Pastor Marshall Ochs | March 13, 2022
In this message, Pastor Marshall teaches from Acts 14-15. These chapters show the many conflicts that rose up during Paul’s first missionary journey and how he worked to manage them. Conflict rose up with non-believers and members within the church. How Paul worked to manage these conflicts gives us insight into managing conflict today and becoming true ministers of reconciliation.
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Acts 14:3 says that Paul and Barnabas “remained for a long time, speaking boldly for the Lord.” Culture tells us to “dismiss or avoid people who don’t agree with us.” However, often God is calling us to just “remain.” Sometimes, it’s not the words we say, it’s the life we live out in front of them.
Do you know any unbelievers and are they open to a conversation about faith? Pray for discernment – for eyes to see. (Acts 14:9) Is their desire to debate with you or are they truly hungry for the message of faith? Is a conversation with them going to produce fruit or is this a case of “casting your pearls before swine”? (Mathew 7:6)
In Acts 14:19-28 we see Paul and Barnabas risk their lives to revisit all of the hostile cities on their trip home. Why? Verse 22 tells us it was to “strengthen the believers and remind them of tribulations.” Taking a risk of being persecuted communicates the value we place on others and the message of Christ we carry.
As messengers of faith in Christ, we must be careful to not elevate ourselves above the message. We must value others more than ourselves. When we do this, we remove any question about our motive. Christ did this for us! Romans 5:8 “But God showed His great love for us in that while we yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
When we encounter conflict with other believers we must look to a higher authority. (Pastoral or Biblical council) We are called to seek wisdom and the authority of God. We are to avoid issues that create division. We see this in Acts 15:7-21.
We are called to not elevate our preferences above others. If your conscience won’t allow you to let go of your preference, then we are to part ways with grace. We must also understand and accept that not all conflict is resolved. Sometimes we must move on.