How can we be "full of the Holy Spirit and faith" like Barnabas? Barnabas: A Spirit-Filled Example Acts 11:24: “for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a great number of people were brought to the Lord.” Barnabas’s reputation sprang from three visible qualities: goodness, Spirit-fullness, and strong faith. God used that blend to draw many to Christ. Understanding “Full of the Holy Spirit and Faith” • “Full” pictures a life completely under the Spirit’s control (Ephesians 5:18). • The Spirit empowers, guides, and produces fruit (Galatians 5:22-23). • Faith is active trust in God’s character and promises (Hebrews 11:6). • Together, they create a life that overflows with visible grace (Acts 6:5). Preparing the Soil: A Heart God Can Fill • Repent and trust Christ: Acts 2:38—“Repent and be baptized … and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” • Desire His fullness: Luke 11:13—ask the Father for the Spirit’s work. • Surrender control: Romans 12:1—offer your body as a living sacrifice. • Walk in obedience: John 14:15-17—obedience invites deeper fellowship with the Spirit. Daily Practices that Welcome the Spirit’s Fullness • Abide in Scripture – Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” – Faith grows as the Word is heard (Romans 10:17). • Persistent, Spirit-dependent prayer (Acts 4:31). • Corporate worship and fellowship (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Confession and quick repentance to remove quenching sins (1 Thessalonians 5:19). • Expectant obedience—act on the Spirit’s promptings (Acts 8:29-30). Cultivating Robust Faith • Remember God’s past faithfulness (Psalm 77:11-12). • Meditate on His promises (2 Peter 1:4). • Practice gratitude; it fuels trust (1 Thessalonians 5:18). • Step out in acts of courage—faith strengthens as it’s exercised (James 2:17). Living It Out Like Barnabas • Be an encourager: Acts 4:36—Barnabas’s name means “Son of Encouragement.” • Share generously: Acts 4:37—sold land to meet needs. • Champion others: Acts 9:27—introduced Saul to wary believers. • Seek God’s grace in people: Acts 11:23—“he rejoiced and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord.” • Join God’s mission: Acts 13:2—answered the Spirit’s call to go. Watch the Fruit Grow As these rhythms take root, the Spirit produces Christ-like character (Galatians 5:22-23), bold witness (Acts 4:31), unity (Ephesians 4:3), and an overflow of joy (Romans 15:13)—the very evidence that marked Barnabas’s life. |
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