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)
- They encouraged each other (v. 2-4)
- 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
- God’s word fights for relationships (v. 13-15)
- 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
- Misunderstandings
- The Bible addresses conflict
- 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
- The tribes had great relationships