Making Disciples
Harvesting Contention and Division

Sunday October 14th, 2018 - Pastor Wungreiso Valui

Acts 15:36-41

The Impact of Paul and Barnabas' Contention on Making Disciples

THE MAIN IDEA

The contention and separation of Barnabas and Paul resulted in two missionary ventures. The contention was rooted in different callings, giftings and visions. The contention was not contentious or competitive, but it was collaborative - the goal was to spread the good news and strengthen the church. There was a division in ministry priorities, but not in their common bond of love. The division led to multiplication.

THE MAIN PASSAGE

36 "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." 37 Now Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark. 38 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. 39 Then the contention became so sharp that they parted from one another. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus; 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed, being commended by the brethren to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." (Acts 15:36-41)

THE CONTEXT

"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.'" V36

Paul and Barnabas had great concerns for the new believers, who faced tremendous challenges in a worldly environment
Go back to the 10 cities they visited in their first missionary journey
See in what ways the new believers were living

THE APPLICATIONS

"Barnabas was determined to take with them John called Mark." v37 Differences in ministries and diversities of Spiritual gifts Devote your spiritual gift to the right people

Paul insisted that they should not take with them the one...v38
Positive action and critical response are necessary in discipleship
Encourage and affirm others, but hold them responsible and accountable for their words and actions

The contention became so sharp that they parted from one another v39
Differences rooted in different callings, giftings, and visions
The division led to multiplication of disciples

Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus but Paul chose Silas and he went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches v39-41
Strengthen the strength of people but do not ignore the dark side
Determination and commitment to your calling and spiritual gifts are necessary for edification