Acts 11:23-24, “They sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.”

If we are good, then we show it. No one believes the gospel and walks contrarily. We evidence who we are by what we do. The tree is known by its fruit. Matthew 7:18, "A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit."

God gives grace in regeneration. He makes us a new creation [2 Cor 5:17]. Old things pass away. We have a new focus and new ambitions. Ezekiel 36:26, "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh." We are saved by a sovereign God. This is not man’s work, so it is not iffy; it is received by faith.

We enjoy our newness, as we are acted on by the Spirit. We’re enabled to do what God says, which is to live in holiness and righteousness, serving others. Luke 1:74-75, "that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days." We have a new spirit that loves Christ.

Understand WHO YOU ARE, and receive it. Don’t go backward or deny yourself. Live to fulfill your purpose.

First, “he was a good man.” The change is miraculous. God takes sinners and makes us righteous; it is the gift of eternal life. He gives us holiness and imputed righteousness. He sanctifies us within and cleanses our temple. He casts out Satan and subdues self righteousness. He frees us from iniquity's dominion by giving us grace for the battle. Romans 6:14, "For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace." We are good from the beginning - the first moment that we trust Christ.

Receive this with its new joys. No longer is selfishness satisfying. Rejoicing in God’s kingdom is your gladness now. Acts 11:23, "When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose." You have been transformed to see glory in God and his works. You love his people, because you are loved. 1 John 5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him." Like Barnabas, be about God’s people and be happy in his work. This will give you joy the world cannot know, but there's great joy appointed for us!

Secondly, he was “full of the Holy Spirit.” This is how we do good. We are empowered and impacted. God comes upon us and makes us able.

This is not striving in the flesh; it is not self effort and will power. This is the fruit of rest [Matt 11:28].

God's active in us, as we believe the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:19, "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." We look to his assistance, because we can do nothing [John 15:5]. Therefore, he works in us as promised - gently, sweetly, and powerfully. He subdues the flesh and creates love. He makes us like himself in patience, tenderness, and forgiveness. No longer are we self-seeking. We live to serve God.

Ask him to DO THIS FOR YOU. Knock at the door. Matthew 7:7, "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you." Do not say, “I will do it.” Ask, and it will be done. John 14:14, "If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it." God will work to glorify his Son!

Thirdly, he was full “of faith.” Faith is how we get God’s blessing, believing that he’ll GIVE IT TO US. It is free grace from start to finish - the gift of God. 1 Corinthians 2:12, "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God." Nothing is deserved or done in our power. God works for Christ’s sake.

Bless God for this fruit bearing rest! The true sabbath yields greatness, as reliance on God is rewarded.

Jeremiah 17:24-25, "But if you listen to me, declares the LORD, and bring in no burden by the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but keep the Sabbath day holy and do no work on it, then there shall enter by the gates of this city kings and princes who sit on the throne of David, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their officials, the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And this city shall be inhabited forever."

For his Son’s sake, he works, and his work is glorious. It is love, joy, and peace; it is holiness, thanksgiving, and contentment. It is for the sinner and the saint who only believes. By faith, we walk around Jericho. By faith, we forsake all!

How the gospel impacts us is extraordinary, but believing is the key to victory. Trust God's generosity and goodness for your every need. Put faith in his coming blessing. Realize that our works add nothing, but he’ll use them. Rejoice, if you have this faith. You are good!