GOD'S RULES FOR A CLEAN FIGHT

Ephesians 4:31-32

Intro.

1. Jas. 4:1-3 - Destructive nature of fighting: Relations, homes, communities, nations, churches, souls!

2. God doesn't want His people to fight (themselves or others) - Psa. 133:1; Col. 3:15; Rom. 12:18.

3. Illus. - Tyson & Holyfield rematch: 'Rules for a clean fight...'

4. Eph. 4:31-32 - God's 'rules for a clean fight!

I. PUT AWAY ALL EVIL ATTITUDES & ACTIONS - Eph. 4:31; Prov. 23:7; Matt. 15:18-19.

• Bitterness (cf. jealousy, envy) - Col. 3:8
  • Bitterness lingers & festers, corrupting every good thought toward others.
• Wrath, anger - Eph. 4:26
• Clamor (loud quarreling)
• Evil speaking - cf. Eph. 4:25; Jas. 4:11 (Titus 3:2)
  • Snide, rude, gossip, backbiting, etc.
  • Guard your tongue! (Jas. 3:5-6)
• Malice - cf. Titus 3:3
  • Always thinks the worst of the other person; hateful, meanness.

II. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER - Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12; Matt. 7:12.

• Kind thoughts
• Kind words
• Kind deeds (treatment)
  • Respect & courtesy toward others! Submit to one another - Eph. 5:21

III. BE TENDER-HEARTED - Eph. 4:32. (opposite of malice)

• Compassionate - Col. 3:12.
• Humble - Phil. 2:3-4 (Think of other person's good first!)
• Unselfish (Feuding & fighting is selfishness in action!)

-Phil. 4:8-

IV. FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER - Eph. 4:32.

-(Release; let go of the anger, resentment, disgust, hatred, etc. Don't hold grudges)

• Like God has forgiven us (you):
  • Fully, completely - Matt. 18:21-22
  • Immediately - Matt. 5:23-24
  • From the heart - Matt. 13:35
• In order to be forgiven - Mk. 11:25-26
• James 5:16:
  • "I'm sorry...please forgive me." (Lk. 17:4)
  • "I forgive you."

Conclusion

1. God's 'rules for a clean fight' will eliminate fighting!

2. Strengthen every relationship you have by practicing God's 'rules for a clean fight!'