Being A Barnabas: Willing to Sacrifice

Being a Barnabas: Willing to Sacrifice

Acts 4:36-37

January 11, 2026

Acts 4:36-37 CSB

³⁶ Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus by birth, the one the apostles called Barnabas (which is translated Son of Encouragement), ³⁷ sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Commitment: God’s will be done.

• A quick look at the setting for Barnabas and the church.
  • was growing rapidly, vv. 29-31.
  • Believers were standing firm in the power of the
  • Prayers were more for than deliverance.
• The church was determined to share the gospel, v. 33.
  • There was rapid, daily growth under God’s
• Faith sometimes calls us to sacrifice safety and comfort.
  • It is to pray for protection and deliverance.
  • It is to pray for God’s will to be done.
  • The question: Am I willing to do anything God asks me to do?

Compassion: serve others without expecting anything in return.

• Believers like Barnabas had two things in common, v. 32.
  • the believers had one heart and mind.
    • unified the church despite differences.
    • Common goal of bringing glory to Jesus.
  • deep compassion for others.
    • It was a practical compassion that reached out to people in
      • Their love for God led to social action.
    • Gifts were
      • Giving was a privilege not a burden.
• Barnabas modeled both of these traits, vv. 36-37.
  • Positive examples like Barnabas always others to deeper faith.

Points of application for this week.

Barnabas should inspire two things: love for God/love for others.

• Consider how much God has done for you.
  • Take time to thank Him.
  • Ask Him for boldness to stand firm in faith.
• What can you do to help someone else this week?

Do you know God in a personal relationship?

(Answers: Persecution, Spirit, strength, power, good, better, Unity, Grace, Generosity, need, voluntary, encourage)