“Encounter With the Risen Christ”

John 20:11-23“Conflict Between Coworkers” Acts 15:36-41

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

“There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all.”

1 Corinthians 12:5-6

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

“Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.’”

Acts 15:36

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

“Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.”

Acts 15:37-38

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

1. The issue of the conflict

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

1. The issue of the conflict

2. The viewpoints of the conflict

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

1. The issue of the conflict

2. The viewpoints of the conflict

“Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark.’”

Acts 15:37

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

2. The viewpoints of the conflict

“But Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one who had departed from them in Pamphylia, and had not gone with them to the work.”

Acts 15:38

I. Conflict – a painful dilemma

2. The viewpoints of the conflict

“But Jesus said to him, ‘No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.’”

Luke 9:62

II. Contention – a troubling disagreement

II. Contention – a troubling disagreement

“Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another.”

Acts 15:39a

II. Contention – a troubling disagreement

1. Disagreements are inevitable

II. Contention – a troubling disagreement

1. Disagreements are inevitable

2. Even the godly will not always agree

II. Contention – a troubling disagreement

1. Disagreements are inevitable

2. Even the godly will not always agree

3. In many disagreements, each side is valid

III. Compulsion – an unfortunate departure

III. Compulsion – an unfortunate departure

“And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.”

Acts 15:39b-41

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

“Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.”

II Timothy 4:11

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

1. When in the middle of a disagreement … work at seeing both sides … not just your own

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interest of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

2. When both sides have solid points … seek a wise compromise, instead of your own will

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

2. When both sides have solid points … seek a wise compromise, instead of your own will

3. If conflict continues … care enough to work it out … don’t run

IV. Crowning Point – a meaningful disclosure

2. When both sides have solid points … seek a wise compromise, instead of your own will

3. If conflict continues … care enough to work it out … don’t run

4. God is in the ministry of restoring failures