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?
* 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