“God’s Purposes in Conflicts” - 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
ID: Inductive Questions (Asking the text questions like who, what, where, when, why, & how?”)
CR: Cross References (Comparing Scripture to Scripture, understanding the vague by the clear.)
WS: Word Study (Understanding definition, theological meaning, and usages in other passages.)
The WORD: What does the Bible say?
1. Context: Read 1 Corinthians 10:15-29 to see the “case study” that our passage addresses. Think about what this issue is like in countries like India where sacrificing food to gods is common.
2. Discuss the definition of conflict. (Ken Sande defines conflict as “a difference in opinion or purpose that frustrates someone’s goals or desires.”) (Ken Sande, The Peacemaker, p. 29)
3. ID: Read 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 and identify the three opportunities (responsibilities) that believers have in a conflict.
5. CR: What does it mean to glorify God during a conflict with another person? (Ps. 19:14; John 5:30) Think of some ways that we glorify God during a conflict. 2
7. CR: Look at Daniel 1:6-15 and note the ways that Daniel sought to please or prefer the chief of the eunuchs. How did Paul apply this principle to his ministry? (1 Corinthians 9)
8. CR: What did Paul suggest was a key part of imitating or following Christ? (1 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 3:17; 1 Thessalonians 3:9; Hebrews 6:12)
The WALK: What should I do?
1. What is usually our first instinct or response to a conflict?
2. How do our “natural” responses to conflict interfere with God’s purposes for conflict?
3. What are practical things we can do to keep our focus on glorifying God in our next conflict?
4. What are some issues in our culture that would be similar to eating food offered to idols in India today or Paul’s time?
5. What specific ways do we see in this passage that we should imitate Christ?
1There are a few verses where this phrase refers to a physical manifestation (Acts 7:55; Revelation 15:8; 21:23), but most refer to His excellence/perfection in some sense (Psalm 19:1; Romans 3:23; 2 Corinthians 4:6; John 11:40) or to his reputation (Proverbs 25:2; John 11:4; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 1:20; 4:15; Philippians 2:11).
2 (ex. showing what God is like (1 Peter 2.12); relying on Him (Prov. 3:5-7; Acts 16:22-31; 1 Peter 2:23); obeying Him (Matt. 5:16; John 14:15-31; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:5-6); acknowledging Him (1 Peter 3:15).
2 (ex. showing what God is like (1 Peter 2.12); relying on Him (Prov. 3:5-7; Acts 16:22-31; 1 Peter 2:23); obeying Him (Matt. 5:16; John 14:15-31; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:5-6); acknowledging Him (1 Peter 3:15).
More resources about God’s purposes in conflict:
· Listen to Ken Sande’s sermon Thank God for Conflict
· See Pastor Martin’s sermon “Making Conflict Christian” view sermon – view notes
· “As people reconciled to God by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we believe that we are called to respond to in a way that is remarkably different from the way the world deals with conflict. We also believe that conflict provides opportunities to glorify God, serve other people, and grow to be like Christ.” --Ken Sande
· One of the best ways to keep your focus on the Lord is to continually ask yourself these questions: How can I please and honor God in this situation? In particular, how can I bring praise to Jesus by showing that he has saved me and is changing me? Seeking to please and honor God is a powerful compass for life, especially when we are faced with difficult challenges. Jesus himself was guided by these goals. He said, "I seek not to please myself but him who sent me" (John 5:30). "The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him" (John 8:29). "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do" (John 17:4). King David showed the same desire when he wrote: "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Ps. 19:14).
Taken from The Peacemaker: A Biblical Guide to Resolving Personal Conflict
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 34
by Ken Sande, Updated Edition (Grand Rapids, Baker Books, 2003) p. 34
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Why are there so many “Korean Christians?”
The news coming from the Korean Peninsula is both ironic and conflicted. In the last five years (2007-2011) North Korea has both asked for food aid and attacked South Korea. The two countries continue to have what is probably the most militarized border in the world while they make on again, off again efforts to improve relations. When the North Korean Kim Jong Il died in 2011, it was the former first lady from the South and the chairwoman of Hyundai Group who went unofficially to pay condolences over his death. I imagine that it would have been awkward for the South to send an official delegation to a country they are technically at war with.
As odd as that political relationship between North and South Korea is, it is not unlike some relationships between believers in our church(es) today. It concerns me that I am (we are) all too willing to live with partially resolved differences, unspoken truces, and even simmering “cold wars” with my (our) fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It really puzzles me and bothers me when mature, spiritual brothers and sisters in Christ seem unable reconcile. I am convinced that we are too willing to just live with these “under the surface” tensions that separate us and grieve our Savior who prayed that we would all be one as He and the Father are one. It seems that it is often just not important enough to me (us) to live in peace. Why do I (we) settle for so little? ---Phil Martin
