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Sunday Worship 11 August 2024 : The churches were strengthened in the faith

Text: Acts 15-16
11 August 2024

INTRODUCTION

1. Weaknesses can affect a church

a. A church can be strong for a time
b. But weaknesses can still come in
c. Weaknesses that are not addressed can cause damage to a church

2. Weaknesses must be addressed

a. Swiftly
b. Skilfully
c. Strengthening needs to take place

WEAKNESSES THAT AFFECTED THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH

1. The church at Antioch was growing in strength

a. Barnabas and Saul taught the church.  (Acts 11:26)
b. The church had a number of prophets and teachers as leaders   (Acts 13:1)
c. The church sent out Paul and Barnabas as missionaries   (Acts 13:2-3)

2. But it was weakened by false teachers and false teaching

a. Certain men came down from Judea and taught   (Acts 15:1)
i. “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses”
ii. “You cannot be saved”
b. This caused a controversy
i. This would have affected the group of Gentile converts especially
ii. Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and dispute with them   (Acts 15:2)
iii. Such a matter could potentially divide the church

HOW THE CHURCH AT ANTIOCH WAS STRENGTHENED

1. The controversy had to be resolved   (Acts 15:6-21)

a. The hand of God had to be discerned
b. The right doctrine had to be set forth
c. The correct decision had to be made
d. This was done by the apostles and elders at the Jerusalem church

2. False teachings and teachers had to be dealt with

a. By means of a letter from the church of Jerusalem   (Acts 15:24-29)
i. Dissociating themselves from the false teachers
ii. Stating the decision and resolution of the controversy
b. By sending out chosen men from Jerusalem – Judas and Silas
i. To deliver the letter
ii. To report on the proceedings of the Jerusalem council   (Acts 15:27)
iii. To counter the words of the false teachers   (Acts 15:24-25)
iv. To exhort and strengthen the brethren   (Acts 15:32)

3. Further strengthening   (Acts 15:35)

a. Through the continuing ministry of Paul and Barnabas
b. They remained and continued teaching and preaching the word of the Lord
c. With many others also

OTHER AFFECTED CHURCHES STRENGTHENED ALONGSIDE

1. The churches of Galatia

a. They could have been somewhat affected by false teaching
b. They could also have been affected by the persecution of the Jews   (Acts 14:21-23)
c. Possible weaknesses in these churches needed to be uncovered and addressed too
d. What Paul sought to do   (Acts 15:36)
i. To go back
ii. To visit the brethren
iii. To see how they were doing

2. How they were strengthened   (Acts 16:4)

a. A new team was formed – Paul, Silas and Timothy
b. They visited the brethren in the cities where the Lord’s Word was preached
c. They delivered the decrees determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem

THE RESULT

1. So the churches were strengthened in the faith   (Acts 16:5)

2. Increased in number daily

RELEVANT LESSONS

1. Strength in a church should never be taken for granted

a. A church can be strong for the moment
b. But weaknesses can still come in

2. Weaknesses must be addressed

a. They must be promptly uncovered
b. They must be decisively dealt with
c. This must be done before any further damage occurs

3. The responsibility of strengthening a church lies with all of us

a. Leaders within the church
b. Individuals within the church
c. All must seek strength personally