Barnabas: An Exemplary Example

Sacrificial Giving Sermon – Barnabas: An Exemplary Example

Date written: January 30th, 2008
Scripture ref: Acts 4:36-37

SUBJECT: Giving

TITLE: Sacrificial Giving – Barnabas: An Exemplary Example

PROPOSITION: Barnabas was an exemplary example due to his 1) Sacrificial Giving, 2) Seeking the Kingdom, 3) Spirit of Christ.

Objectives: To learn true giving from Barnabas, one of the best examples of sacrificial giving in the Bible.

INTRODUCTION:

1. Read: Acts 4:36-37

2. About the Text:

1) From Acts 4:34-35 we read that early Christians voluntarily sold lands and houses and gave the proceeds to the church.

2) One particular man singled out was Barnabas.

3) Why was his example exemplary among all the others?

3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.

DISCUSSION: Barnabas was an exemplary example due to his . . .

I. Sacrificial Giving

1. Levites had no land inheritance (Numbers 18:24).

2. This land cost him something.

3. Like David, he did not offer something that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24).

4. Such is true sacrificial giving.

II. Seeking the Kingdom

1. He didn’t use the proceeds for the land for his own selfish purposes.

2. He gave it to the cause of Christ.

3. He was seeking the kingdom as Christ had instructed (Matthew 6:33).

III. Spirit of Christ

1. Being a Levite, Barnabas had the right to be supported by others (Numbers 18:21).

2. Instead, we find Barnabas not exercising his right and taking, but giving.

3. 2 Corinthians 8:9 “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might become rich.”

CONCLUSION:

1. Barnabas was an exemplary example due to his . . .

1) Sacrificial Giving

2) Seeking the Kingdom

3) Spirit of Christ

2. Invitation