April 26, 2020 Biblical Help for Handling Disagreements

Biblical Help for Handling Disagreements April 26, 2020 – Acts 15:36 – 16:5 Three observations and applications: Acts 15:36 – 16:5 (ESV) 36And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are.” Barnabas wanted to take with them John called Mark. 38But Paul thought best not to take with them one who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39And there arose a sharp disagreement, so that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus, 40but Paul chose Silas and departed, having been commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. 1. Work out your disagreements! 1) Identify and stand on your agreement on Christ’s purposes and call! (36) 37Now 16:1 Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2He was well spoken of by the brothers at Lystra and Iconium. 3Paul wanted Timothy to accompany him, and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to them for observance the decisions that had been reached by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem. 5So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and they increased in numbers daily. 2) Identify the complimentary truths you disagree on. (37-40) 3) Work it out in power of Spirit and the Word! > unity is worth fighting for! See side column for Philippians 2:12–13; Ephesians 2:10 2. Christ has designed everyone for a ministry! But Christ has not designed everyone for every ministry! Various gifts, ministries, affects! 1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 2:10 See side column for Ephesians 2:10 ----------------------------Philippians 2:12–13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. Ephesians 4:1–3 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 3. Never lose confidence in Christ’s ability to change lives! Christ is building His Church and nothing will stop Him! > Paul – churches grew (16:5) he finished the course > Barnabas – went on to help John Mark be useful > Silas – served Paul in Gentile evangelism and suffering > Timothy – served the building and pastoring of the church > John Mark grew useful to Paul (2 Tim. 4:11) Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Application questions on the back à Abide in the Word this week... I will build My Church! From Separation to Fruitfulness! (Acts 15:36—16:5) For the following application questions, review your notes from the front 1. Work out your disagreements! Read Philippians 2:12-13 and Ephesians 4:1-3 1) Identify and stand on your agreement on Christ’s purposes and call! (36) Write out how this helps you resolve disagreements with other believers. 2) Identify the complimentary truths you disagree on. (37-40) Write out how this (along with #1) helps you in resolving disagreements with other believers. 3) Work it out in power of Spirit and the Word! Write out why it is critical to remember that unity is a doctrine to be worked on. Write out a time when you saw this process work in your life. 2. Christ has designed everyone for a ministry! But Christ has not designed everyone for every ministry! Various gifts, ministries, affects! Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and write out how this helps you see how God has designed and created you for a role in ministry. Read Ephesians 2:10 and write out how this helps you see how God has designed and created you for a role in ministry. What happens when we try to be something we’re not designed for. What happens when we try to make others be something they’re not designed for. 3. Never lose confidence in Christ’s ability to change lives! Christ is building His Church and nothing will stop Him! How does this statement help you navigate disagreements and relationships in life and in the Church. Write out your response when you read 2 Timothy 4:11 regarding Paul and John Mark. From our study, write out a prayer to the Lord thanking Him for what you have learned. Our vision is to know…follow…and love Christ! Building passionate followers of Christ!