What causes conflict and how can we keep it from becoming destructive.

1. W E L C O M E T O T H E
J A C K S O N S T R E E T C H U R C H O F C H R I S T
W E ’ R E G L A D Y O U ’ R E H E R E

2. 1 Cor. 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not
speak to you as to spiritual people but
as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. [2] I
fed you with milk and not with solid
food; for until now you were not able to
receive it, and even now you are still not
able; [3] for you are still carnal. For
where there are envy, strife, and
divisions among you, are you not carnal
and behaving like mere men?

3. CONFLICT
AND ITS CAUSE

4. INTRODUCTION
A. Rom 12:18 If it is possible, as much as
depends on you, live peaceably with all
men.
B. 1 Cor 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren,
by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you all speak the same thing, and that there
be no divisions among you, but that you be
perfectly joined together in the same mind
and in the same judgment.

5. INTRODUCTION
C. 1 Cor 3:1-3 And I, brethren, could not speak
to you as to spiritual people but as to
carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with
milk and not with solid food; for until now
you were not able to receive it, and even
now you are still not able; for you are still
carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and
divisions among you, are you not carnal and
behaving like mere men?

6. I. PRIDE
Phil 2:1-4 Therefore if there is any consolation
in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and
mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded,
having the same love, being of one accord, of
one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish
ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem others better than himself. Let
each of you look out not only for his own
interests, but also for the interests of others.

7. II. DESIRE FOR CONTROL
Mark 10:42-43 But Jesus called them to
Himself and said to them, "You know that
those who are considered rulers over the
Gentiles lord it over them, and their great
ones exercise authority over them. [43]
Yet it shall not be so among you; but
whoever desires to become great among
you shall be your servant.

8. III. LACK OF SUBMISSION
A. To God - James 4:7 Therefore submit
to God. Resist the devil and he will
flee from you.
B. To Others - Eph 5:21 submitting to one
another in the fear of God.

9. IV. JEALOUSY
James 3:13-16 Who is wise and
understanding among you? Let him show
by good conduct that his works are done
in the meekness of wisdom. But if you
have bitter envy and self-seeking in your
hearts, do not boast and lie against the
truth. This wisdom does not descend from
above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.
For where envy and self-seeking exist,
confusion and every evil thing are there.

10. V. IMPATIENCE / FRUSTRATION
1 Th 5:14-15 Now we exhort you,
brethren, warn those who are unruly,
comfort the fainthearted, uphold the
weak, be patient with all. See that no one
renders evil for evil to anyone, but always
pursue what is good both for yourselves
and for all.

11. VI. TALKING TO THE WRONG PEOPLE
Mat 18:15-17 "Moreover if your brother sins
against you, go and tell him his fault between
you and him alone. If he hears you, you have
gained your brother. "But if he will not hear,
take with you one or two more, that 'by the
mout of two or three witnesses every word
may be established." "And if he refuses to hear
them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses
even to hear the church, let him be to you like
a heathen and a tax collector.

12. VII. LACK OF LOVE
A. 1 John 3:16 By this we know love,
because He laid down His life for us.
And we also ought to lay down our
lives for the brethren.
B. Romans 13:10 Love does no harm to
a neighbor; therefore love is the
fulfillment of the law.

13. VIII. LACK OF PROMPTNESS IN
DEALING WITH THE CONFLICT
Mat 5:23-25 "Therefore if you bring your
gift to the altar, and there remember that
your brother has something against you,
"leave your gift there before the altar, and
go your way. First be reconciled to your
brother, and then come and offer your gift.
"Agree with your adversary quickly, while
you are on the way with him, lest your
adversary deliver you to the judge, the
judge hand you over to the officer, and you
be thrown into prison.

14. IX. LACK OF TACT (SELF-CONTROL)
2 Tim 2:23-26 But avoid foolish and ignorant
disputes, knowing that they generate strife.
And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but
be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in
humility correcting those who are in
opposition, if God perhaps will grant them
repentance, so that they may know the truth,
and that they may come to their senses and
escape the snare of the devil, having been
taken captive by him to do his will.

15. X. INABILITY TO SEE THE COMPLETE PICTURE
Phil 1:12-18 But I want you to know, brethren, that the
things which happened to me have actually turned out
for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has
become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all
the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the
brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my
chains, are much more bold to speak the word without
fear. Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and
strife, and some also from good will: The former
preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely,
supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the latter
out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the
defense of the gospel. What then? Only that in every
way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is
preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

16. CONCLUSION
A. ARE YOU USING ALL YOUR ABILITY TO BE AT
PEACE WITH ALL MEN?
B. ARE YOU AT PEACE WITH YOURSELF?
C. ARE YOU AT PEACE WITH GOD?