Big Idea: Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to spiral out of control.

            Acts 15:36

Conflict is inevitable.

            Acts 15:37-38

            Acts 13:13

            Acts 15:39-41

Conflict spirals when we see the worst in others.

Seeing the worst in others:

1. John Mark is a betrayer.
2. Barnabas is an enabler.

            Acts 4:36-37

3. Paul is a bully.

So who’s right?

John Mark was a betrayer, but he learns from his mistakes.

Barnabas can be an enabler, but he is also a bridge builder.

            2 Timothy 4:11

Paul can be a bully, but no one is more passionate about the gospel of Jesus Christ.

            Acts 20:24

Stopping the conflict spiral:

1. Pray for them.

            Matthew 5:44

2. Focus on the worst in yourself.

            Matthew 7:3-5

3. Remember Jesus died for sinners.

            Romans 5:8

4. Let go of control.

            Isaiah 55:8-9

5. Focus on faithfulness.

            John 14:15

Message Questions

We are continuing our study in the book of Acts, which is the story of the Holy Spirit igniting the Jesus movement through faithful obedience of a few humble people. We continue that same story today. The Holy Spirit will use the teachings of Acts to inspire you to do the same thing the earliest followers of Jesus did when they first understood the magnitude of what God has done through Christ: to GO. This Sunday, the big idea is: Conflict is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to spiral out of control. Our passage is Acts 15:36-16:15.

Use these questions to discuss the message from Sunday, focusing on how you can grow as an everyday follower of Jesus and how you can go accomplish what Jesus calls you to do.

1. How do you handle conflict? Are you more of a fighter, flee-er, or a freezer?
2. Read Acts 15:36-39. What was the source of the conflict between Paul and Barnabas? What is the end result of this conflict?
3. Now have someone read 2 Timothy 4:11. How has Paul’s view of Mark changed? What does this teach us about how we should treat people with whom we are frustrated?
4. Take an inventory of your life. With whom are you in conflict or most prone to be in conflict? How can you grow in how you relate to and love those people?
5. What would it look like for you to set aside the conflict spiral and instead go to be a reconciler in your relational world?