ACTS 15
This chapter showed us strife in the church and helped us how to deal with issues in the church.
WHO CAUSED THIS ISSUE?
“some men” (v1) – these men from Judea are called Jewish Christians – they claim they are Christians but cannot let go of their Jewish traditions. They are forcing the gentiles to obey the Mosaic law of circumcision for them to be accepted to Christianity – but in reality, they only want to the gentiles to submit to Jewish law.
WHO IS BEHIND THIS?
SATAN – under the guise of these Jewish Christians wanted to:
- spread the FALSE DOCTRINE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS BY WORKS and
- start a DOCTRINAL WAR within the church.
HOW IT WAS RESOLVED?
(V2) Paul and Barnabas as true Shepherd confronted the issue head on by explaining to these men the truth of circumcision but they didn’t back down and pushed the issue. So, they brought the issue to the Apostles and the Elders of the Church.
(v6-11) Peter took a stand as the Head of the Church and explained to them about the CIRCUMCISSION OF THE HEART BY FAITH – and everyone listened and the issue was settled.
LET US REFLECT?
WHO CAUSED THIS ISSUE?
Are we like these men? Who called themselves Christians but still practices our old faith – and still referring to our old selves? Do we still say – ganito ako, ito ang kinalakihan ko, ito ang paniniwala ko? Tayo ba ay palaging pinagmumulan ng gulo sa simbahan at mga kapatiran dahil gusto nating ipilit ang dati nating paniniwala?
WHO IS BEHIND THIS?
Minsan ba sumagi sa ating isipan na kapag tayo ay nagsisimula ng gulo, tsismis at paninira sa church tayo ay ginagamit ni Satanas?
HOW IT WAS RESOLVED?
Bilang mga Pastor, or elder ng simbahan, tumatayo ba tayo upang pag usapan at solusyunan ang mga issue sa church dala ng kaaway? O hinihintay pa nating ito ay lumala. Paul and Barnabas showed their true shepherd heart by confronting the issue right away dahil ayaw na nila itong kumalat pa.
Paul who was used by the Lord mightily showed his humble heart by seeking the guidance of Peter – Paul never considered himself equal to Peter.
Dear Remnants, this chapter 15: 1-11 asked us to reflect on ourselves
– am I a true Christian or am I being used by Satan to sow false doctrine and disputes?
- As leader or elder do I have the heart of Paul who is a true Shepherd, brave enough to confront the issue and humble enough to admit and seek the guidance of Peter?
Lord Thank you for always keeping us on the right track by reminding us with Your word. Amen
