6.23.9 "Relationships Devoted to Unity"

"Relationships Devoted to Unity"

2 Kings 4:18-5:27
Acts 15:1-31
Psalm 141:1-10
Proverbs 17:23

In Acts 15, the early church hits a significant point of challenge in their growth process.

Some men from Judea arrived and began to teach some believers that they weren't saved unless they followed the Jewish custom of circumcision. This had the potential of causing serious division in the church.

Look at the process that follows this disagreement. It is insightful into what it truly means to be devoted to unity. Here's the progression with some notes:

1. "Paul & Barnabas argued and discussed this with them at length..." (15:2) I like the "at length" part of this. If you are truly Devoted to Unity, you don't do the "ding & ditch" method of confrontation. You stick it through and talk it out. Many times we "speak the truth in love" by coughing our opinion at someone and then walking away. We may feel like "I sure told them...", but what has been done to promote unity?

2. "...finally the believers sent them to Jerusalem, accompanied by some local men, to talk to the apostles and elders there about this question." (15:2) There was a recognition that there would be no resolution without the involvement of leaders. This shows a couple things. First, they're committed to resolve this, not split off and start their own sect. Second, it shows they have a great deal of respect for God appointed authority within the church. They will commit to follow the decisions of the leaders.

3. There was an initial meeting where "Paul and Barnabas reported on what God had been doing through their ministry. But then some of the men..." (15:5) stood up and brought up the point of disagreement again. Sometimes Conflict in the church can cloud the big picture. People can get so caught up in the argument, and being right, they are not able to rejoice in what God is doing in the midst of them.

4. "So the apostles ...set a further meeting to decide this question." (15:6) There was a commitment from the leaders to resolve this issue. They recognized that the meeting they were in could not accomplish this, so they set up a special meeting for this very purpose.

5. "At the meeting, after long discussion, Peter stood..." (15:7) and addressed everyone, reminding them of the signs & wonders God has done that show the path he has laid out. He ends with "Don't you believe that all are saved the same way, by the free gift of the Lord Jesus?" (15:11) He spoke with wisdom that came from his personal experience with God. This was not a discussion of opinion, but of the principles of what God had done. It's important that we don't get too hung up on opinion. we must recognize the difference between our opinion and what God is speaking to our hearts.

6. "There was no further discussion, and everyone now listened as Barnabas and Paul told about the miracles God had done through them among the Gentiles." (15:12) Peter's words were further validated through the testimony of Paul and Barnabas. It could have been enough to just go off Peter's words, but the confirmation of the testimony of other leaders added further credibility.

7. "When they finished, James took the floor..." (15:13) James brought out how their testimonies were consistent with Scripture. James must have been the leader as he states, "and so my judgment is..." I marvel at God's process of authority. Effective work in the Body of Christ is accomplished through honoring God's authority structure.

8. In the remaining verses of this story, the leaders and congregation voted to report the decision to all believers and sent delegates with a letter of authority reporting the decision. It shows that a devotion to unity will make sure to communicate to everyone assuring the conflict is resolved. I like how they acknowledge the hurts of the past. "We understand that some believers from here have upset you..." (15:24) This validation of the hurt goes miles for bringing resolution.

If the believers were more devoted to their opinion than unity, this would have been a mess. In every step of the process they did things in accordance with what would be best for the body, while acknowledging the needs of the individual.

As the Body of Christ, we must keep these things in mind when ever conflict arises. We must keep unity as a high priority. One other point is that the frustration of this conflict served to further focus and intensify the objective of the church. Once the decision had been made, the church became more effective in reaching the world for Christ.



Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
Active Ministry Involvement
Mission to Reach our World for Christ