Barnabas: Leading Beyond Yourself

March 2, 2025

Many people talk about someone who changed their lives in a big way. This could be a teacher, parent, coworker, or friend who helped you become more than you thought you could be. How can we be that person for others? Join us for part four of Leading from the Gap, where we will learn how to support and motivate others to fulfill their God-given purpose for the future.

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Passages

Acts 4:32-36; Acts 15:36-41

Joseph of Cyprus – Son of ##Encouragement##

Principle

Leading beyond yourself requires ##focus## on something ##greater## than yourself.

Practice

To lead beyond yourself you must:

Pursue the " ##Others## "

Draw out their ##Potential##

Embrace ##Differences##

Small Group Questions

Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.

HANGOUT

Who has encouraged you to do or become more than you otherwise might have been? What qualities about that person have been most helpful?

HEAR

Read Acts 4:32-37

How does this passage describe the state of the church after Pentecost?
Does this passage describe the Church in America, Aspire Church, and/or our group?
Why did Luke (the author of Acts) include the section about Joseph of Cyprus?
How does his nickname name apply to what he did in this passage?

Read Acts 5:1-11

What is troubling about this passage to you? Why was this story included in the Book of Acts?
How does this passage relate to Barnabas?
Have you felt internal pressure to imitate someone else’s acts of devotion to God or the Church? What are the positive and negative aspects of this kind of imitation?

Read Acts 15:1-21

What conflicts was the church facing in Acts 15? In what ways did Barnabas's actions in Acts 4 and 5 prepare him to handle the situations in Acts 15?
Based on Acts 15, how should the church handle theological or personal differences today?
What is the best way for the church to encourage believers amidst theological or personal differences? How have you seen Aspire Church lead through challenges like those described in Acts 15? How can our group lead through such challenges?

HUDDLE

Is there someone in your life you should thank for their encouragement? Is there a relationship you need to encourage right now? Let's discuss it, invite accountability, and pray together.

Daily Reading

As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.

Day 1: Galatians 1-2
Day 2: Acts 4, 9
Day 3: Acts 10-11
Day 4: Acts 12-14
Day 5: Acts 15-16
Day 6: Mark 1-2
Day 7: Romans 12

Passage to Memorize: Romans 12:4-5

Think Deeper

Who has stood by you during some of the most challenging times of your life?
What natural gifts has God given you? How has He made you unique?
How have you utilized your gifts to benefit others in your family, among friends, or in your workplace?