Often conflict can come at the start of a time of change. People are resistant to change and may leave a church as a result. It is possible you have been in conflict and received harsh comments. It is not easy. You have maybe said something harshly to someone else. We live in a world of conflict. The church is no different. We are to be peace loving and peace makers. See Hebrew 12:14. It requires a lot of effort!

1 – The reality of the conflict

There are three things about conflict.

• General vs. 1 – The word conflict is war. Conflict is a reality in the church.
• Individual – quarrels and bickering. See Philippians 4:2. The same was true in the church at Corinth and Galatians.
• Shameful – It is shameful to the church who should know better. We should treat each other better. The Church is about changing us so that we are not like the rest of the world.

2 – The root of the conflict (vs. 2-4)

Take a look at the inside of you! Where did that wrong thing come from? There are three things at the root of conflict:-

• Divided heart – This is an internal conflict that divides our loyalties. We have strong desires that battle against us. The Spirit of God and the flesh do battle. The flesh wants things for me.
• Destructive desires – These destructive desires are not God seeking. They seek to cut and hurt. It is not about your reputation. If things become more about you than someone else then watch out! Do you want to look good and use your own agenda? We need to undergo a transformation to be more like Christ.
• Defective prayers – You do not have because you do not ask. You then ask but do not do it with the right motive. Why do we not pray? Do we think we know the answer already? We need a submission to God’s will. God gives us what we need not what we want. We should not be selfish in our prayers.

3 – The response to the conflict (vs. 4)

Three things are a cure:-

• Purity of heart – Psalm 86:11.
• Sincerity in prayer – John 11.
• Humility in attitude – 1 Peter 5:6.

Categories: James