Teacher: Pastor Chet Lowe

Scriptures: Joshua 22, Deuteronomy 13

  • God’s word is 100% true 100% of the time (Joshua 21:45)
    • This applies even to what it says about conflict and misunderstandings in our relationships
  • Joshua 22
    • The tribes had great relationships
      • They encouraged each other (v. 2-4)
        • In their areas of strength (loyalty, faithfulness and humility)
      • They exhort each other (v. 5)
        • In their areas of weakness (keeping His commandments with all their hearts)
    • Even great relationships have misunderstandings (v. 10-12)
      • The Bible addresses conflict
        • Paul wrote the whole book of Philippians to two women who were in conflict
        • James says we have conflict with others because we have problems within ourselves
      • Gossip and slander destroy relationships (v. 11-12)
        • God’s word fights for relationships (v. 13-15)
          • Deuteronomy 13:12-15
      • Great conflict comes from (v. 16-29)
        • Misunderstandings
          • Fear and self-focus lead to misunderstanding
        • Assumptions
          • Love bears, believes, hopes and endures all things
        • Accusations
          • Satan is the known as the “Accuser”
        • Bitterness
          • Self-protection and defensiveness destroy relationships
        • Blaming people and the Lord
          • Lies from the enemy plant insecurity and leave us as victims
        • Fear
          • Fear comes from prayerlessness
    • Great relationships will be zealous for great peace (v. 30-34)
      • God’s word gives us wisdom in our zeal and protects us
      • God is glorified when we fight hard to resolve misunderstandings
      • We need to listen (“they heard” in verse 30)
        • Avoid interrupting
        • Withhold judgment
        • Paraphrase and summarize for clarity
        • Model positive nonverbal behavior
        • Ask specific, open-ended questions that lead to understanding