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
- Misunderstandings caused by poor communication
- Joshua 22, making assumption vs. engaging in conversation
- 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
- Competition over limited resources (time, money, energy, opportunities, attention, etc)
- Genesis 13, Abram and Lot
- Hurt–intentional and unintentional
- Often what is attributed to intentional hurt is in fact unintentional
- Sinful attitudes, words, or actions
- These are beyond mere differences, and are clearly intentional
Inward Causes of Conflict
- 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?
- In chapter 4 of his epistle, the apostle James confronts believers about conflict in their midst.
- Unbiblical thinking
- Conflict reveals what is in your heart
- Handling conflict in ungodly ways is basically functional atheism
Live It Out!
- Recognize that your desires and thinking are wrong
- Repent of pride and selfishness
- Run to Jesus and he will help you
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