Matthew 18 Background 4th of 5 Major teaching sections in Matthew Jesus in Galilee, getting ready to head for Jerusalem (Mt 19:1) Has predicted His death twice; preparing the disciples

After they arrived at Capernaum and settled in a house, Jesus asked his disciples, “What were you discussing out on the road?”  But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Mark 9:33-37)

18: 1-4 – Humble Like a Child Who is greatest? The HUMBLE one – like a child. The source of conflict is … ME. Take pride out of conflict.

18: 5-6 – Hospitality and Sin Conflict should be about sin, not opinions or preferences. Conflict should be about helping the other person, about making a relationship better. Add hospitality to conflict.

18: 7-9 - Holiness Don’t tempt others to sin… “Do I bring out the BEST in those I love?” Do anything to stop sinning… “Am I willing to do whatever it takes to stop sinning?”

Conflict does not have to be bad. Learn how to deal with conflict in a godly way.

Conflict Styles YIELD RESOLVE COMPROMISE WITHDRAW WIN high relationship YIELD RESOLVE COMPROMISE WITHDRAW WIN high achieved needs

Communication Channels Information Action Emotion Evaluation

How to Fight a Good Fight Make “I” statements, not “You” statements. Take breaks but never end wrong. Don’t make absolute statements. Content 10%, Tone 35%, Nonverbal 55% - pay attention to all 3 levels. Don’t yell; DON’T leave. Listen, remember your love, hug in the middle of a fight. Pray together.