The Secret To A Generous Life

“The Secret of a Generous Life”

Introduction: Just what exactly is a generous life? Obviously we need to begin with a definition. In www.dictionary.com we find the following:

“Generosity is the spirit and action of freely and frequently giving to others. Generosity can also refer to an overall spirit of kindness, but this is less common. Example: If there’s one thing she will be remembered for, it’s her generosity—she was extremely generous with her money, her time, and her effort.”

But what is a generous life in a Christian context? This morning with the help of the Holy Spirit and your prayers I want to illustrate what a generous life is by looking at the life of a man that is mentioned several times in the book of Acts. His name is Barnabas and I believe we can learn a good deal from a careful examination of his life.

Acts 11:19-30

19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. 27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch. 28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be* great dearth throughout all the world:

which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability*, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea: 30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

Acts 4:32-37

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. 36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, 37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

I. Barnabas, the Man

Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

Acts 11:24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

1. What do we learn from these two verses? We learn that he was a Jew from the tribe of Levi and he lived on the island of Cyprus.

2. We learn that he was probably converted as a result of the dispersion as a result of the persecution of Stephen. Undoubtedly some believers made their way to Cyprus with the Gospel and Barnabas heard the Word of God and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. His name means “the son of consolation” and comes from a word that means encouragement. This is certainly a case where the name fits the man. He spent much of his adult life seeking to encourage others but more about that later in the message.

4. Verse 24 from chapter 11 tells us much about his spiritual life for “he was a good man,” “he was filled with the Holy Spirit,” and “he was strong in faith,” and the result was that many people came to Christ as a result of his testimony.