Confusion in the Camp

Acts 21:17-26

March 8, 1998

 

Some degree of confusion may always exist in communities where the gospel is proclaimed:

 

1. Collision of the spirit of this age (world) with the work of the Spirit of God.  There are some morally neutral 

    things but neutrality is not a safeguard.

 

2. Collision of cultural practices before conversion to Christ and how we are to continue or discontinue such 

    practices.  Examples:  Corinth, Ephesus, Acts 15 "fornication," tribal areas. 

 

3. Collision of those views that are mere religion devoid of life and the truth that sets men free.

 

4. Collision of strong personalities who have come to faith in Christ and now must learn to live in unity.

 

5. Collision of various levels of instruction, teaching, tradition, so that true harmony operates in the church.

 

I. Seek Unity

 

    - Never at the expense of essential doctrines - no ground was given nor needed to be; both Paul and James 

      stood together on salvation.

   -  Without a competitive spirit - no display of 'one-up-manship'

   -  For the sake of the gospel and God's glory

 

II. Exercise Openness (v. 19)

     Paul's testimony of Gentile converts while James could point to the same among Jews (v. 20.)

 

    - Not out of boasting

    - Glorifying God

    - Genuine interest

    - A true fellowship in the Spirit

 

III. Rejoice with each other (vv. 19-20)

       Jealousy is at root of so many troubles; learning to genuinely rejoice with one another helps stem this.

 

IV. Be Conciliatory

 

     - Paul could have been stubborn, and James could have "fed him to the dogs"

     - For the sake of the gospel and the unity of the church

     - What Paul did involved culture and tradition; it was not a necessity.  Simply, should Jews continue to 

        engage in Jewish cultural practices?

          1. As long as it does not conflict with salvation

          2. As long as culture does not become a command for those in other cultures

          3. As long as we view it as culture not merit

          4. As long as the moral law is not broken

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