Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32

Ending and Preventing Fights

Intro.

1. We live in the “age of rage” where violence is glorified, excused, and emboldened.

2. Christians are not immune to the attitudes that cause hidden grumbling that escalates into open conflict, Gal. 5:13-15.

3. We know the source and result of fights: The flesh/worldliness, James 4:1-4. Destructive (relationships, homes, communities, nations, churches, souls), Rom. 3:10-18.

4. Quarrels solve nothing, Prov. 18:19.

5. God forbids His people from quarrels and conflicts with one another and others, Col. 3:15; Rom. 12:18 (1 Pet. 2:21-23).

a. Boxing match: Opponents are told to have a “clean fight.”

b. Christians are told to cease quarrels and not to fight in the first place, Eph. 4:31-32.

I. PUT AWAY EVERY EVIL ATTITUDE AND ACTION TOWARD OTHERS, Eph. 4:31 (Prov. 23:7); Mark 7:20-23.

· Bitterness (cf. jealousy, envy), Heb. 12:15.

-Bitterness lingers and festers, corrupting every good thought toward others.

· Wrath and rage, Eph. 4:26.

· Clamor (loud quarreling), Prov. 15:1, 18.

· Evil speaking, cf. Eph. 4:25; James 4:11 (Titus 3:2)

-Snide, rude, gossip, backbiting, etc.

-Guard your tongue (James 3:5-6).

· Malice, cf. Titus 3:3

-Always thinks the worst of the other person; hateful, is rude, and mean (1 Cor. 13:5).

II. BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER, Eph. 4:32; Col. 3:12.

· Kind thoughts, Phil. 4:8.

· Kind words, Col. 4:3-6.

· Kind deeds (treatment), Matt. 7:12.

-Respect and courtesy toward others, Submit to one another, Eph. 5:21.

III. BE TENDERHEARTED, Eph. 4:32 (opposite of malice).

· Compassionate attention, Col. 3:12 (gentleness, Gal. 6:1-2).

· Humble, Phil. 2:3-4 (think of other person’s wellbeing first).

· Unselfish (feuding and fighting are selfish actions).

IV. FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER, Eph. 4:32 (Col. 3:13).

-Release; let go of the hurt, anger, resentment, disgust, hatred, etc.

-Don’t hold grudges, cf. Jesus, Luke 23:34; 1 Pet. 2:23.

· Like God has forgiven us (you):

-Fully, completely, Matt. 18:21-22.

-Immediately, Matt. 6:12.

-From the heart, Matt. 18:35.
· In order to be forgiven, Mark 11:25-26.

-James 5:16:

-“I’m sorry” and “please forgive me” (Luke 17:4); Repent.

-“I forgive you.”

V. WALK IN THE SPIRIT, Gal. 5:16 (13-15), 22-23, 25-26.

· Led by the Spirit (word of truth)

· Bear the fruit of the Spirit

Conclusion

1. God’s will is that we eliminate fighting and prevent it, Eph. 4:31 (put away from you); 1 Thess. 5:13; Ps. 133:1.
2. Strengthen every relationship with attitudes of holiness, words fitly spoken, actions of humility, and eager to forgive, Matt. 7:12.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted June 8, 2022