A Spirit of Unity - James

Introduction: We are continuing our sermon series on Authentic Character. Today we look at how we need to have a Spirit of Unity epitomized in the person of James.

There are a few James’ in the Bible. This one happens to be the half-brother of Jesus. James didn’t believe in his brother as Lord and savior until after the resurrection. Coming back from the dead has a way of doing that to a person.

But the fact that James was related to Jesus, probably gave him a little bit of influence among the early church and even the Apostles. How would he use that influence?

Before we dive into God’s word, let’s pray.

Pray

We live in a divided world. There are so many things to divide us into little factions. We’re divided by sports teams, train tracks, political parties, even issues within political parties.

In the midst of so much division we need something that will unite us. We need people that are willing to look beyond differences to champion what we have in common. And what do we have most in common? Jesus. He is our joy and inheritance.

Transition to the Text: Turn with me in your Bibles to Acts 15:13-21. Acts 15 comes on the heals of major changes of the early church. Gentiles were being added to the church by the thousands and there were questions that needed answering about what it meant to be a Christian. What was required for a person to be saved?

So they gathered the first leadership council of the early church to make a decision. But who would have the authority to make such a decision.

By the time of Acts 15 a major transition has taken place. The apostles no longer held the primary positions of power in the Jerusalem church otherwise we would have seen the apostles simply make a decision. However, by this time, leadership had shifted to include new group of church leaders in Jersualem and churches around the Roman world. This group is called the “elders.” While there may be some carry over in function from the jewish synagogue, the NT concept of elders is truly distinct in that they are servants of God and caretakers of the church people. You can see the qualifications for elders in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1. These qualifications, as we have seen, are largely character driven with only 1 action qualification: must be able to teach. Throughout the early church, as they started new churches, one of things that they made sure of before moving on was to make sure there were qualified elders to lead and care for the church. And in Jerusalem they did the same thing. So much so that even the authority of the apostles seems to fall in line with the authority of the elders. One thing you should know about the word for elder, when it comes to church leadership, it is never singular. God’s design for the church is that no one person is ever in charge.

This is why at the time of the “Jerusalem council of Acts 15” James is the last to speak, because he seems to be the leader of the Jerusalem elders. Jesus’ younger brother, who didn’t believe in Him while he was on the earth, became a Christian after the resurrection and ascended to the pinnacle of leadership in the early church. He even is the author of the first book of the NT to later be canonizes as on part with the OT. What do you do with that type of influence?

Introduce:

Authentic Principle: Use your influence to bring unity.

Read:

Acts 15:13–21 ESV

13 After they finished speaking, James replied, “Brothers, listen to me. 14 Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take from them a people for his name. 15 And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written, 16 “ ‘After this I will return, and I will rebuild the tent of David that has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will restore it, 17 that the remnant of mankind may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name, says the Lord, who makes these things 18 known from of old.’ 19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God, 20 but should write to them to abstain from the things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood. 21 For from ancient generations Moses has had in every city those who proclaim him, for he is read every Sabbath in the synagogues.”

Authentic Principle: Use your influence to bring unity.

1. Point people to God’s Word (Acts 15:13-18)

Explanation: James is the last person to speak at the Jerusalem council. As I’ve stated, he appears to be the leader of the elders who are hearing arguments related to gentile inclusion in the church.

Acts 15:6 says that the apostles and elders meet to consider the matter. Vs. 7 says there was a lot of debate. Now we aren’t told what that looked like, but if you’ve ever been a part of a contentious baptist business meeting, you probably have an idea. After the debate is over, Peter speaks on behalf of the apostles. Peter tells them about his own experience with God saving the gentiles through his own ministry. He tells how they received the Holy Spirit, and made no distinction between jews and gentiles regardless of whether or not they follow the law. Peter says that because of this, to add anything to salvation other than God’s grace is just wrong.

Then Barnabas and Paul are able to speak on behalf of the church at Antioch where the controversy over Gentile inclusion in the church started. They tell of the wonders that God did through that church. All pointing to the evidence that God accepts the gentiles as they are.

Finally, James speaks. Now again, James carried a lot of influence. Whatever he says in this moment is likely going to carry the day. Will his words bring division or unity?

First James acknowledges what Peter has said because Peter represents the apostles who had been with Jesus. But notice what James does next, he points the people directly to Scripture.

Because at the end of the day, Peter is not the final word. Paul or Barnabas is not the final word. The Pope is not the final word. You’re opinion is not the final word and neither is mine. James isn’t even the final word here. But he points to it.

Scripture is always the final word.

James quotes the the prophet Amos in Amos 9:11-12.

And what does the prophet Amos say? That yes, after the messiah comes (the restoration of the tent of David” there will be a remnant of people who may seek the Lord and “all gentiles who are called by” the name of the Lord. Why is this significant, because if you had to become Jewish you would no longer be a gentile.

In spite of all the debate, the word of God gives the answer. Gentiles don’t need to become jewish to be saved. [Mic drop]

Illustration: There are so many things in our lives that we ask, what should I do? Or what’s the right answer? Or what should I believe? When the truth is, the Bible has already spoken on these things.

The Bible gives us instruction for how we are to relate to God, how we are to treat people, how we are to worship, how the church is to be led, how to have a successful marriage, how to raise your kids, how to be a good boss, how to be a good employee. And the Bible has spoken on whether or not gentiles are welcome in the family of God.

We believe that the Bible is inerrant and perfectly true in all that it affirms. We don’t compromise on that. And because of that, that means that the Bible must be the final word on all that we do.

I know what you’re thinking, how do we know how to interpret it correctly? Who’s interpretation do we follow? The truth is for the most part the Bible is incredibly easy to understand. You just have to read it, accept it’s simple explanation, and apply it. It’s only when you’re trying to explain it away that you may feel that it’s hard to understand. That happens when it doesn’t say what you might want it to say.

Application: As followers of Jesus we have a lot of influence in how we lead our lives. Follow the Bible and people will look to you for answers. As Peter says in 1 Peter 3:15

1 Peter 3:15 ESV

15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,

And when people, point them to the Bible as the source of your hope.

You might ask, isn’t Jesus the source of our hope? You bet, but you can’t know Jesus apart from His Word. Because that is where Jesus has chosen to reveal himself.

From Genesis through Revelation, as Jesus says of the Scriptures:

John 5:39 ESV

39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

So find Jesus in His word. Be led to the Word daily and lead others there as well.

2. Don’t make it hard to belong to God’s family (Acts 15:19)

Explanation: One of the biggest challenges that the early church had was dealing with what a person had to do to be saved. There was an assumption and rightly so that Christianity wasn’t a new religion but the fulfilment of true judaism. Jesus was after all, the long awaited Jewish Messiah. And it would make sense that the earliest Christians were jews who embraced Jesus as Messiah and King. They continued to follow the law Moses keeping Jesus in mind. They continued their jewishness.

It wasn’t hard to make the jump from Judaism to Christianity because it was and is the logical next step.

But what about gentiles? The idea of a person, not descended from Abraham joining the family of God was nothing new. Throughout history, people of many nations were included in the people of God. Jesus’ own family tree is filled with people of other nations. Rahab, Tamar, Ruth joined the people of God.

The biggest challenge of course was the idea of circumcision which made it difficult for men to accept the requirements of becoming jewish. And that’s exactly what the issue was. Do men converting from paganism to Christianity need to be circumcised? Do they need to become Jewish first?

Having heard the arguments for and against circumcision for gentiles and having shown through the prophet Amos that God accepts Gentiles as they are, James says,

Acts 15:19 ESV

19 Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,

Essentially what this means is that one of the first major decisions of the early church was that Jews and Gentiles could co-exist in the church. This passage has been variously used to try to say that nothing really matters and that we should just let people come in and believe whatever they want. But that’s not what they are saying.

There are still some things that you have to believe in order to be a Christian. You need to believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. You need to believe that you are sinner in need of salvation. The Trinity. There are other things but you get the idea.

All that early church council was saying is that, it’s already hard enough for Gentiles to become a Christian, we ought not make it harder by insisting on circumcision that was originally meant to show the distinctiveness of the Jewish people alone.

Gentiles are welcome to come as Gentiles so long as they come in the same way as everyone else.

Illustration: Two of the frustratingly, nerve-racking things are applying to college and applying to get a job. It’s often complicated and a lot of work only to either receive a rejection letter or radio silence. Sometimes you have to apply to a bunch of of colleges or jobs to get one acceptance. Because the truth is colleges and jobs are often looking for specific types of candidates they feel will fit well with the school or the workplace.

We have to go to a lot of trouble to get into college and to get a job. Especially if you are trying to get a job in your field of education.

On the other hand, James says, we should not make turning to God a frustrating experience for anyone.

Application: Today most of our gentiles, so the idea of circumcision doesn’t directly apply to us. However, we ought also not make it any more difficult for anyone to turn to God.

People may turn to God in their sin. It’s only once they turn to God that God will daily transform them into the people for his purpose.

3. Learn to compromise for the sake of Unity (Acts 15:20-21)

Explanation: The decision is not without compromise on the part of the the gentiles. They don’t have to get circumcised, but at the same time, they shouldn’t flaunt their freedom in Christ either.

James gives them 4 things that he would like the gentiles (and their supporters) to compromise on: 1) Abstain from things polluted by idols; 2) from sexual immorality; 3) from what is strangled; and 4) from blood.

Why are these especially important compromises? Because the jewish people are all over the world and these are things that those jewish people will find so offensive that it will completely destroy any possibility for common fellowship.

The loving thing to do is to consider the feelings and impressions of others.

Now when it comes to compromise, we need to be very careful. Because James isn’t talking about compromise on everything just for the sake of unity. He’s not saying to compromise on the main doctrines of the faith. He’s not even saying that we should sacrifice doctrine for the sake of unity. But simply to consider how your actions main impact the cause of Christ.

This lines up with what Paul says in Romans 14:13-21

Romans 14:13–21 ESV

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. 16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding. 20 Do not, for the sake of food, destroy the work of God. Everything is indeed clean, but it is wrong for anyone to make another stumble by what he eats. 21 It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.

In other words, put aside your own rights for the sake of unity when doing so doesn’t cause you to sin.

Illustration: In 2010, I attended my first Raiders game at the Coliseum in Oakland. The Baltimore Ravens were coming to town. Naturally I was excited. I had never been to a different stadium before. Home games at M&T Bank stadium in Baltimore were awesome. But I was a little surprised when people were telling me, you can’t wear a Ravens jersey when you go. I honestly thought they were joking, but they were serious and were genuinely fearful for my safety. That’s seemed a little extreme.

So I compromised. I didn’t wear a jersey, I just wore a t-shirt. And I’m honestly glad I didn’t wear a jersey. I got heckled enough as it was.

I also am no fun because I refuse to engage in reverse heckling.

Needless to say some fans made it troublesome to enjoy the game. But with a little compromise, I had a lot of fun.

Application: When it comes to Christianity, sometimes it’s ok to compromise when it’s not causing you to sin. Your freedom may get in the way of someone coming to Jesus. This is more applicable when cultures clash, not when your preferences are challenged. We ought not be arrogant with the “weaker brother” and we ought not fall under the tyranny of the weaker brother also.

There should be an ongoing struggle within the church between endeavoring to not give offense and endeavoring to not take offence.

This is probably the best application of Paul’s words in Philippians 2:3

Philippians 2:3 ESV

3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

As we enter our time of response lets consider our own part in bringing unity to the church?

Response: What are you doing to bring unity in God’s church?

Summation:

Authentic Principle: Use your INFLUENCE to bring UNITY.

1. Point people to God’s WORD (Acts 15:13-18)

2. Don’t make it HARD to belong to God’s FAMILY (Acts 15:19)

3. Learn to COMPROMISE for the sake of UNITY (Acts 15:20-21)

Closing Illustration: All of us have a certain degree of influence in the world around us. What will will use that influence for? We can use that influence to sow division. And lately it feels like most people want to take that route. Or we can use it to bring unity.

I think it’s safe to say that the one person that embodies all of the marks is Jesus. Jesus is God, eternally coequal with the Father and the Spirit.

Paul says Phil 2:4-8

Philippians 2:4–8 ESV

4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Though Jesus was God in the flesh, He used His power and influence in order to unite His people into one church.

Jesus came to this earth, born of a virgin, lived a perfect life and when the fullness of time came, he willingly died on the cross so that we might have forgiveness of our sins and eternal life.

We were saved for eternity with Him and we were saved to be united in purpose right now.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

May we be united in purpose to proclaim the excellencies of God. So that others might become united to the church too. Because we have a job to do. And we need all hand united to the task.

Let’s pray.

Week 39 of 2021-2022 Sermon Series: Authentic Character: A Spirit of Unity - James

Authentic Principle: Use your INFLUENCE to bring UNITY.

1. Point people to God’s WORD (Acts 15:13-18)

2. Don’t make it HARD to belong to God’s FAMILY (Acts 15:19)

3. Learn to COMPROMISE for the sake of UNITY (Acts 15:20-21)

Response: What are you DOING to bring UNITY in God’s church?

Opening Discussion: Throughout history, unity is has been hard to attain and even harder to maintain. Why do you think that is? What makes unity so so difficult?

Sermon:

Why does James speak last? What was he doing before this?

Why might James have spoken after an apostle like Peter?

How does James confirm the words of Peter? Why is this important?

Why should unity always we based on the Bible as God’s Word?

Based on the testimony of Peter, an apostle, and the confirmation of scripture, what conclusion does James come to?

What does it look like to trouble those who turn to God? (See Acts 15:1-2)

What compromise does James offer?

Why specifically does James suggest that gentiles at a minimum abstain from “things polluted by idols, and from sexual immorality, and from what has been strangled, and from blood?”

Application:

When it comes to unity, why is it so important to listen before we speak? Why is this so difficult for many people?

How do you evaluate the opinions of others?

When thinking about a spirit of unity, how often do you look to God’s Word? How important is God’s word when it comes to unity.

Why is compromise so essential to unity?

What can we learn from the Jerusalem council in terms of seeking unity in the church?

What are you doing to bring unity to God’s church?

How can you cultivate a spirit of unity in your life?