Why is unity in the body of Christ important? What is bedrock to our church’s unity?

Where can disunity in a church get its start?

What are some wrong ways we handle personal conflict within the church? - example from Mack

It happens to the best of us… Phil 1:3…and so on… I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, Phil 1:27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, Phil 2:2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Phil 4:2-3 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored [struggled] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life [believers]. conflict Public Traveled Ugly b/t Committed Believers

I. The Principal of Mutual Responsibility Paul considered both Euodia and Syntyche to be responsible for the unreconciled situation between them. Reconciliation CHURCH Phil 4:2-3 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored [struggled] side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life [believers]. Party A Party B What are some of the lies we believe when it comes to taking personal responsibility in these situations (when both are in the wrong)?

I. The Principal of Mutual Responsibility A. Retaliation B. Inaction C. Unwise Confrontation Gal 5: Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, Gal 5: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Rom 12: Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Prov 9:7 7 Whoever corrects a scoffer gets himself abuse, and he who reproves a wicked man incurs injury. James 3: but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. Prov 25:9 9 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret, Matt 18:15 15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. “Idols in our heart drive retaliation”

I. The Principal of Mutual Responsibility A. Retaliation B. Inaction C. Unwise Confrontation Abstaining from retaliation is commendable but inaction will not solve most problems in the body Matt 5: So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 100 % Reconciliation “Idols in our heart drive inaction”

I. The Principal of Mutual Responsibility A. Retaliation B. Inaction C. Unwise Confrontation “The manner, content or timing of a confrontation may not be entirely biblical and often exacerbates the conflict…” - Example from Mack - Confronting someone at 8:59am on Sunday morning while trying to take their two children to their Sunday School room “Idols in our heart drive unwise confrontation”

Introduction I.The Principal of Mutual Responsibility A. Retaliation B. Inaction C. Unwise Confrontation II. Two People with the Same Mind A. Hopefulness B. Graciousness C. Prayerfulness III. Blessed are the Peacemakers A. Seek Help from Others B. Provide Help for Others IV. There is Hope Preserving Unity in the Body