Chapter 21 — “PROTECTING YOUR CHURCH” — section 2
DIGGING DEEPER…
1. The book of Acts records the common characteristics that are produced by a
state of unity in the church. Acts 2:46 states, “And they, continuing daily with
one accord in the temple….” Acts 4:32 also records that, “And the multitude
of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul....” What were the results and benefits of unity in Acts 2:46-47, 4:32-33 and Acts 5:12. Based
upon these verses why is it important to maintain unity in the church? What
benefits are lost when unity is lost?
"Christian unity is the key
to evangelism and cultural renewal."
— Charles Colson
2. Philippians 4:1-2 mentions a couple of individuals who were not getting along
in Philippi. What were their names? What can you determine about the nature of their dispute? How were they to resolve their conflict?
"It's easy to get good
players. Gettin' em to
play together, that's the
hard part."
— Casey Stengel
3. Romans 16:17 warns us about people that cause division when it says, “mark
them.” It states: “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid
them.” Philippians 3:17 uses the same word and expression in a positive
sense. How can we mark them? Won’t this create disunity?
"Essentials unity, nonessentials liberty, in all
things charity."
— Augustine
Two battleships met in
the night and began to
attack each other. In the
conflict, a number of
crewmen were severely
wounded, and both vessels were damaged. As
daylight broke, the sailors
on the ships discovered to
their amazement that both
vessels flew the English
flag.
Christians sometimes
"attack their own ships,"
and the victory that could
have been won by battling the real enemy is
lost. Harsh words and
belligerent attitudes
weaken the effectiveness
of Christ's body, the
church. How much better
to "keep the unity of the
spirit in the bond of
peace!"
— Anonymous
4. Rick Warren defined gossip as “passing on information when you are neither
part of the problem nor part of the solution” {p. 165}. The Bible uses several
words “backbiting” (2 Corinthians 12:20), “slander” (1 Timothy 3:11),
“speaking evil” (1 Peter 4:14 [this word is translated as “blasphemy” elsewhere in the New Testament]). What insights do these words give us about
gossip? (Use a dictionary to define: backbiting, slander and blasphemy.)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS…
1. The author states that “God wants unity, not uniformity” {161}. In your own
words state the difference between “unity” and “uniformity.”
2. Mr. Warren stated that we need to “...encourage rather than criticize. It is a lways easier to stand on the sidelines and take shots at those who are serving
than it is to get involved and make a contribution” {p. 163}. In your opinion
why do people “stand on the sidelines and take shots”? What different motivations can people have that indulge in this kind of activity?
3. At times leaders are faced with discussing facts involving disputes between
church members and even between family members. Are they indulging in
gossip when they do these kinds of things? {Pp. 164-165.}
4. Rick Warren stated, “During conflict, it is tempting to complain to a third
party rather than courageously speak the truth in love to the person you're upset with. This makes the matter worse. Instead, you should go directly to the
person involved” {p. 165}. What if the person is unaware that there has been
an offense and you are able to forgive and let go of the offense? Do you think
it is necessary to still go to and tell them in that situation?
Quotations are fromThe Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. Rick Warren,The Purpose Driven Life, Grand, Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan, 2002..
© 2004 by Keith Churilla.
7/7/2004