Bible Principles for Resolving Conflicts
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: RSS
TITLE: Bible Principles for Resolving Conflicts
SUBJECT: Conflicts, Peace, Unity
PROPOSITION: In this lesson we will look at six Bible principles for resolving conflicts.
OBJECTIVE: That each member be informed what the Bible teaches to resolve conflicts.
AIM: To teach six fundamental principles for resolving conflicts.
INTRODUCTION:
1. Read: Romans 12:8 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
2. About the Text:
1) I don’t know any healthy minded individual who doesn’t want peaceful relationships with his neighbor.
2) But to be realistic, we often find ourselves in conflict with others.
3) When these conflicts manifest themselves, they can cause great problems.
3. Ref. to S, T, P, O, and A.
DISCUSSION:
I. Little Unresolved Problems Have a Way of Growing Into Big Unresolved Problems
1. Many big problems start very small. James 3:5
2. Bad attitudes fan the fire of contention. Proverbs 26:21
3. Anger doesn’t resolve problems. Ephesians 4:31
4. Church cliques can easily become sectarian. 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
5. Stop little problems before they become big problems.
II. Good Communication can go a long way toward resolving problems.
1. We must be willing to listen to both sides of the story. James 1:19
2. We cannot afford to assume things regarding what our brother believes. John 7:24
3. We must not neglect evidence that opposes our cause. Ephesians 4:25
4. Sometimes mediation is required. 1 Timothy 2:5
III. Good Intentions Don’t Justify Unscriptural Practices
1. We cannot be satisfied with “good intentions.” Proverbs 3:5, 6
2. No one person has the answer within themselves. Jeremiah 10:23.
3. We must let God’s standards guide. Colossians 3:17
IV. Matters of Truth Must Be Separated from Matters of Opinion
1. Matters of truth must be settled by God. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
2. When there are differences, the goal is forgiveness and reconciliation. Luke 17:3,4
3. Differences in opinion should be settled by love. Romans 13:8
4. When there is a difference of opinion, we must forbear. 2 Timothy 4:2
5. Pursue the procedures in Matthew 18.
V. All Things Must Be Done Decently and in Order
1. It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain order. 1 Corinthians 14:40
2. Handle private business outside of public view.
VI. Sincere Repentance and Confession Brings Reconciliation
1. Great division usually displays sin. James 3:2
2. Those in error should change and ask for forgiveness. James 5:16
3. Must be big enough to acknowledge our mistakes. 1 John 1:8,10
4. When this is done appropriately, it will bring reconciliation.
CONCLUSION:
1. Resolving conflicts is not easy work.
1) When the work is all said and done, God gets the glory.
2) God has taught us how to resolve conflicts in the scriptures.
3) It takes wisdom on our part to want to do things God’s way.
2. Invitation
1) God offers resolution to the sinner for his conflict with God.
2) If you are not a Christian this morning you are in conflict with God.
3) If you are a Christian, but haven’t been living right you too are in conflict with God.