Topical Encyclopedia Strife, characterized by conflict, discord, and contention, is a condition that the Bible consistently warns against. It is a destructive force that can disrupt the unity and peace within the body of Christ, and as such, ministers are called to caution their congregations against it.The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently addresses the issue of strife among believers. In 1 Corinthians 3:3, Paul admonishes the Corinthian church, saying, "For you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not worldly and walking in the way of man?" Here, strife is linked with worldliness, suggesting that it is contrary to the spiritual maturity expected of believers. Moreover, in Galatians 5:19-21, strife is listed among the "works of the flesh," which are in opposition to the fruit of the Spirit. Paul warns, "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, rage, rivalries, divisions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." This passage underscores the severity of strife as a sin that can hinder one's spiritual inheritance. Ministers are tasked with the responsibility of promoting peace and unity within the church. In 2 Timothy 2:24-25, Paul instructs Timothy, "And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth." This guidance highlights the importance of addressing strife with gentleness and patience, aiming for reconciliation and truth. James, the brother of Jesus, also speaks to the dangers of strife in James 3:16, stating, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." This verse indicates that strife is often rooted in selfishness and jealousy, leading to chaos and moral decay. The Proverbs offer wisdom on the subject, emphasizing the value of peace over strife. Proverbs 17:14 advises, "Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam; so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out." This imagery suggests that strife, once begun, can lead to uncontrollable consequences, and thus should be avoided. Ministers are encouraged to foster an environment where love and humility prevail, as these virtues counteract the seeds of strife. In Ephesians 4:2-3, Paul exhorts believers to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This call to unity and peace is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the heart of Christ's teachings. In summary, strife is a significant concern within the Christian community, and ministers have a crucial role in warning against it. By promoting peace, unity, and love, they help safeguard the church from the divisive and destructive nature of strife, aligning with the biblical mandate to live in harmony as members of the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 1:10Now I beseech you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Timothy 2:14 Library Claim of Missions on Ministers of Influence. An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ... Of Evil-Speaking in General. Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ... Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. Apollos at Corinth The Heinous Sin of Drunkenness Means to be Used with Sinners. Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org Who was Jacob in the Bible? | 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 |
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