Division That Multiples

Snapshot:

Pastor Greg Stansel Acts 15:36-41 July 3, 2022

Although our sinful natures get in the way, the Lord sovereignly uses us to advance His Kingdom. I. Disagreements will come (15:36–39)

II. Sovereignty over disagreements (15:40, 41)

III. Dealing with disagreements (15:37–39)

Connect

How has God used a disagreement in your life or the life of the church to further the Gospel?

Study

READ Joshua 22:10–34; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31; Genesis 13:1–12; James 4:1–2

1) In each one of these passages, what is the cause(s) of conflict that you see? What is the root cause of all of these conflicts?

2) How have you seen similar conflicts to the passages above in your life? Is conflict always bad? Why or why not?

Point 2: Sovereignty over disagreements (15:40, 41)

READ Genesis 37:9–36; 50:15–21

3) How does the LORD display His sovereignty over the conflict among Joseph and his brothers? Discuss the difference between God causing and God allowing something to happen. Why is it important to understand God’s sovereignty, even over conflict?

4) In your life, how would God’s sovereignty change the way you approach conflict? What hope does His sovereignty give you? How does it humble you?

Point 1: Disagreements will come (15:36–39)

Point 3: Dealing with disagreements (15:37–39)

READ Matthew 18:15–35

5) What is the process of dealing with conflict as laid out in Matthew 18? What is the purpose or end goal of this process? Why is it important for Jesus to follow up that teaching with the parable? What does the parable reveal about us if we are not forgiving?

6) Why is it so hard to go to someone when there is a conflict? What would it look like for you to go through the process of reconciliation in Matthew 18? How do you see God using conflict to further His Kingdom?

Practical Applications

1. Take time to think about any conflicts you may have with someone in the church.

2. Pray about how you could make peace with that person.

3. Develop a plan, or have a pastor help you develop a plan, about how to resolve this conflict.

Pray the passage

Heavenly Father, we praise you for you alone are good and patient and display mercy and grace perfectly. You alone are God and we honor you above all else.

Father, we ask for your forgiveness by the blood of Jesus Christ, for the times we approach conflict in an ungodly manner. Teach us to bring all conflict before you in prayer, with complete patience, and the desire to glorify you and bring reconciliation between the body of Christ.

Lord, we acknowledge and believe that even though we are sinful, your kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. Help us to be participants in that wonderful grace and not hindrances. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

Memorize & Meditate

“If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all” (Romans 12:18).

Preparing for next week

Read: Acts 16:1-10.

Ask: questions of the text.

Pray: through text, for pastor as he prepares, for your heart to hear, for the congregation to hear, for all of us to be obedient.