Bible Study
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Reference: Acts 14:1-2
Topic: “Internal
Affairs”
The lesson aim is to raise awareness about the internal
struggles to hinder spiritual growth.
More importantly, we must learn how to “read” people without jumping to
conclusions or becoming defensive toward others. (Ephesians 6:11-12) The divisive work being done within the
church is by design. The opposition is
not about people. However, the main objective is to prevent sinners from being
converted and becoming followers of Christ.
This lesson is not an indictment against the church. Nor is it designed to cast a cloud of doubt
over the church or challenge its mission.
However, there are yet realities that suggest that some people inside
the building (church house) are not working for the Lord. The assignment that Paul and Barnabas had
been given was in full swing. (Read Acts
14:1) Both men were willing to put aside
their differences and work together toward the building of God’s
kingdom. (Acts 13:2-3) The Ephesians
4:12 agenda is designed to grow people. The indictment against today’s church
questions the intentions of the heart of those who claim to know the Lord, but
their actions don’t concur.
The enemy works in contrast, that is in the flesh, to the Lord
to break our stride toward spiritual renewal through transformation. (Romans
7:18-19; 12:2) There are several major
acts in the text that should raise a number of concerns.
First, why would anybody want to challenge a good work that
has been ordained to change lives?
Secondly, how do we know what to look for when assessing the
maturity of other believers? (verse 2 – “the unbelieving Jews”)
Thirdly, how do we protect the new converts from those sent
to turn them away from the truth?
The church is the workshop for developing and training
Christian soldiers. We must be diligent
in our pursuit of God’s righteousness and the indwelling of HIS spirit.
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