November 11 2012 The Choice Of Peace

THE CHOICE OF PEACE

Matthew 5:9 - Happy are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God.

Misconception:
1. Peace making is not avoiding.
2. Peace making is not appeasement.
3. It’s actively seeking to resolve the conflict.

I. Why should I be a peacemaker?

1. Unresolved conflicts block my fellowship with God.
1 John 4:20 - If anyone says I love God yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.

2. It can prevent answered prayers.
1 Peter 3:7 - Husbands in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect so that nothing will hinder your prayers.
Matthew 5:23 - Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and then remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, first go and be reconciled to your brother.

3. It hinders my happiness.
Job 18:4 - You are only hurting yourself with your anger.

II. How can we be a peacemaker?

1. You need to plan a peace conference.
Matthew 5:23-24 - If you remember your brother has something against you, go at once to make peace.

2. You need to empathize with their feelings.
Philippians 2:4 - None of you should think only of his own affairs, but consider other people’s interests also.

3. You attack the problem, not the person.
Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer quiets anger, but a harsh one stirs it up.
Ephesians 4:29 - Do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed.

4. Cooperate as much as possible.
Romans 12:18 - Do everything possible on your part to live at peace with all men.
Romans 16:17 - I urge your, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way, keep away from them.
James 3:17 - Peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

5. You emphasize reconciliation, not resolution.
2 Corinthians. 5:18 - God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gives us the ministry of reconciliation.

Where To Start:
Colossians 3:15 - Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

October 14 2012 The Choice Of Reactions

THE CHOICE OF REACTIONS

Matthew 5:5 - Happy are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

I.  Clearing Up The Confusion

• What meekness is not:  Weakness

• What meekness is:  Strength under control

II. When Do I Need To Manage My Reactions?

1. When someone serves you

Be understanding not demanding.

Philippians 2:4-5- Don’t just think about your own affairs, but be interested in others too, and in what they are doing.  Your attitude should be the same as Jesus Christ.

2. When someone disappoints you

Be gentle not judgmental.

Romans 14:1 - Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters.

Galatians 6:1-2 - If a person is trapped in some sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently.  But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.  Carry each other’s burdens.

3. When someone disagrees with you

Be tender withoutsurrender.

Proverbs 15:1 - A gentle answer quiets anger but a harsh word stirs it up.

James 3:16-17 - Wherever there is jealousy or selfish ambition, there will be disorder.  But wisdom from above is pure, peaceful gentle and friendly.

2 Timothy 2:24-25 - The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, those who oppose him, he must gently instruct, in hope that God will give them a change of heart.

4. When someone corrects you

Be teachable not unteachable.

James 1:19 - Let everyone be quick to listen, but slow to use his tongue, and slow to lose his temper.

Proverbs 13:18 - Whoever listens to correction is honored.

5. When someone hurts you

Be an actor not a reactor.

Romans 12:17. 21 - Do not repay evil for evil, overcome evil with good.

Proverbs 16:32 - He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his own spirit, than he who captures a city.

2 Timothy 1:7 - God does not make us timid, instead His spirit fills us with power, love and self control.

Luke 14:33 - So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me.

October 30 2011 When Love Is Wise

When Love Is Wise

James 3:13-18

Vs. 18 – And these who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. 

Wisdom is a lifestyle of love.
Vs. 13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? 
Let him show it by his good life.

Lack of wisdom causes all kinds of disorder.
Vs. 14-16 – disharmony and all other kinds of evil.

How To Relate Wisely To Others
Vs. 17

1. If I'm wise, I won't compromise my integrity.
Vs. 17 – The wisdom that comes from heave is first of all pure.
Prov. 10:9 – The man of integrity walks securely.

2. If I'm wise, I won't antagonize your anger.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is peace-loving.
Prov. 20:3 – Any fool can start arguments, the wise thing is to stay out of them.
Prov. 14:29 – A wise man controls his temper, he knows that anger causes mistakes.

3. If I'm wise, I won't minimize your feelings.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is considerate.
Prov. 15:4 – Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.

4. If I'm wise, I won't criticize your decisions.
Vs 17 – wisdom is submissive.
Prov. 12:15 – A fool thinks he needs no advice. A man listens to others.

5. If I'm wise, I won't emphasize your mistakes.
Vs 17 – wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.
Prov. 17:19 – Love forgets mistakes, nagging about them parts the best of friends.

6. If I'm wise, I won't disguise my own weaknesses.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is important and sincere.
Prov. 28:13 – You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.
Col. 2:3 – The secret is Christ Himself, in Him lie hidden all God's treasures of wisdom.

October 30 2011 When Love Is Wise

When Love Is Wise

James 3:13-18

Vs. 18 – And these who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness. 

Wisdom is a lifestyle of love.
Vs. 13 – Who is wise and understanding among you? 
Let him show it by his good life.

Lack of wisdom causes all kinds of disorder.
Vs. 14-16 – disharmony and all other kinds of evil.

How To Relate Wisely To Others
Vs. 17

1. If I'm wise, I won't compromise my integrity.
Vs. 17 – The wisdom that comes from heave is first of all pure.
Prov. 10:9 – The man of integrity walks securely.

2. If I'm wise, I won't antagonize your anger.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is peace-loving.
Prov. 20:3 – Any fool can start arguments, the wise thing is to stay out of them.
Prov. 14:29 – A wise man controls his temper, he knows that anger causes mistakes.

3. If I'm wise, I won't minimize your feelings.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is considerate.
Prov. 15:4 – Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush your spirit.

4. If I'm wise, I won't criticize your decisions.
Vs 17 – wisdom is submissive.
Prov. 12:15 – A fool thinks he needs no advice. A man listens to others.

5. If I'm wise, I won't emphasize your mistakes.
Vs 17 – wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit.
Prov. 17:19 – Love forgets mistakes, nagging about them parts the best of friends.

6. If I'm wise, I won't disguise my own weaknesses.
Vs. 17 – wisdom is important and sincere.
Prov. 28:13 – You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins.
Col. 2:3 – The secret is Christ Himself, in Him lie hidden all God's treasures of wisdom.