Facing the Flames of Conflict
February 02, 2014 | Todd Cyphers
#1 Facing the Flames of Conflict
Peacemaker Ministries -Resolving Conflict Series
I. Why Study Conflict Resolution?
1. It is constant.
2. Learn to address conflict in a way that “honors the Lord”.
1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
1 Timothy 1:15-17 - …Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life… the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
3. We can be instruments of healing.
4. Hurt people hurt people
5. Makes a “difference” in our relationships and testimonies.
John 13:34-35 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
II. “The Sparks” – Triggers That Enflame Us
1. Diversity and Differences
2. Our Preferences
3. Misunderstandings and Miscommunication
4. Loveless action and Words (Core Wounds)
5. Sinful Attitudes and “Cravings”
James 4:1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?
2 - You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel…..
III. “The Gasoline and Fire”
1. Craving – Motivates me to sin to obtain or to maintain
2. Desires that become demands bring death.
3. Churches are contaminated with festering hurts and conflict.
4. Culture/Media fuels conflict
5. Conflict is not the problem, but what “we do with it”.
James 4:1-3 “…You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. You ask and so not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”
IV. Hope – A Different View
1. We are to be distinct in how we address conflict.
2. Proclaiming and living the Gospel always works!
John 17:1 Page #1081
Faith Sheet
Transformation Verse - …be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord... 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NASB)
Times with the Lord this week - If you have extra time, look up the cross references with the Transformation Scripture.
#1- Reviewing this Past Sunday
1. Read 1 Cor. 10:31-33. What were the writer’s main goals in life?
2. How could these goals shape how we address everyday conflict?
3. How do you see unresolved conflict affecting your home? Church?
4. How are you being used to address conflict in a God-honoring way with others?
# 2- Preparing for Next Sunday
1. New Way of Thinking – Peacemaker Ministries #2
2. Read Proverbs 19:11 and Matthew 7:5. - Discuss what seems to be opposing commands concerning addressing conflict.
3. When would you say we are to overlook an offense and when are we to go and address an issue with someone?
4. Pray for someone in festering conflict or unforgiveness.