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