#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Sun. 3/9/2017

DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING

Sun. 3/9/2017

Restored To A Place Of Value

Acts 15:36-41

The Bible provides detailed description of character traits needed to manage conflict positively. Barnabas demonstrated one of these traits in today’s passage. According to his name “son of encouragement”, when there was disagreement over John Mark, he did not collide with Paul to forgo him, rather, he restored him to a place of value to the extent that Paul who had earlier rejected him could say later that “he is useful to me in my work” (2 Tim. 4:11). Brethren should not team up just to destroy others and cause division in the church. Be assured also that God will never give up on you, if you can decide to return to Him now.

Point of Emphasis: Be a supporter to someone who has drifted from the way. Give him or her encouragement.

Prayer Point: Lord God Almighty, never give up on me. Uphold me to the end in Jesus’ name.

BACKGROUND

Conflict resolution has to do with the process of bringing into normalcy relationship that has become estranged due to misunderstanding or disagreement over an issue or personal difference.

The Bible does not keep us in darkness about the reality of the existence of conflict among the people of God from the Old to the New Testament. God opened our eyes to how various conflicts were resolved and genuine peace was restored among the people. This lesson seeks to inform us about the Bible’s view on conflict resolution.

NOTES ON THE TEXT

PART 1: REALITY OF CONFLICT IN THE CHURCH (ACTS 15:36-41)

The church consists of people who are social beings that relate together. No one is an angel among us, we make mistakes because of our different background, culture, view, temperament, etc. God called us to live unto perfection but this is not a thing that can be attained overnight, hence, we are to learn from our error or conflict in order to become ambassadors of peace.

Some evidences that affirmed the reality of conflict in the Old Testament include (i) Adam and Eve had conflict over their sins in the Garden of Eden (ii) Cain and Abel had a conflict that led to Cain murdering Abel (iii) Wickedness of inhabitants of the world (iv) The disagreement between Abraham’s and Lot’s herdsmen (v) The Bible also records the disagreement between Joseph and his brothers (vi) Saul and David, etc

The New Testament has record of disputes among the people: Jesus’ disciples argued among themselves who should be the greatest among them when they get to heaven. Ananias and Sapphira deceived their fellow brethren. The Greek complained against the Jews that their widows were neglected at the table. There was an issue about doctrinal differences. Paul wrote in his letter to sue for unity and reconciliation among brethren. Paul the Apostle also had disagreement over the choice of John Mark with Barnabas (Acts 15:36-41). Paul also wrote to the Corinthian church about their misconducts (1 Cor. 6:1-8). There are more to the list above which shows the reality of conflict right from human existence till date.

PART 2: THE BIBLE’S INFLUENCE ON GOD’S PEOPLE (JAM. 4:1-3)

There is a great number of conflicts recorded in the Bible but God never condoned it. With the knowledge of the Bible the way to handle issues that bring estranged relationship are dealt with transparently and vices were condemned in strong terms to build and maintain a peaceful relationship.

The books of Proverbs and James teach us how we should use our tongue (Prov. 10:18-19, 12:22; 28:23, 25; Jam. 4:1-3).

In Christendom, good relation-ship begins with Jesus Christ. People are enjoined to face the issue of conflict honestly with determination to apply Biblical injunctions. Jesus taught about conflict resolution and practically intervened in several disagreements among people (Matt. 18:15-35; 20:20-28; Lk. 12:13-15). He dealt with issues that relate to interpersonal relation-ship in His sermon on the mount (Matt. 5:7).

Jesus and the writers of the Bible pursued peace. They resolved conflicts without compromising the truth. They taught by example and expect belie-vers to live in peace (Matt. 5:9; Heb. 12:14)

The followers of Jesus are promised inner peace (Jn. 14:27; Phil. 4:7) which produces internal stability during conflicts.

PART 3: UNDERSTANDING CONFLICT STYLES (ACTS 15:1-3)

Certain men came from Judea to the church in Antioch and taught the brethren an old doctrine which affected the Gentile believers greatly. This resulted into conflict but the elders quickly intervened by sending Paul, Barnabas and certain others (vs. 3) to make enquiries about the position of the church on the issue.

They did not wait until the conflict affected the church. The following conflict styles are all believers must study to be able to avoid and settle any conflict in the church. The table below is culled from Christian counselling, 3rd edition by Gary R. Collins, page 330.

Critically study the various styles and identify the group you fall into the last time you had conflict with another member.

CONCLUSION

The Bible speaks unequivocally about conflict inevitability in the church. Whenever

it occurs, the issues must be clarified, the parties involved must be allowed to air their feelings. Each of them should resolve to do what Jesus would do in the same situation. Also, Biblical view must be sought regarding any conflict.

QUESTIONS

1. Explain conflict resolution
2. Why does the Bible inform us about reality of conflict?
3. Mention some issues in both Old and New Testaments that evidenced conflict reality.
4. What does Jesus’ teaching on conflict resolution teach us?
5. How do Jesus and the Bible writers expect believers to live? Is this realizable?