Conflict Control

It's Sunday! That means it is time for today's sermon. The text is Acts 6:1-7

1In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. 2So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."
5This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. 6They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Conflict Control
Here the new church is facing conflict from within. One group saying, "Hey what about me?" This passage gives us an outline we can follow in controlling and resolving conflict.

1. Recognize and identify the problem.
a. We cannot resolve what we do not see
b. We cannot resolve what we do not understand.

2. Refuse to give up the essential for the urgent.
a. identify what is essential ... the most important thing.
b. Do not allow loudness, annoyance factor or other non-essentials to determine the solution.

3. Resolve or remove the problem
a. Do what it takes to fix it!

4. Reap the results of resolution.
a. People will be freed to minister.
b. Needs will be met within the body.
c. People will be content and fulfilled.
d. People will come to Christ.

Conflict can rob us of time, energy, purpose and direction. It can control us or we can control it. Resolving conflict can be life changing for everyone involved.

Thought For Today

Emotions should never control conflict

Christian character should always control conflict