Across the centuries conflicts have always occurred among the nations. From the outset of human history until the present day, politicians and prophets, military commanders and religious leaders, have searched for answers to the never-ending struggles we all endure. In a bar or tavern, amid all the frolicking and laughter, a fight will erupt during Happy Hour. Conflicts sometimes run rampant within government circles and between political parties as well as in churches. Families know their share of strife. Troubles are universal. Life suffers if we fail to control our problems. The Bible gives us some examples of conflict and strife as well as some solutions.
1. Genesis 13:8–12. What problem did Abram and Lot’s workers have? What solution did Abram offer? Is there a godly way to handle problems?
2. Proverbs 17:1. Would you prefer a simple meal with peace rather than a big banquet with a lot of contention? Why? How does this verse apply to family life?
3. Proverbs 18:19. What happens to a person who becomes offended through a dispute? Is it easier to conquer a fortified city than a brother? Why is it so hard to appease an offended person?
4. Proverbs 20:3. Why is it an honor to avoid strife? Why do some Christians seem to cultivate the quarreling habit? Is God pleased with church wranglings? What does Scripture call a quarreling or meddling person?
5. Luke 22:20–26. A dispute broke out among the disciples about which one was the greatest. When did that happen? What did Jesus say? What do you say about it?
6. Acts 15:35–41. Why did Paul and Barnabas have a falling-out after their missionary trip? What did they do after they separated? What can we learn from their experience?
7. Romans 14:5–6. How do we resolve problems about what foods we eat and days of worship? Discuss Luke 10:8; Acts 11:6–9; 1 Corinthians 10:25, 31; and Titus 3:9.
8. 1 Corinthians 3:1–4. What problems did the church in Corinth have? How do God’s saints reflect carnality instead of spirituality? What’s the solution to these sins?
9. Philippians 2:3–4. Paul gave counsel to the Philippians about being unselfish and esteeming others better than themselves. How can we practice this attitude today?
10. James 3:13–18. What are some sources of disagreement? What are some of the damages of strife? How can peacemakers help? Do you cause disputes or help solve them?
1. Genesis 13:8–12. What problem did Abram and Lot’s workers have? What solution did Abram offer? Is there a godly way to handle problems?
2. Proverbs 17:1. Would you prefer a simple meal with peace rather than a big banquet with a lot of contention? Why? How does this verse apply to family life?
3. Proverbs 18:19. What happens to a person who becomes offended through a dispute? Is it easier to conquer a fortified city than a brother? Why is it so hard to appease an offended person?
4. Proverbs 20:3. Why is it an honor to avoid strife? Why do some Christians seem to cultivate the quarreling habit? Is God pleased with church wranglings? What does Scripture call a quarreling or meddling person?
5. Luke 22:20–26. A dispute broke out among the disciples about which one was the greatest. When did that happen? What did Jesus say? What do you say about it?
6. Acts 15:35–41. Why did Paul and Barnabas have a falling-out after their missionary trip? What did they do after they separated? What can we learn from their experience?
7. Romans 14:5–6. How do we resolve problems about what foods we eat and days of worship? Discuss Luke 10:8; Acts 11:6–9; 1 Corinthians 10:25, 31; and Titus 3:9.
8. 1 Corinthians 3:1–4. What problems did the church in Corinth have? How do God’s saints reflect carnality instead of spirituality? What’s the solution to these sins?
9. Philippians 2:3–4. Paul gave counsel to the Philippians about being unselfish and esteeming others better than themselves. How can we practice this attitude today?
10. James 3:13–18. What are some sources of disagreement? What are some of the damages of strife? How can peacemakers help? Do you cause disputes or help solve them?