Sermons
Lesson #14 - Peace-making
Series: Taming The TongueLesson #14 – Peace-making
1. How do we speak (and behave) in a combustible situation?
How would you describe yourself: feisty and pugnacious or amicable & conciliatory?
~ Prov.26:20-21 / For lack of wood the fire goes out, and where there is not whisperer, contention quiets down.
Like charcoal to hot embers or wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife.
Being in a constant state of quarrelsomeness is not at all conducive to unity. – cf. 1Cor.1:11
~ Strife is sinful – cf. Rom.1:29 & 13:13; 2Cor.12:20; Gal.5:20; 1Tim.6:4 and Titus 3:9
2. There is a great need in the church for tongues dedicated to conflict resolution.
Have you been known to have the attitude - - “It’s my way or the highway?”
The pursuit of peace is found in almost every book of the New Testament.
~ Rom.14:19 / So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.
~ Rom.12:18 / If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
~ Heb.12:14 / Pursue peace with all men…
In contrast to strife and division, let us strive to be peaceful and to live peaceably with others.
~ Mt.5:12 / Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
3. Do peace-makers sometimes need training in the art of diplomacy?
Does being diplomatic necessarily imply the compromising of our convictions?
What are some qualities and characteristics of a good diplomat?
~ Being a good listener (swift to hear/ Js.1:19).
~ Not being hot-tempered and stubborn but rather level-headed and open-minded.
~ Do I exhibit kinddness … gentleness … and fair-mindedness?
~ Am I conciliatory rather than retaliatory?
~ Do I possess forbearance and a forgiving spirit?
Col.3:13 / bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has
a complaint against anyone; Just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
4. What principles can we learn Paul and Barnabas? – cf. Acts 15:36-41
Is it sometimes okay to “agree to disagree”?
This particular disagreement resulted in the formation of two mission teams.
How do you cope with disagreements?
5. Five ways to deal with conflict!
(From Caring Enough To Confront by David Augsburger)
My Way (I win!) … No Way (I Withdraw!) … Your Way (I give in!) … Half Way (We compromise!) … Our Way (United!).
Discuss the pros and cons of each of the above.
