Introduction

• Genesis 3:19
• Psalms 90:1-4, 10, 12
• Ecclesiastes 7:2-4 – The reason it is better to go to a house of mourning is because it reminds us of our own death.

Death humbles us.

• Psalms 39:4-7 – David was a famous king, but he also died.
• Acts 2:29
• Ecclesiastes 9:4
• No amount of wealth and power can save us from death.
• Job 7:6; 9:25-26
• Psalms 49:1, 10-12
• Ecclesiastes 8:8
• James 4:13-17

Death prompts us to take action NOW.

• Job 16:22
• Hebrews 9:27 – We die once and then the judgment.
• II Samuel 18:33
• Ecclesiastes 9:10-11 – Work and do well NOW.
• Is there something I need to stop procrastinating about?
• I Corinthians 15:53

Death focuses us.

• Luke 12:16-21 (II Thessalonians 3:10) – It is okay (and required) that you make a living, but don’t lose focus on God.
• I Timothy 6:7

Death causes us to turn to God’s promises for comfort.

• I Thessalonians 4:13-18
• I Peter 1:24-25

Matthew 15

Matthew 15:1-9 – Pharisees and tradition

• In areas where God has given us liberty, we must be careful how we express our opinions and not force them on others. Don’t teach as doctrine the commandments of men (Matthew 15:9). See Matthew 6:25, 27, 31.

Matthew 15:10-20 – What goes in the mouth vs. what comes out of the heart

• Matthew 15:11 – This is a not-but passage. It is possible to defile yourself by consuming certain things like alcohol or drugs, but that is not the most important thing. The more important thing is our motivation – where our heart is.

Matthew 15:21-28 – The Canaanite woman

• This woman sought Jesus out and showed great faith in Jesus. She ignored cultural norms to address Jesus. She even argued with Jesus, but did so in a humble manner.

Matthew 15:29-31 – Jesus heals the crowds

Introduction

• Joshua 22:16, 21-24, 27, 29-30

Take God’s word seriously

• Deuteronomy 12:5-6, 13-14
• God had strict laws concerning His place of worship.
• How seriously do we take God’s word today?
• The Bible must be taken in its entirety.
• God still expects us to worship Him as He has commanded today.

Address error immediately

• Joshua 22:12-14
• In issues with our brothers and sisters
  • Matthew 18:15-17 – Go talk to the person you have a problem with!
• Within the church
  • Ezekiel 22:29-31 – Address the problem out of love.

Handle confrontation correctly

• Joshua 22:22-29
• Don’t get defensive
  • James 1:19
• Don’t be prideful
  • Proverbs 9:8-9
• Thank the one who comes to you

What is encouragement?

• To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope.

What is exhortation?

• Language intended to incite and encourage.

Barnabas

• Acts 4:36-37 – Barnabas was called a “son of encouragement”
• Tabitha / Dorcas – Acts 9:36
• God told Moses in Deuteronomy 3:28 to command Joshua and encourage him.
• I Thessalonians 3:2
• Romans 12:6-8

Barnabas’ character traits – can we use these to develop similar traits in ourselves?

Barnabas encouraged not only through his words but through his actions – Acts 4:37

• He doesn’t just applaud what others are doing. He made the sacrifice himself.
• Showing a true commitment to the Lord is an encouragement to others.

We have to truly care about people the way Barnabas did.

• People see the encouragement of God’s love through us.
• “See” the people around you. Listen to them. Look for opportunities to help and encourage.
• What does that look like for us?
• It is difficult sometimes because they are uncomfortable asking or don’t want to be “pushy” or offend someone by trying to help.
• Remember that even the small things we do can be an encouragement. Remember Dorcas (Acts 9:39).

Barnabas was a man of integrity. He was trusted enough that the disciples listened to him and allowed Saul to join them (Acts 9:27-28).

• He had been leading a life that was an example to others.

Barnabas encouraged others by giving the right people opportunities, even though it may have meant the glory wasn’t his. He put others first. He was a man of humility.

• Acts 11:19-26

Barnabas encouraged others by always believing in people (Acts 9:27).

• Barnabas believed in Paul and that Jesus can change even the worst of us!
• Acts 9:28-29
• John Mark (Acts 15:36-40)
  • Must have made an impact – II Timothy 4:11

Encouragement means taking risks when standing by others.

• Believing in people sometimes means getting out of our comfort zone.
• Encouragement may mean reminding people we believe in them and that God has a plan for them.

What does Barnabas teach us about encouragement?

• True commitment – lead by example
• Care about people – inside and outside the congregation
• Humility – put other people first
• Integrity – be someone who can be trusted
• Believe in people – look for the good in people
• Take risks – get out of your comfort zone with people

What does encouragement look like in 2025?

• Lead by example, don’t just exhort. It is encouraging to see people overcoming problems. It helps us be encouraged that Christ’s power is there for me as well and I can also overcome through Christ.

Introduction

• II Corinthians 1:8-10

“But God” has authority over the wicked

• As seen in Jacob’s life
  • Genesis 31:5-9
• As seen in Joseph’s life
  • Genesis 50:20; 39:20-21 – God took “bad” things and brought good from them.
  • Acts 7:9-10
• As seen in David’s life
  • Psalms 31:1-5
  • I Samuel 23:14
• As seen in Christ’s life
  • Acts 13:28-30 – God raised Jesus from the dead, giving us hope of heaven.
  • God is ultimately in control, no matter what we try to do.

“But God” has authority over temptations

• Temptation and sin – James 1:12-16; Matthew 26:41
  • It’s hard to fall into temptation if you are looking to God.
• God’s aid in our temptation – I Corinthians 10:13
  • God is faithful.
  • God will not allow us to be tempted beyond our ability.
  • God will provide a way of escape.

“But God” has authority over all nations

• Against the Assyrian army
  • Isaiah 17:12-14
• Government under the authority of God
  • Romans 13:1-6

“But God” has authority over death

• Psalms 49:13-15; I Corinthians 15:19
• Authority to suspend death – Philippians 2:27
• Authority to raise the dead – I Corinthians 15:51-57

God’s Love and Power (song)