Fighting and Fussing in the Church

Acts 15, 15:1-5

I. God had tremendously bless the work on the mission field
a. There had been plenty of problems
i. A demon possessed man who tried to hinder their ministry 13:10
ii. Were persecuted and kicked out of Antioch in Pisidia 13:50
iii. Evil thoughts about them and their ministry 14:2
iv. They ran from Iconium to keep from being stoned 14:5-6
v. Paul was stoned and left for dead in Lystra 14:19
b. Many had been taught 14:21
c. Elders or Pastors were ordained 14:23
d. They returned to their church that sent them
i. That had recommended them 14:26
ii. They rehearsed all that God had done with them 14:27, 15:4
iii. They relaxed with the brethren 14:28
II. When the outward attacks don’t work Satan works from within
a. Certain men came from Judea and brought a new doctrine 15:1
i. Ye must be circumcised and keep the law to be saved 15:24
ii. It was needful to be circumcised and keep the law 15:5
b. Paul and Barnabas have a not so small argument and break up of fellowship 15:2
c. They decide to go to Jerusalem and get to the root of the problem 15:2
i. On the way they visit churches and brethren telling them how great things God has done 15:3
ii. In Jerusalem they first tell of all that God has done 15:4
d. The apostles and elders, pastors get together to consider the matter 15:6
e. There is a lot of arguing 15:7
f. Peter reminds them of how he himself had preached to Gentiles 15:7
i. He saw God save them without making any special distinction 15:8-9
ii. He wants to know why they want to put a yoke on the Gentiles that they had not been able to bear 15:10
iii. It is grace that brings salvation 15:11
III. An agreement is finally reached
a. Barnabas--Paul tell all God has done 15:12
b. James settles the matter with Scripture 15:15
c. A letter and witnesses will be sent to the churches telling them that salvation is by grace and not law 15:23, 27
d. The church is happy 15:30-31
IV. Paul and Barnabas have a fight 15:36-41
a. They both want to serve God even in the same ministry
b. They disagree over a coworker 15:37-38
c. Barnabas and Mark leave for Cyprus 15:39
d. Paul and Silas leave recommended by the brethren 15:40
V. Lessons to be learned
a. Blessed work is not without problems
b. Doctrine is important enough to fight over
c. The argument should be settled based on Scripture

Created over 4 years ago