Sermon Outlines

By Frederick F. Schwindt, Evangelist

BARNABAS

1. The Bible story of Barnabas, son of Johanan or John, the surname of Simon Peter - Matt. 16:17:
   1. Is one of my favorite Bible stories
   2. Barnabas was a man of God, full of faith and the Holy Ghost; he was a good man
2. The features of this godly man stand out in bold relief:
   1. There is so much in his life that is so admirable that one does not know which should be emphasized the most
   2. I will made an attempt to touch upon a few high points in this message

1. His magnificent generosity:
   1. The first recorded deed of this Levite of Cyprus was the selling of his property and the grateful sacrifice of the money secured to the common fund of the first Christian community - Acts 4:36
   2. Ananias and Saphira must have known of this deed by Barnabas and claimed to have done the same, but that was not true - Acts 5
2. His impressive personality:
   1. The Lycaonians named Barnabas Jupiter, the name of the emperor of the gods in Greek mythology - Acts 14:12
   2. Evidently this son of comfort had a physical personality that evoked special attention and respect
3. His innate goodness:
   1. "He was a good man" - that means that Barnabas, like Job - Job 1:1-3 lived his faith, practiced what he preached - James 1:22-23
   2. He was full of the Holy Ghost - that meant that the Holy Spirit had control of his being; body, soul and spirit
   3. He was full of faith - there was no doubt in his mind about the word of God
4. His notable ministry:
   1. He had an inspiring influence - Acts 11:29-30
   2. He was trustworthy - was adapted to his work - Acts 13:2; encouraged the new converts to remain faithful - Acts 11:23
5. But he, like Paul, and most of us had his weak moments in his life:
   1. We think of his quarrel with Paul over John Mark
   2. This only shows that he and Paul were human, and that they erred in judgment as we often do
   3. There are, also, hints in the Bible showing that there were moments when he wavered in his attitude - Gal. 2:13

1. He was a good man:
   1. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his ways" - Ps. 37:23
   2. "A good man showeth favor, and lendeth; he will guide his affairs with discretion" - Ps. 111:5
2. Full of the Holy Ghost:
   1. Pentecost was for him a daily experience
   2. That simply means that the Holy Spirit controlled Barnabas' life - Acts 6:3,5,8; Rom. 15:15
3. His was a fruitful ministry:
   1. "Much people were added unto the Lord" - Acts 5:14; 9:31
   2. "By their fruits shall ye know them" - Matt. 7:16; 12:33
4. Here, dear reader, we have the Bible qualifications for a true Christian:
   1. Full of good works - that was the fruit of the Holy Spirit - Gal. 5:22-24
   2. Without works faith is dead - James 2:21-26
   3. Full of the Holy Spirit
   4. And full of faith Barnabas had these three qualifications and that is why he had such soul-winning success