talents. We become so busy climbing the ladder of our own triumphs that we resent taking time to pay homage to someone else.” – Joyce Landorf, Balcony People
Application: How can I put this knowledge to use? •
• •
Consider Saul’s reputation with the Christians before Damascus. He imprisoned them, murdered them; he was purposely anti-everything they stood for. What kind of encourager would it take for you to accept Osama Bin Laden if he now proclaimed himself a Christian? Do you consider yourself an encourager? Why or why not? Who in your life most needs encouragement at this time? How can you encourage them?
