Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Week 3)

October 10, 2024
Jesus + Nothing = Everything (Week 3)

The Fight for Unity

The Fight For Unity

Crucified with Christ (Gal 2:20)
WE have been crucified, Christ is IN us 

What is true about Christ is now true about us! The old is gone the new has come… 

Then how do we handle conflict? Conflict doesn’t cause disunity NOT handling conflict causes disunity. With Jesus in us, we enter the chaos with humility and grace.

When conflict is handled correctly it breeds deeper intimacy and
unity in the body of Christ

Called Out! (Gal 2:11-14)
Who Was Paul His life before Jesus His conversion 

His ministry 

Who Were Peter, James and John? 

Their thoughts on Salvation 

Their thoughts on Jews vs Gentiles 

A Blended Family Jews and Gentiles coming together 

Differing views on what Christians should be doing

Discord and disunity

Peter and Paul (Gal 2:2-3, 7-9, 11-14)
A Private Meeting (vs 2-3) 

Same family, different focuses (vs 7-9) 

Peter comes to town First interactions A change of heart? Peter says a lot by not saying anything (vs.11-14) 

The ripple effect of hypocrisy

The Confrontation (Gal 2:11-14)
I. Making a scene in public II. Paul flexing his power? Perhaps not III. Love protects and brings unity IV. Division must be dealt with I. How do we as followers of Jesus deal with conflict? II. What happens if we don’t? What happens if we DO?! III. Jesus’ instruction on conflict resolution (Matt 18:15-17)

The Temptation to Go Back (Gal 2: 15-21)
I. Justified by what? (vs 16) II. Why the law lures us back even today I. The law can make us feel like we have control II. It’s measurable and we can check our boxes III. It’s good stuff, so it can’t be bad… right? IV. Leaven in a lump (Gal 5:9) V. Living for the law can create a tiered Christianity full of pride and shame.

Well Now What?
I. We live a Life to the Full with Christ in us (vs 20) 

II. We have died to the law (vs 19) 

III. We don’t nullify the grace of God (vs 21) 

IV. Christ is our head, not the law, and He desires UNITY 

So… we press in! 

I. Unity is a gift but will always need fought for 

II. As followers of Jesus we… 

I. Trust him 

II. Follow His lead 

III. Enter the chaos and bring order 

IV. Go there!

Because, when conflict is handled correctly it breeds deeper intimacy
and unity in the body of Christ

LIFEgroup Questions:
How do you tend to handle conflict? Do you tend to press in or push back? 

Describe a time that you had to go through conflict. Did it turn out good or bad? Why? 

Are there areas of your life where the law tends to creep back in? How does that change how you think about others and potentially how you treat them? 

Where are the places in your life God may be asking you to enter into the chaos and “go there”? How might Galatians 2:20 lead you in that confrontation?