Go to Higher Ground

#3 Go to Higher Ground (Glorify God) 
Peacemaker Ministries Resolving Conflict Series

I. Recap

1. Conflict is all around us and it wears us down.

2. To avoid or attack in conflict will not honor God.

3. Speaking God’s “truth in love” is critically needed today.

Ephesians 4:15 - …speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ.

Tim Keller - “Truth without love is imperious self-righteousness. Love without truth is cowardly self-indulgence.”

II. Glorify God – Go to “Higher Ground”

1 Corinthians 10:31 - So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

2 Corinthians 5:15 …He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.

1. When it really matters, we tend to aim for what we really believe.
2.Conflict brings out what we don’t realize about ourselves.
3.If pleasing God is not our ultimate desire, then we will fail to be instruments of healing.

III. Where is our Focus?

1. Often we have a “horizontal” and not a vertical focus.

Proverbs 29:25-26 - The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted. Many seek the ruler's favor, But justice for man comes from the LORD.

2. There is a time in a conflict when we go too far, say the wrong word, spill out emotional attacks or flee – “the tipping point”

Proverbs 18:21 - The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.                                                         

Proverbs 15:1-2   A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.  The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

3. Be prayerful and wise in escalating moments:

Do I want to be comfortable, win or honor God?
Is this a matter of my desire or God’s truth?

IV. The Hope of the “Gospel” and God’s Glory

1 Corinthians 15:1-11      Page #1152

Embraced
Enables
Encouragement
Effects (Identity and Purpose)

Ephesians 4:1         Page #1171

                                                 Faith Sheet

Transformation Verse - … if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat…   2 Thessalonians 3:10 (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

Go To A Higher Ground
Peacemaker Ministries Resolving Conflict Series

1. Review the lesson with someone in order to apply it.
2. Read Ezekiel 10:4. “Glory” literally means to be heavy or weighty. God’s glory means He is weighty above all others when we make decisions. In other words, He is preeminent in our lives, the most loved, the most honored and means more to us than anyone or anything.
3. How might God being the most glorious One to you change how you treat others? How you speak the truth in love no matter the results? How you address people who do not like you or agree with you? Pray as God leads.

                                      # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday

Get Real About Yourself (Get the log out of your own eye)
Peacemaker Ministries Resolving Conflict Series

1. Read Matthew 7:1-6 and study Jesus’ words addressing conflict.
2. Ask someone if it is easy for you to admit your contribution to a conflict.
3. Pray for one another to grow during this series.