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