There are times where all of us deal with conflict in our relationships. How might we best honor God in our relationships at these times? What do we do when someone is driving us crazy? How should we respond when someone is goading us into the wrong response? How do we deal with conflict?
(Ephesians 5:21; Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14)
Sermon Outline
“For He Himself is our peace.” (Ephesians 2:14)
Understanding Conflict (Genesis 3:12; 4:8; James 4:1-12)
Developing a Clear Eye about Conflict (Matthew 7:3-5; Luke 6:45)
- A clear eye about oneself
- A clear eye about others
Responding to Conflict
- Faking peace by escaping (like Jacob fleeing his brother Esau in Genesis 28)
- Breaking peace by attacking (like Cain killing Abel in Genesis 4)
- Choosing to make peace (James 3:18)
Leaning into the Gospel (Ephesians 2:11-22)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When was a time that you faced tremendous conflict in relationships? How did you resolve it? If it didn’t resolve, then what did you do?
- As we conclude our series, “Made for It,” we are entering the messy waters of conflict in relationships. Before you begin your study, ask God to speak to you through your study of the Scripture.
- In Genesis the purity of the Garden of Eden is quickly tarnished by sin and evil. Read Genesis 3 and 4. Reflect on why and how conflict erupts in these first few chapters of the Bible?
- Jesus makes some pointed statements about judging others and dealing with conflict in Matthew 7:4-5. What do you think it means to see the plank in your own eye clearly? How might that shape the way you deal with others?
- Of course, Jesus also encourages us to see the speck of dust in others’ eyes. What do you think that means?
- In what relationships or situations are you currently facing conflict? How are you dealing with it?
- Pastor Matt talked about three basic responses to conflict: 1) faking peace through escaping, 2) breaking peace through attacking, or 3) making peace. How would you describe these three basic responses? Which of the three is your tendency in dealing with conflict?
- Read James 3:18. How might you take steps forward as a peacemaker in your life?
- Read through Ephesians 2:11-22. How can you live in the Gospel of peace more strongly these days in your relationships?
- What is one relationship you will approach differently this week as a result of this study? If you are alone, write it down somewhere so you can think about it further this week. If you are with a small group, take some time to discuss these things with one another. Close in prayer.