How Do We Deal With Controversy In The Local Church

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Controversy in the Local Church

• How Do We Deal With Controversy In The Local
  Church?

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I Corinthians 110

• Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of
  our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the
  same thing, and that there be no divisions among
  you, but that you be perfectly joined together in
  the same mind and in the same judgment.

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John 1721

• that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in
  Me, and I in You that they also may be one in
  Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

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Ephesians 43

• Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in
  the bond of peace.

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Controversy in the Local Church

• The church in Jerusalem faced serious
  controversy
• Acts 61-7

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Acts 61

• Now in those days, when the number of the
  disciples was multiplying, there arose a
  complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists,
  because their widows were neglected in the daily
  distribution.

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Issues must be brought into the open rather than
  whispered among different groups.
• Complaint murmuring
• secret displeasure not openly avowed - Phil.
  214 42

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Philippians 42,3

• I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that
  they be of the same mind in the Lord. And I
  intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those
  women which laboured with me in the gospel..

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Controversy in the Local Church

• The controversy was faced acand dealt with.
  (Acts 62-5)
• When issues are ignored there can be a constant
  drag on the spirit of a church.

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Controversy in the Local Church

• The controversy was ended with a solution that
  pleased the whole multitude. (Acts 65)
• The church at Jerusalem could have had a major
  split but instead it GREW! (Acts 67)

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Controversy in the Local Church

• How Do We Respond In Controversy? James
  314-17

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James 314-17

• But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in
  your heart, glory not and lie not against the
  truth. This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh
  down from above, but is earthly, sensual,
  devilish. For where jealousy and faction are,
  there is confusion and every vile deed.

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James 314-17

• But the wisdom that is from above is first
  pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be
  entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without
  variance, without hypocrisy. And the fruit of
  righteousness is sown in peace for them that make
  peace.

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Controversy in the Local Church

• How Do We Respond In Controversy? James
  314-17 Fear of conflict leads some to go into
  the backgroundFor others, it is easy to become
  negative and overly critical

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Controversy reveal our hearts
• Love? or Anger?
• Concern? or Pride?
• Charity? or Selfishness?

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Controversy in the Local Church

• How To Resolve Controversy
• - Issues must dealt with in the light of
  scripture
• - I Timothy 13,4 2 Tim. 223

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Mature Leadership
• Will express confidence in others
• Will listen to all involved
• Will make the best decision

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Respect For The Elders

• Obey them that have the rule over you, and
  submit to them for they watch in behalf of your
  souls, as they that shall give account that they
  may do this with joy, and not with grief for
  this were unprofitable for youHebrews 1317

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Distinguish between matters of doctrine and
  matters of opinion
• In matters of judgment be willing to yield

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Mutual Love and Respect
• Love my brethren and have confidence in them to
  do the right thing
• Dont misjudge the motives of others

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Have Humility and Patience
• Forbearance / Longsuffering
• Dont let fear drive our emotions and actions
• Dont be afraid to change!

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Pray For Wisdom James 15

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Reject Those Who Desire To Win at all costs
  James 314-15 Titus 39-11 I Timothy 63-5

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Controversy in the Local Church

• Dont be easily influenced by others who are
  contentious I Corinthians 1533 I Timothy 63-6

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Conclusion

• Gods church is a family. Therefore, we should
  work to solve our problems in love and unity.
• Are You Part of the Problem or The Solution?