Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church Lesson 3: (Acts 5:1 – 7:60)

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Conflict with the sinful Ananias & Sapphira (5:1-16) –This couple was guilty of “egotism.”  “Satan filled” their hearts (4:36-5:4) with his “pride of life” (cf. 1 John 2:16)  They “agreed together” to deceive (5:9) –This couple was guilty of “materialism.”  Decided to “keep back part of the price” (5:3) –This couple may have been guilty of “deism.”  They attempted “to test the Holy Spirit” (5:3-9) –The discipline & death of this couple only served to unite & ignite the further growth of the church (5:11-14).

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Applying It to Me –How do we work with Christians who choose to sin?  A&S made a decision to steal & deceive.  They would not repent of their decision.  Their rebellious spirit sought to “test” God.  Today, the rebellious & impenitent must be dealt with and disciplined/“punished”: –“taken/put away” from our fellowship (1 Cor. 5:2, 13) –“delivered to Satan” (1 Cor. 5:5) –removed from our company (1 Cor. 5:9-11) –intent: to “save” (1 Cor. 5:5) & “shame” (2 Th. 3:14) –A “punishment” (2 Co. 2:4-9) in His name (1 Cor. 5:4)

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Conflict with the sinful Ananias & Sapphira (5:1-16) Conflict with the demanding Sanhedrin (5:17-42) –Sanhedrin (the Jewish Council) was composed of Sadducees, Pharisees and priests. –Filled with indignation (5:17), the Sanhedrin:  imprisoned the apostles (5:18)  “strictly commanded” them not to talk about Jesus (5:28)  initially “plotted to kill” the apostles (5:17, 33)  then, “beat” the apostles (5:40) –This mistreatment only served to unite & strengthen the resolve of the church (5:42).

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Applying It to Me –How do we work with those who are demanding & difficult?  The Sanhedrin: (a) “interrogated” the apostles (5:27); (b) “isolated” them (5:28); (c) “repudiated” them (5:36-40); (d) “intimidated” them with a beating (5:41).  We have those today who do the same. –Obey God rather than man (5:29). –Rejoice in the opportunity to suffer (5:41). –Ignore their empty words and carry on with the evangelistic purpose God has given us (5:42).

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Conflict with the sinful Ananias & Sapphira (5:1-16) Conflict with the demanding Sanhedrin (5:17-42) Conflict with the neglected Hellenist Jews (6:1-7) –Jews born outside of Palestine waged a complaint against Jews born in Palestine—widows neglected –Hellenists to select 7 men—known for their “good reputation,” H.S.-directed lives & their “wisdom” –This solution united the church: (Gk. imperfect tense)  The Word of God continued to “spread” (6:7; cf. 9:31)  Number of disciples continued to be “multiplied” (6:7)  Great many priests “were obedient” (6:7) –Unity was preserved & the church grew!

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Applying It to Me –How do we work through conflicts that arise within our congregations?  The apostles listened to the Hellenists (6:1-3)  The apostles delegated the minutia (6:3)  The apostles involved the complainers (6:3)  The apostles gave direction & accepted their decisions per those directions (6:3-6)  The apostles carried on with their God-given responsibilities (6:6-7)

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Conflict with the sinful Ananias & Sapphira (5:1-16) Conflict with the demanding Sanhedrin (5:17-42) Conflict with the neglected Hellenist Jews (6:1-7) Conflict with a synagogue of critics (6:8-7:60) –“there arose some…disputing with Stephen” (6:9)  “secretly induced men to” lie about Stephen (6:11)  “stirred up” a mob (6:12)  falsely charged Stephen with blasphemy (6:13-14)  After Stephen’s comprehensive reply, they were furious (7:54) – they gritted their teeth, wailed out loud, stopped up their ears, dragged him out of city, and, without authority (Jn. 18:31), executed him (7:54-60). –Even with a great persecution, the church remained united (8:1-4) and continued to grow (cf. 9:31)

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Applying It to Me –How are we to respond to those who are incessantly critical?  Like Stephen, we need to use the Bible in responding to those who criticize our beliefs. He substantiated the message he preached by surveying the “Patriarchal Age” & introducing Jesus as the “Prophet” promised by God (7:1- 37).  Then, we need to adequately defend our integrity when criticism threatens our message. With David, let us walk “in integrity of heart and uprightness” (1 Kings 9:4).

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Applying It to Me –How are we to respond to those who are incessantly critical?  Defend our integrity (a threat to our message): –Accused of speaking against Moses, he pointed them to their fathers who rejected Moses (7:36-40). –Accused of speaking against God, he pointed to their fathers whom God rejected (7:41-43). –Accused of speaking against the temple, he pointed to time when their fathers worshiped without a temple (7:44-50). –Accused of speaking against the law, he reminded them of Jesus’ crucifixion to prove that they were the disobedient ones (7:51-53)

Conflict Resolution Unites His Glorious Church (Acts 5:1 – 7:60) Applying It to Me –“Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11).