Text: Acts 15
Intro:
- Paul’s ministry effectiveness does not mean lack of opposition.
- the fruit comes after perseverance, but this message is about being in the perseverance
1. Locate a plurality of authority (v 1-6)
- “Come down” refers to the elevation, not from a northern city or something like that
- What do you do when you cannot get a matter settled? When you’re just beating a dead horse.
- Children to parents, wives to husbands, husbands to SG leaders, etc. There is a path you can follow during an impasse. The goal is to remove the heat but add light.
- It is possible for a person to be loud, certain, and wrong.
- All authority is not equal – all believers are equal, but not I the context of authority/leadership.
- If you don’t respect other people’s opinion more than your own, you will find It very difficult when you have an impasse.
- Some turn to authority without plurality. “I think I am going to get a second opinion.” this applies to authority as well. Plurality will ensure wisdom. Far too many decisions are made during a season of opposition.
2. Listen for God’s heart in the matter (v 7-12)
- Start with what you know and what you have in common, rather than focusing exclusively on what we disagree over.
- Different people same Gospel
- Embrace more of what we have in common, rather than exclusively focus on the disagreement. God’s heart is that we would focus on all that we would have in common, not on some point on which we disagree. Don’t be technically right, but behaviorally wrong.
- 5 things when we get the letter of the law but miss the heart: 1. homosexuality; 2. divorce; 3. Unborn children have a right to life; 4. Sexual immorality; 5. The Bible must be obeyed
3. Look to scripture for confirmation (v 13-18)
- In a season of opposition, we need to get back to the scriptures.
- If if not Biblical it’s not God’s will.
4. Learn to compromise where you can (v 19-21)
- trouble = frustrate or pile on
- We can’t make you do this, but we appeal to you to do this willing
- where you can compromise: matters of personal preference; consequences of self discovery is not devastating; pressing for change is destroying the relationship.
5. List your agreement in writing (v 22-35)
Conclusion:
Watch this Week’s Message:
Bigger Than My Opposition from Harvest Bible Chapel on Vimeo.
Video on 316 recent baptisms at Harvest Bible Chapel
