Overview:
Acts 4:32–37
Before Paul put the final period on his first letter to the Thessalonians, he issued a double-edged command: “encourage . . . and build up one another” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In a world more sinful than saintly, such a command is necessary because the spirit of discouragement, which seems to be the default setting, is dangerous. A single word of criticism can do untold damage to a person’s spirit—and potentially impact his or her entire life. The opposite is equally true: one can live a long time on a single word of encouragement. Those who encountered a first-century man nicknamed Barnabas can testify to that truth.
Message Summary:
In this uplifting message, Chuck Swindoll explores the vital, yet often neglected, biblical command to encourage one another. Moving beyond the “Ten Commandments” of the Old Testament, Chuck highlights the New Testament imperatives found in Hebrews 10, specifically the call to “motivate one another to acts of love” and to “encourage one another” as the day of Christ’s return draws near. He defines encouragement not merely as being nice, but as the active process of “putting courage into someone else”—inspiring hope, confidence, and support in those who are struggling or “tottering with shaky knees.”
The primary model for this trait is Joseph of Cyprus, better known by his nickname, Barnabas, which means “Son of Encouragement.” Chuck traces Barnabas’ life through the book of Acts, demonstrating four distinct types of encouragement: Financial (selling property to meet the needs of the early church), Endorsement (vouching for the newly converted Saul of Tarsus when others feared him), Unselfish Teamwork (bringing Saul to Antioch to share the ministry), and Second-Chance Encouragement (defending John Mark after his earlier desertion). The sermon challenges believers to become intentional “cheerleaders” in a world filled with discouragers, performing random acts of “senseless kindness” to light up a dark world.
Message Key Facts:
- The Definition of Encouragement: Chuck contrasts “discouragement” (draining others) with “encouragement” (putting courage in), citing Webster’s definition: to inspire with hope, hearten, and stimulate.
- The Speech Teacher’s Impact: Chuck shares a personal story about his high school teacher, Dr. Richard Neimi, who encouraged him to overcome a terrible stutter by inviting him into a speech and drama class, changing the trajectory of his life.
- The Boston Marathon Scene: A vivid illustration of encouragement from 2013, where citizens clapped and cheered for law enforcement officers as they drove the captured suspect away, signaling that their work was appreciated.
- The “Check vs. Money” Story: A humorous moment from a special needs ministry offering where a child told a man with a check, “We don’t want pieces of paper; we want money,” highlighting the honesty and directness of those Barnabas-like spirits.
- Barnabas vs. Paul: Chuck details the “sharp disagreement” between Barnabas and Paul over John Mark. While Paul focused on the mission and Mark’s past failure, Barnabas focused on the man and the need for a second chance, ultimately resulting in the restoration of the man who would write the Gospel of Mark.
Message References:
- Hebrews 10:23–25: The foundational command to hold fast to hope and encourage one another.
- Job 4:3–4: A reference to Job’s reputation as one who “strengthened those who were weak” and supported “those with shaky knees.”
- Acts 4:32–37: The introduction of Barnabas (Joseph) and his sacrificial gift to the early church.
- Acts 9:26–28: Barnabas’ courageous endorsement of Saul of Tarsus before the skeptical apostles in Jerusalem.
- Acts 11:19–26: Barnabas’ ministry in Antioch and his unselfish decision to recruit Saul for the work.
- Acts 15:36–41: The “paroxysm” (sharp disagreement) between Paul and Barnabas over giving John Mark a second chance.
