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