WELCOME TO THE JACKSON STREET CHURCH OF

CHRIST

WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE

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?

CONFLICT AND ITS CAUSE

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.

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?

I. PRIDEPhil 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.

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.

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.

IV. JEALOUSYJames 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

X. INABILITY TO SEE THE COMPLETE PICTUREPhil 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.

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?