Part 42 | God Speaks in Community

The focus of this lesson is on the way that this early doctrinal dispute was settled in the early church. It wasn’t left to each individual to decide for themselves. The dispute was brought to the leaders of the church who then discussed and made a decision. The principle at work here is the way the Holy Spirit speaks and directs us. The scripture reinforces a community approach to hearing from God, not an individualistic approach. Furthermore, the early Christians trusted God to speak through the church and its leadership. They accepted the decision when it was given. So the goal of this lesson is to challenge our individualistic mindset - one that would say, “I know what God told me and no one can tell me otherwise.” This is not the way the Holy Spirit speaks. We must humble ourselves and accept that the Word of God when confirmed through trusted leaders, brothers, and sisters, is more reliable and binding than our own personal beliefs and convictions.