1. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Christians are to be clear thinkers: Phili. 4: 6, Heb. 5: 14, Rom. 12: 2, I Thes. 5: 21, Eph. 5: 15, 17, 10.
Not always the case, though: Galatians 2:
Introduction: This simple presentation is designed to prompt thinking on the part of the hearers. So many problems occur because people just do not think. The particulars examined in this sermon are “red flags” and “warnings” to indicate that entrance into an “unthinking zone” has just taken place.

2. How To Determine A Conflicting State
“12: For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. 13: And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 14: But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?” (Gal. 2.)

3. How To Determine A Conflicting State
What was Peter thinking?
Was he thinking as a Jew?
Was he thinking as a group?
Was he emotionally thinking?
Was he even thinking at all?
We shall now notice some conditions that will indicate a state of conflict; hence, caution.

4. How To Determine A Conflicting State
When we do not seem able to identify a particular issue.
A. “I just cannot tell you the problem, there seem to be a lot of problems, I just do not know!” (Cp. Gal. 5: )

5. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Apparent inability to ascertain the seriousness of an issue.
A. The marriage required or not required in view of Exodus 22: 16.
Comment: You may want to substitute your own example for this slide. At the time of this presentation, the church has a case of a male who had caused a virgin to be with child. Exodus 22: 16 became an issue. It was explained that “entice” was a key word and ordinarily involves, “I cannot wait, I have to sexually have you now. I do love you and want to marry you, though.”

6. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Can not intellectually discuss the matter.
A. We are to be able to provide evidence and answer arguments (I Pet. 3: 15).
Comment: While I Peter 3: 15 is specific, Christians ought to be able to reason and engage in controlled argumentation in general (“answer”).

7. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Energy spent and focus on motive assignment.
A. “You are saying that because” (cp. I Tim. 6: 4).

8. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Resentment at being questioned, refusal to discuss.
A. Can we imagine where the problem of Acts 15 could have gone if those in the Jerusalem church had refused to talk about the issue?
Comment: At the time of this presentation, five members had just left with the statement: “We will not discuss the matter….”

9. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Calling one a liar without proof and ignoring the real issue.
A. “Jane’s teacher called today,” wife explains to the husband, “and I am running about ten minutes late with dinner.” “You are a liar and I have had it,” says he.

10. How To Determine A Conflicting State
When all we can see is a people connection or affinity.
A. “My child would never lie,” parent blindly defends their child and refuses to address the matter at hand.

11. How To Determine A Conflicting State
Conclusion:
Many terrible things result due to our inability to control our thinking and emotions. Families are broken up, children are made to suffer, and local church experience division in many cases because of this problem to focus.

12. How To Determine A Conflicting State
“11: Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12: And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13: And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14: Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15: See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” (I Thes. 5).