SERMON: “Conflict Among Christians” Acts 15

“Understanding the truth about conflict will equip us to deal with it correctly.”

1. Conflict Created

2. Issue Debated

3. Problem Resolved

“The best remedy for conflict is Christ, for in Him we find amazing grace!”

APPLICATION QUESTIONS:
1. Reflect upon your past church history and experience. Have there ever been “extra-biblical” rules or expectations placed upon you? That is, norms or standards that everyone was expected to observe because they were part of the church, but really did not have biblical support? Share your experiences with the group. How did this make you feel? How did you view those who did not quite measure up? How can a believer today discern between rules that are truly biblical and those that are merely cultural or man-made?

2. Regarding “extra-biblical” rules or expectations, what would have happened if the Judaizers had carried the day and successfully linked Gentile salvation to circumcision (and the law of Moses)? How would that have jeopardized the early church and its unity?

3. The issue at stake in chapter 15 was one of salvation, and the message affirmed is of vital importance: Grace alone saves! Why is this message such an encouragement and one that is so necessary for us? Read the following texts as you respond: Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 5:6-8; Galatians 2:16; Titus 3:4-7. Why does the thought of “pure grace” disturb us so much?

4. Lutheran bible commentator R. C. H. Lenski has written the following in reference to Acts 15. Discuss his observation below and respond to the following questions: What are some of the common, modern-day misconceptions about salvation? In what human elements do many people trust to save them? “To add anything to Christ as being necessary to salvation, say circumcision or any human work of any kind, is to deny that Christ is the complete Savior, is to put something human on a par with him, yea to make it the crowning point. That is fatal. A bridge to heaven that is built of 99/100 of Christ and even only 1/100 of anything human breaks down at the joint and ceases to be a bridge.” (Lenski)

5. Read Romans 14:14-21 and 1 Corinthians 8:9-13, 9:19-21 and discuss the concept of “Christian liberty” and describe how legalism differs from liberty.

6. As you reflect upon this chapter as a whole, what lessons are here for us regarding how to deal with disagreements in the church, and even on a personal level? What principles for conflict resolution can you identify?

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