Strife

Duane Sheriff Ministries

Strife | Part 3 | Avoid

September 15, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • James 3:13–16, Romans 16:17–18, Ephesians 4:1–3, Ephesians 4:12–13, Proverbs 6:16

Understand the cause and cure of strife as Duane Sheriff teaches the importance of maintaining a strife-free heart, home, and church. Strife can destroy relationships and open doors to every evil work, as stated in James 3:16. Believers must guard their hearts against contention and division while relying on Jesus as the ultimate gardener of their hearts.

Proverbs 17:14 compares the beginning of strife to letting out water. Like a small leak in a dam, strife should be addressed before it causes widespread damage. Christians are to be peacemakers and avoid meddling in others' quarrels, as suggested in Proverbs 26:17.

The "unity of the spirit" and the "unity of the faith," as referenced in Ephesians 4:3 and 4:13, are keys to avoiding strife. Believers should strive to maintain the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace while growing towards the unity of the faith. Show love and forbearance to one another, even when disagreements arise over unimportant issues.

Examine your heart for hidden pride, the root cause of contention. Repent when strife arises and focus on maintaining peace in your relationships. The power of unity releases God's blessings versus the destruction of division. Believers should prioritize peace and unity in their personal lives, families, and church communities.

August 18, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • James 3:13–18, Romans 13:8–14, Titus 3:8–11

Duane teaches the danger and impact of strife in our relationships and spiritual lives. Strife is an issue that many people do not recognize in their lives, and it can be as destructive as sins like adultery. Strife can ruin marriages, churches, and personal relationships, causing confusion and hindering the manifestation of God's word in our lives. Strife is often rooted in envy and pride, creating an environment where every evil work can flourish. James Chapter 3 illustrates how strife stems from self-seeking and bitter envy, leading to confusion and disorder. Strife and self-centeredness open the door to demonic influences and every evil practice. To overcome this, believers must learn to recognize conflict, avoid it, and pursue wisdom that is pure, peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy. God's wisdom promotes peace and unity, recognized by purity, gentleness, willingness to yield, and mercy. In contrast, earthly wisdom is recognized by bitterness, jealousy, and strife. Believers should be God-centered and others-minded rather than self-seeking to nurture better relationships. Utilizing God's wisdom will avoid conflict in marriages, church leadership, and everyday relationships, manifesting heavenly blessings and peace. On the other hand, the earthly wisdom of this world is bitterness, jealousy, and strife. Striving for harmony and rejecting divisive behavior are crucial. Love, as demonstrated by Jesus, seeks to avoid harm and create a conflict-free environment, allowing the Holy Spirit to move freely and bless the congregation. The unwavering commitment to God's principles of love, unity, and wisdom from above is the key to combating strife.

Strife | Part 2 | The Cause & Cure

September 8, 2024 • Duane Sheriff • James 3:13–18, Luke 22:19–24, Romans 16:17–18

In Part 2 of "Strife - Satan's Underground," Duane Sheriff teaches the harmful effects of strife and how to overcome it. Acknowledging the importance of avoiding strife, especially in marriage, family, business, and church communities, is essential. James 3:16 highlights that where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. This verse underscores the dangerous nature of strife and why it must be avoided. Identifying the root cause of strife is pride. Proverbs 13:10 states, 'Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.' This scripture helps to clarify that pride leads to arguments and conflicts. Addressing pride in our hearts is key to reducing strife in our relationships and environments. Humility cures strife. Jesus teaches us to humbly serve others, which helps prevent pride and the resulting conflicts. In Luke 22:26, Jesus says, "But you shall not be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." The Bible shows that living humbly and avoiding conflict can lead to peaceful and loving relationships. Embrace humility, consider others, and manage your pride to promote a healthier community and personal life.