Sermon Study Guide
Use this guide for personal study or small group discussion. Click "Print" to save as PDF or print a copy.
Maranatha Bible Church
Chicago
Sermon Study Guide
Barnabas, A Man Full of the Holy Spirit & Faith - Pastor Daniel Banna
Scripture References
Sermon Summary
Pastor Daniel Banna explores the life of Barnabas, highlighting his role as an encourager and a man full of the Holy Spirit. The sermon emphasizes that true goodness and effective ministry flow from Christ living within us and a willingness to offer others a second chance.
Key Takeaways
- 1True goodness is not a natural human trait but the result of Christ's indwelling presence and character displayed through us.
- 2Being filled with the Holy Spirit is synonymous with being under His control, manifesting in self-control and the fruit of the Spirit.
- 3Effective ministry requires leaders who have been trained in the 'School of God,' valuing spiritual qualifications over academic credentials.
- 4Faith is the opposite of fear; it is the active recognition that God will fulfill His promises regardless of circumstances.
- 5Biblical encouragement involves seeing potential in others and being willing to offer second chances to those who have failed.
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for small group discussion or personal reflection.
- 1How does the biblical view that 'no one is good' (Romans 3:10) change the way we view our own spiritual achievements?
- 2What is the difference between being 'indwelled' by the Spirit and being 'filled' with the Spirit? Why is this distinction important?
- 3Barnabas traveled to Tarsus to find Saul. Why is it often difficult for leaders to share their platform with others, and how did Barnabas' humility benefit the church?
- 4In the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15), who do you think was right? Can God use 'sharp disagreements' to further His kingdom?
- 5The speaker mentions that the church in Antioch gave 'according to their ability.' How should the Holy Spirit influence our personal financial stewardship today?
- 6What does it mean to be in the 'School of God' versus just attending a seminary? How can we cultivate that kind of training in our lives?
Application Points
Practical ways to apply this message to your life.
- Identify areas of your life where you are acting out of fear and replace those thoughts with specific promises from God's Word.
- Look for a 'John Mark' in your circle—someone who has failed or struggled—and offer them intentional encouragement and a second chance.
- Evaluate your service in the church; ensure you are seeking God's glory and kingdom promotion rather than self-promotion.
- Commit to being 'filled with the Spirit' daily by submitting your will to His control and asking Him to produce His fruit in you.
- When giving to the work of God, do so voluntarily as a response to the Holy Spirit's prompting rather than out of guilt or pressure.
Personal Reflection
Take time to quietly reflect on these prompts.
How is the Holy Spirit speaking to me through this message?
What areas of my life need to change in light of this teaching?
Who can I share this truth with this week?
What is one specific action I will take as a result of this sermon?
Prayer Points
- Thank God for His Word and the truths revealed in this message.
- Pray for understanding and wisdom to apply what you've learned.
- Ask the Holy Spirit to help you live out these truths in your daily life.
- Pray for others who heard this message, that they too would be transformed.
Notes
Tip: Use your browser's print dialog (Ctrl/Cmd + P) to save as PDF