Worship Service 06/25/2023

Preacher: Jeremy Herbert

Text: James 4:1-

Theme: Peacemakers see conflict as an opportunity to examine their heart and draw closer to Christ

Notes:

Outward Causes of Conflict

1. Misunderstandings caused by poor communication
   • Joshua 22, making assumption vs. engaging in conversation
2. Differences in goals, values, gifts, callings, priority, opinion, or expectations
   • This is regarding things that are simply different
   • We sin when we judge simple differences as moral failures
   • Acts 15, Paul and Barnabas
3. Competition over limited resources (time, money, energy, opportunities, attention, etc)
   • Genesis 13, Abram and Lot
4. Hurt–intentional and unintentional
   • Often what is attributed to intentional hurt is in fact unintentional
5. Sinful attitudes, words, or actions
   • These are beyond mere differences, and are clearly intentional

Inward Causes of Conflict

1. Unmet or wrongly ordered desires or expectations
   • In chapter 4 of his epistle, the apostle James confronts believers about conflict in their midst.
     • James 4:1, “What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you?”
     • James 4:4, you love yourself more than you love God or love others.
   • Tests for Idolatry:
     • What will you do to get it?
     • What will you do if you can’t get it?
2. Unbiblical thinking
   • Conflict reveals what is in your heart
   • Handling conflict in ungodly ways is basically functional atheism

Live It Out!

1. Recognize that your desires and thinking are wrong
2. Repent of pride and selfishness
3. Run to Jesus and he will help you

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