INTRODUCTION:
This lesson deals with six problems that seemed to be a a viral-cancer to the Early Church in the first century: "legalism, prejudice, worldliness, pride, carnality, and spiritual immaturity".
But with the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit, we can identity ways to overcome them.
BIBLE TEXTS:
Acts 15:1-11, 22-29
Revelation 3:14-22;
1 Peter 5:5-7
1 Corinthians 3:1- 8
TOPIC:
WORKING THROUGH CHURCH PROBLEMS
KEY VERSE:
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13 KJV).
CENTRAL TRUTH:
Church problems can be solved by listening to the Holy Spirit and applying
biblical principles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
ldentify the common sources of problems within the local church and the worldwide Church as described in Scripture.
Recognise that Scripture is the primary source for finding solutions to church problems.
Commit to guarding against worldly values by growing in their relationships with God.
COMMENTARY AND APPLICATION
1. LEGALISM AND PREJUDICE
A. We Are All Saved the Same Way"–Acts 15:1-11
In many ways, the central issue facing the Jerusalem Council was the larger question of what role the Law should have in a Christian's life. In Acts 15, the specific matter under discussion was circumcision. When a group of Jewish believers taught that circumcision was necessary for salvation, Paul and Barnabas led a delegation to Jerusalem to discuss the issue with the church leaders and apostles there (verses 1-3).
Verse 5 indicates that the church in Jerusalem included a group of Pharisees who had become Christians. They already believed in the doctrine of resurrection, so in many ways their faith in Christ did not contradict their existing beliefs as Pharisees. They were greatly admired and revered in the first century for their expertise in Scripture. This posed a problem, though, when it came to the Law, and especially as it related to Gentiles. The Pharisees arqued: "The Gentile Converts must be circumcised and required to follow the law of Moses" (verse 5, NLT).
As one of the apostles in
Jerusalem, Peter addressed the Jerusalem church and the visiting delegates. He began by reminding them that God intended for the gospel to be preached to the Gentiles so that they could believe. This was confirmed by the gift of the Holy Spirit being given to them (verses 6-9; see Acts 10:44-48). Peter explained that God himself did not distinguish between Jewish and Gentile believers and that those demanding circumcision were tempting (15:10, KJV) or "challenging" (NLT) God with their demand. In essence, they were casting doubt on the validity of what God was doing among the Gentiles.
The mention of a yoke is key. This term was commonly used in Judaism to refer to the Law or, more specifically, the acceptance of the entire Law. Peter pointed out that even their ancestors could not bear Such a burden. Salvation only came through Christ the One who said, "My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light (Matthew 11:30, NLT). As Paul stated later, the problem was not with the Law (Romans 7:11-16). Rather, the problem was that humans cannot keep the Law, which makes the Law insufficient.
Questions For Application
Why do you think some Jews thought the Gentiles should follow the Law?
What are some ways legalism exists in the Church today?
In what ways do people put extra requirements on how others become Christians?
B. The Burden Has Been Made Light–Acts 15:22-29
Peter's strong words to the Jerusalem Council were immediately reinforced by James and received by the delegates (Acts 15:12-21). Two leaders from the Jerusalem church, Judas and Silas, were appointed to join Paul and Barnabas in journeying back to Antioch. They would carry a letter (verses 23-29) that explained the situation and provided the remedy. It is worthwhile to note the letter was described as coming from "the apostles and elders and brethren" (KJV). There was no animosity from one congregation to another. As the believers worked through their differences, the Church was coming together as a unified body of faith both Jews and Gentiles.
There were no second-class believers.
The letter first explained that the Judaizers (Jews who insisted Gentiles keep the Law) were neither sent nor approved by the leaders in Jerusalem (verse 24). This is important because the church at Jerusalem held great influence and respect in the Early Church. The Judaizers had acted alone, and it is strongly implied that their actions disturbed the apostles and elders.
The solution the Jerusalem Council had reached not on their own but through the leading of the Holy Spirit-was to "lay no greater burden on you than these few requirements" (verse 28, NLT): Do not eat food offered to idols. Do not consume blood or meat from a strangled animal. Abstain from sexual immorality.
These instructions are among what Jews call the Seven Laws of Noah, who was the father of both Jews and Gentiles. The Jews Considered these commands to predate the Law and believed they applied to everyone. The first six laws were: Do not worship idols; do not blaspheme God's name; do not kill; do not commit adultery; do not rob; do not consume "lifeblood" (Genesis 9:4, NLT); and establish courts of justice. In addition, Jews Considered eating meat sacrificed to idols as participating in idolatry. So these instructions from the Jerusalem Council paved the way for healthy, unified fellowship between Jews and Gentiles by prohibiting behaviours that were offensive to Jews. They countered prejudice without adding any requirements to salvation.
Questions For Application
How does prejudice manifest itself in the Church today?
What are some ways your church can overcome prejudice and pursue unity?
2. WORLDLINESS AND PRIDE
A. Don't Be Lukewarm – Revelation 3:14-22
The letter to the church at Laodicea opens with a vivid description of Jesus as "the one who is the Amen the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's new creation" (Revelation 3:14, NLT).
The Hebrew word amen means faithfulness or truth and is sometimes used in Scripture to signify God's steadfast nature. (See Isaiah 65:16, where "God of truth" can be translated "God of amen.") This description of Jesus in Revelation drew a sharp contrast to the unfaithfulness of the Laodicean church, and verses 15-18 are a harsh and elaborate rebuke against them.
Positioned at a crossroads in the ancient Roman world, Laodicea was a wealthy city. This abundance had corrupted the faith of the believers there. Material wealth had blinded them to their spiritual poverty. They wore the expensive black woolen garments Laodicea famously produced, yet they were naked- lacking the white garments fit for heaven. They had worldly wealth, but not the golden riches of heaven that had been purified by God. And while Laodicea was known for its medical school, which exported an eye salve known as Phrygian powder across the Empire, the church needed ointment from God to restore their spiritual sight. In short, the Laodiceans had become worldly to the point of being spiritually repulsive. Six miles to their north lay Hierapolis, a city known for its hot mineral springs. The water from the springs overflowed onto a plateau, then poured Over a three- hundred-foot cliff near Laodicea, creating a beautiful, mineral-encrusted waterfall. People travelled to Hierapolis for its therapeutic hot water, but by the time the water reached Laodicea, it was lukewarm and disgusting to drink. Such was the Laodicean church: seemingly rich, beautiful, and appealing, but actually putrid.
Thankfully, God graciously corrects those He loves. Verse 20 is often used as an invitation from Christ to those outside the faith, but we cannot lose sight of its original context. Jesus was inviting the
Laodicean Christians to return to fellowship with Him. Although they had wandered away, He had not forgotten them. In fact, He was the One making the first move, pursuing them. They needed only to turn from their worldliness and be reconciled to Him. Instead of the temporary riches of Laodicea, they would enjoy the untold riches and blessings of their eternal reward.
Questions For Application
What are some ways the desire for wealth and self-sufficiency can pollute our hearts?
How does this greed and
independent pride seep into the church?
How can we guard against sliding into worldliness?
B. God Opposes the Proud–1 Peter 5:5-7
This passage opens with an interesting word picture: "Dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another" (1 Peter 5:5, NLT). That term "dress yourselves" (NLT) or "be clothed" (KJV) refers to a Servant putting on an apron in preparation to serve. Jesus himself did this when He washed the disciples' feet (see John 13:4-17).
Humility is tied to wilful submission and service. We humble ourselves by elevating others, treating them with value and respect. It's easy to imagine doing this in relationship to God. But showing humility toward one another can be difficult.
Peter put humility in the most basic spiritual terms by quoting Proverbs 3:34: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (1 Peter 5:5, NLT). The ego is naturally at odds with the kingdom of God-the One who humbled himself to the point of becoming human for Our sake. But the answer to pride is quite simple - though not always easy. We must submit ourselves to the "mighty hand" of God (verse 6, KJV). In the Old Testament, God's hand represented discipline (Psalm 32:4) and deliverance (Deuteronomy 9:26; Ezekiel 20:34). Both meanings apply in Peter's epistle, and they apply to us as well. As we submit to God in every aspect of life, we are shaped into the image of Christ and imitate His character by showing love and humility toward others. In the end, today's struggles will be a distant memory.
The familiar exhortation in 1 Peter 5:7 to "[cast] all your care upon him" (KJV) refers to the many difficulties believers face while trying to lead godly lives in an ungodly world. This includes inner spiritual struggles along with outward trials like persecution, poverty, injustice, and sickness. Jesus will carry these burdens for us, because He cares for us.
Questions For Application
What does Christian humility look like in someone's everyday life?
In what ways has God shown that He cares for you?
3. CARNALITY AND IMMATURITY
A. "Still Controlled by Your Sinful Nature"–1 Corinthians 3:1-4
Paul continued his exhortation to the Corinthians by giving an exceptionally harsh evaluation of their spiritual state. He was able to critique their profound spiritual immaturity without denying their status as Christians-although they were so immature that he had to address them as if they "belonged to this world" or "infants in Christ" (verse 1, NLT).
At the root of their problem was a sad reality: "You are still controlled by your sinful nature" (verse 3, NLT). For this reason, Paul had to treat them as spiritual infants, focusing on basic virtues rather than deeper doctrines. Instead of outgrowing their immaturity, they were stuck.
The signs were evident in their relationships with one another, which were filled with jealousy and quarrelling. Some believers may not consider these to be big sins and might try to justify quarrels by pointing to others' actions. Yet Paul saw this differently, asking two rhetorical questions that implied positive responses: "Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren't you living like people of the world?"
(verse 3. NLT).
In their immature behaviour, the Corinthian Christians were acting like people who hadn't been transformed by Jesus Christ.
Paul presented an example of their divisive quarrelling. He and a charismatic teacher named Apollos served in Corinth, which was a major city in the province of Achaia, as mentioned in Acts 18:24-28. Both were doing a good work for the Lord. But the Corinthians had a distorted, worldly view of ministry, which led them to take sides based on whether they preferred Paul or Apollos.
Questions For Application
Based on 1 Corinthians 3:1-4, what are the signs of worldliness?
In what ways do Christians still become divided based on their
loyalties?
B. God Does the Work–1 Corinthians 3:5-8
Paul refuted the Corinthians' immaturity by confronting their wrong ideas and values. Paul and Apollos both preached the gospel faithfully. Each did their part to humbly serve God. But the Corinthians were divided over whose role was more important. They were drawn to personality and function, losing sight of Kingdom principles. But God was responsible for the outcome of both Paul's and Apollos' ministries, and each would find his reward in Christ.
Such carnal battles continue today. Maybe we divide over the kind of ministry or sermon or music we prefer. But Paul reminds us the answer to such disunity is to grow in the Lord together.
*Questions For Application"
What does it mean to become spiritually mature? What steps are involved in this kind of
growth?
What are some ways Christians divide over ministry matters?
How can they mend those divisions?
Call to Discipleship
Many problems in the local church result from human conflict. So the solution often results from building relationships through fellowship, prayer, love, and the kind of mutual respect that comes from seeing one another as bearers of the image of God.
Ministry in Action
Introduce yourself to someone in your church you don't know. Try to make this a practice when new people visit.
Perform an act of humble service for someone this week.
Look for ways to compliment and encourage fellow Christians in your church as a way to establish relationships that are not so easily strained by differences.
DISCLAIMER
This lesson is the exclusive production and publication of the Sunday School Department of the General Council Assemblies of God Nigeria.
It is published in a hard copy in 2024 June ending as to start teaching from it on July 7th, 2024. There is no individual author in any platform or social media sites who can claim ownership except the Sunday School Department of the General Council Assemblies of God Nigeria.
