Topical Encyclopedia Strife, as depicted in the Bible, often arises from the sinful desires and lusts that dwell within the human heart. The Scriptures provide numerous insights into how these internal lusts can lead to external conflicts and discord among individuals and communities.James 4:1-2 : "What causes conflicts and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from the passions at war within you? You crave what you do not have; you kill and covet, but are unable to obtain it. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask." In this passage, James identifies the root of strife as the passions and desires that wage war within individuals. These internal lusts manifest as covetousness and envy, leading to quarrels and even violence. The apostle highlights the futility of such strife, pointing out that these desires remain unfulfilled because they are not brought before God in prayer. Galatians 5:19-21 : "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, carousing, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." Paul's letter to the Galatians lists strife among the "acts of the flesh," which are contrary to the Spirit-led life. The presence of discord, jealousy, and rivalries is indicative of a life driven by fleshly desires rather than the Spirit. Such behaviors are not only destructive to personal relationships but also detrimental to one's spiritual inheritance. Proverbs 28:25 : "A greedy man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the LORD will prosper." The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also addresses the connection between lusts and strife. Proverbs highlights greed as a catalyst for conflict, contrasting it with the prosperity that comes from trusting in the Lord. This verse underscores the idea that reliance on God, rather than on one's desires, leads to peace and prosperity. 1 Corinthians 3:3 : "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man?" In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul rebukes the church for their worldly behavior, marked by jealousy and dissension. These traits are indicative of spiritual immaturity and a life influenced by human desires rather than divine guidance. The apostle calls for a departure from such strife, urging believers to pursue spiritual growth and unity. Romans 13:13-14 : "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." Paul exhorts the Roman believers to live in a manner befitting their identity in Christ, avoiding behaviors that lead to strife. By clothing themselves with Christ, believers are empowered to resist the desires of the flesh, which are the root cause of dissension and jealousy. The biblical narrative consistently portrays strife as a byproduct of unchecked lusts and desires. The call to Christians is to live by the Spirit, subduing these passions and fostering peace and unity within the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook James 4:1From where come wars and fights among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Torrey's Topical Textbook Library God's Restraining Power. Letter xxix. (AD 395. ) "Peace, be Still" Biographical Sketch. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... 'Time for Thee to Work' Book iv Thus Gently Sang the Lady Philosophy with Dignified Mien ... On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians Morality and Doctrine The 'education Question' in Trinidad Resources What is the pride of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhy will the nations need healing in the New Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What is the New World Order? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
    |