“Poisonous People”: Carriers of division, strife, pain; “Blessing Blockers”

Alexander (2 Timothy 4:14-15)

Demas: a faithful follower (Colossians 4:15; Philemon 24)

“Demas” – Loved “this world” (2 Timothy 4:10) See 1 John 2:15, 16

Pleasure; Possessions; Pride [Power]. Jesus commands to “Beware of” were centered around the religious, self-righteous, leaders who sought to control

[RECONCILIATION not always possible: (Romans 12:18) but should be sought]

Dealing with poisonous people: Ask for the discernment of the Spirit; don’t be in a hurry to commit; still endure inevitable pain

INTERNAL STRIFE: Relationship Killer! (James 3:16; the internal churning of selfish agenda [strife] will close the door to Blessing and open the door to “confusion, disorder, and every evil thing.”

Deal with strife aggressively (if don’t, will hold you hostage)

Disagreement and contention are not the same things. [Grace and forgiveness are always essential. Agreement and trust are not.]

Proverbs 15:1 – contentious, painful words …. Proverbs 17:14; Proverbs 26:20