2 Samuel 19:40-20:26 | Fight for your Right?

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Slides:

How can our church stay united in these divisive times?

Recognize, understand, and master your triggers.

James 4:1-3

What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; [so] you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; [so] you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend [it] on your pleasures.

A loose tongue feeds divisiveness.

James 3:3-5

Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and [yet] it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

A society that has no respect for and submission to authority (civil, religious, family) will descend into chaos.

1 Peter 2:13-17

Submit yourselves for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether to a king as the one in authority, 14 or to governors as sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and the praise of those who do right. 15 For such is the will of God that by doing right you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16 [Act] as free men, and do not use your freedom as a covering for evil, but [use it] as bondslaves of God. 17 Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king.

James 3:1

Let not many [of you] become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment.

Wisdom can often diffuse divisive situations.

How can our church stay united in these divisive times?