#GOFAMINTDailyDevotion Thur. 2/11/2017
Quarter’s Theme: CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE CHURCH
UNIT 3 – Steps To Resolving Conflict In The Church (Lessons 8-12)
LOYALTY CAMPAIGN MONTHS
Suggested Hymns: G.H.B. 6, 9
Devotional Reading: MATT. 18:15-17
Topic For Adults
DON’T BOTTLE-UP RESENTMENT, SPEAK OUT
Topic For Youths
DON’T FAKE IT, BE REAL
Topic For Intermediates
SAY YOUR MIND
Lesson Scriptures
GEN. 33:1-10; ACTS 15:1-2, 6-7; GAL. 2:11-14; EPH. 4:15,25,29
5/11/2017 LESSON 10
AVOID PRETENCE, BE REAL
MEMORY VERSE
Therefore, putting away lying, let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour, for we are members of one another (Eph. 4:25) NKJV
DAILY DEVOTIONAL READING
Thur. 2/11/2017
Pretence Rebuked
Gal. 2:9-14
The legalistic Jews often hold circumcision and strict observance of Mosaic laws as conditions for acceptance unto God. Some brethren had taught and insisted that the gentile believers at Antioch church needed to be circumcised, in addition to their faith in Christ before their salvation is complete! This doctrinal teaching was the cause of the conflict in the church at Antioch. However, the church did not allow the conflict to tear them apart, but rather they sent some leaders, including Paul and Barnabas, to the elders of the church at Jerusalem for their intervention. Not quite long after this conflict was resolved, Peter came on a ministerial visit from Jerusalem to the church at Antioch in order to encourage them to be more steadfast and united in Christ. The event recorded in today’s passage occurred during that visit. While Peter was at Antioch, he was freely relating with the gentile brethren, until certain visitors arrived from Jerusalem. Then, Peter separated himself from the gentiles, fearing the Jews’ accusation! This disposition of Peter was described as hypocritical and pretentious because that did not represent his opinion on the issue of ‘forcing the gentile believers to become legalistic’. Remember that God had initially extended His grace of salvation to the gentiles through the same Peter (Acts 10:20). Conflict will continue to fester as long as we remain pretentious – not willing to admit the fact of the conflict, let alone seeking an intervention. In addition, Christians should avoid making public their opinion as to the cause of obedience or disobedience.
Point of Emphasis: Don’t derail from the conviction of God’s word simply because others have different opinion.
Prayer Point: Oh Lord, help me to stand firm in Your word, and not to derail due to pretence or fear of what people will say.
