What other scriptures highlight the significance of seeking out fellow believers for support? Root Passage: Acts 11:25 – A Model of Pursuit “Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul.” • Barnabas trusted the historical account and literally set out to find a brother in Christ. • His example underscores that believers are never meant to grow in isolation; we actively seek one another out. Why Barnabas Went – Lessons in Fellowship • Partnership strengthens new believers (Saul had just been saved). • Shared ministry multiplies fruit—Antioch would soon become a missions hub. • Personal presence matters; Barnabas did not send a letter but went himself. Scripture Echoes – Voices Calling Us Together • Hebrews 10:24-25 – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds… not neglecting to meet together… but encouraging one another.” • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one… For if one falls, the other can help him up.” • Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – “Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.” • Galatians 6:2 – “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” • Romans 12:4-5 – “In Christ we who are many are one body, and each member belongs to one another.” • Acts 2:42 – “They devoted themselves to… fellowship…” • Philippians 2:1-2 – “Be of one mind… united in spirit and purpose.” • James 5:16 – “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” • 2 Timothy 4:9-11 – Paul pleads, “Make every effort to come to me quickly… Get Mark and bring him with you.” • John 13:34-35 – “Love one another… By this everyone will know that you are My disciples.” Practical Takeaways – Walking This Out Today • Pursue believers who may feel sidelined, just as Barnabas pursued Saul. • Keep regular, in-person gathering a non-negotiable priority (Hebrews 10). • Share tangible help: prayer, meals, finances, time—bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). • Invite sharpening relationships; welcome accountability (Proverbs 27:17). • View every believer as essential to your own growth, because Scripture literally declares we “belong to one another” (Romans 12:5). |
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