‘One Another’ Series - Encourage One Another

 

This is Chuck Rapp with Multiply, a podcast to provide a word of encouragement for village church planters and leaders.

This year, in these podcasts, I am focusing upon the “One Another” scriptures found in the New Testament viewed through the lens of leadership.  

Today’s podcast comes from 1 Thessalonians 5:11. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (NIV)

The Message version adds some additional detail.  “So speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind...”

One of my favorite New Testament characters is Barnabas.  Did you know that this was not his given name?  Acts 4:36 tell us, “Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) …

Apparently, Joseph was such a powerful encourager that in every remaining mention of him in the New Testament, he is called Barnabas.  

Francophone listeners to this podcase will recognize the origins of this word “encouragement.”  It means to “make strong, hearten, or to give heart.” When we speak words of affirmation and encouragement to others, we build up hope in them.  

Let’s explore more about Barnabas, our example encourager.  

• He spoke up on behalf of Paul when everyone else was skeptical about him. In Acts 9:26-31 it’s recorded that “When he [Paul] came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles.” Apparently, Barnabas was so well-respected and trusted by the apostles that they were willing to accept his testimony on behalf of Paul.  

• He spent time with John Mark when John Mark had failed.  Acts 15:36-39 tells us, “Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the LORD and see how they are doing." Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia ... They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus.”  I’m amazed that Barnabas was willing to part ways with the Apostle Paul so he could restore John Mark.  Because of Barnabas’ encouragement, Mark was not left behind.

In closing, I’d like to point us to the results of Barnabas’ encouragement.  If it were not for Barnabas, we would not have (1) Paul’s epistles nor (2) Mark’s gospel.

Be like Barnabas.  Be an Encourager of One Another.

This has been a word of encouragement for Village Church Planters.