God Doesn't Give Up
Acts 15:36-41
Prayers asked for staff – leading well in making future decisions for TCAPL
-- Dinner on Sat night to discuss several upcoming things; praying through choices
-- Pray for us to hear from God and seek Him in everything we do
Introduction
The Christian brothers and sisters at Antioch had good reason to rejoice
-- They had been at the center of a great controversy; and stood firm in it
-- The controversy? Answering, “What must we do to be saved?”
The “church” wanted to set standards for Gentiles who accepted Jesus
-- But after debate, discussion, and prayer, they came to the right conclusion
Therefore, we saw a letter sent declaring the freedom of all Believers in Christ
-- They were not made free because of the letter; but ONLY because of Jesus
-- Jesus died on the cross. Jesus was raised from the God. Jesus is Savior!
-- We must (if necessary) remind ourselves daily of this important fact
-- There is a God … I (we) are not Him.
This morning we are going to examine what happens when believers disagree
IMP: We will not ALWAYS agree on EVERYTHING – it is impossible
-- Anyone who thinks this way is really one who is out of touch with reality
-- The Disciples were humans and disagreed – and we will experience this as well
Read Acts 15:36-41
There are four players in today’s story … the first is the young man, Mark
Point 1 – Mark
Mark was a young believer; most likely a teenager in age due to his actions
As the bible shows us; Mark was one who deserted the believers at some point
-- No clear reason why; but could have been because he disagreed with church
-- He could have been a Jew who disagreed with Gentiles being brought in
-- This most likely led to him simply walking away; to ignoring his calling
As we saw last week; this was a common occurrence in the church
-- “You don’t worship like us so you are not welcome”; plagues the church today
The church of Acts faced many like this who were called to serve differently
-- Mark, being young, showed the immaturity that we are called to grow out of
Mark deserted the church just like someone who was very uncommitted
APP: Today we see Christians who are like this as well … challenge = run away
-- Remember cutting corners when mom/dad asked you to get something done?
-- I’ll do whatever it takes to serve you Lord as long as I don’t have to do …
So, when another missionary trip was planned, Barnabas wanted his cousin to go
-- This put Mark in between two spiritually mature men arguing over his value
-- I am sure this wasn't pleasant, but often it’s necessary to iron things out
TRANS: Our next player in this story is Barnabas
Point 2 – Barnabas
Barnabas is a great encourager; he was a man who supported Paul tremendously
-- Many in the church today are encouragers to others; they stand together
-- Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Barnabas suggests that Mark come along to give him another chance
-- What is interesting is that Mark also deserted Barnabas since he was with Paul
-- IMP: Yet … Barnabas is not willing to just toss him aside and forget him
APP: Many of us have been tossed aside and know that feeling … we must not repeat that action with others and be willing to restore others to service
Barnabas understood that Mark needed to serve; needed to be exposed to service
-- He wasn't ready to just give up on him despite his past sins and faults
IMP: Barnabas grasped something we must also: The person is MORE important than the task to be done (trying, failing, and restoring is the best method)
TRANS: This sets us up to see the other side of this argument from Paul
Point 3 – Paul
Paul is a detailed oriented person; he’s on a mission to bring others to Jesus Christ
-- Acts 9 showed us how he was converted and his work ethic is without question
The Bible says that Paul “did not think it wise” – Why? Mark was not dependable
-- “Mark was one who deserted us in the past, why would I trust him now?”
-- Mark has proven himself untrustworthy and dead weight is not needed
Bottom line: (paraphrase) “That kid ain't going with me – ever!!”
Challenge: How many of us have given up on people in our lives in this way?
-- Paul had his facts straight; he was standing on conviction; and wasn't budging
-- This is the exact way Paul is feeling about Mark right now; he is useless to him
-- We cannot blame Paul though – Mark had absolutely prove unreliable
APP: To a task oriented person being undependable is inconceivable
What happens when these two men disagree?
-- First, they part ways and never serve together again (sad and disappointing …)
-- IMP: Second, the Gospel is still spread and people are still saved!
TRANS: Now, we come to our most important player in this story … God!
Point 4 – God
While not specifically listed … let’s remember who the STAR is in Acts
-- It isn't Paul, Luke, or anyone else … it is the Holy Spirit of God!
First, God used Barnabas to achieve growth and discipleship in Mark
-- Barnabas was willing to give him another chance; and actually took him
-- Philemon v24 shows that Mark continued in ministry – he served more!
Barnabas is not mentioned again in book of Acts … BUT he is a disciple-maker!
-- He understood and took to heart Jesus’s command to MAKE disciples
Second, God uses Paul to give Mark a good recommendation later in time
-- Colossians 4:10, “My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, as does Mark, the cousin of Barnabas. (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.)”
Not only that, look at what Paul says while he is prison (at the end of his life)
-- 2 Tim 4:11, “Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.” (This is a tremendous demonstration of grace)
Mark is helpful: useful – valuable – beneficial … Mark is not wasted!! GRACE!
How the greatest value of this life evident to us in 2013?
-- This kid who ran away, deserted, & abandoned Paul wrote a Gospel of Jesus
-- This kid, this wasted life, is the author of the GOSPEL OF MARK
-- (pause and let that sink in; Challenge: How many have we ignored in our lives?
Big Ideas
1. The big idea is simple: NO LIFE is worthless to God; no matter their choices
Regardless of their past, we must be willing to look for those that we can build up!
2. Jesus demonstrated pouring into the lives of those around Him to teach us how
We are limited in what we do well; which means we need others around us
3. The grace of God is the ultimate result in lives – it brings total change to all
- The disagreement of these men allows us to see how God works in our lives
- If we are to ever be serious about growth … we have to have GRACE
- Then, we need to show it to others to help them achieve God’s purpose for them
Pray
