Sermon: Wrangle
by Chris Cumming
The name of today's sermon is "Wrangle." The word, "wrangle" is defined as "to
argue or dispute, especially in a noisy or angry manner.
Why do people argue or debate? Should firstfruits argue? What does the Bible
say about argument between brothers/sisters in the faith?
If arguments hurt relationships, how should we be treating each other? What
fruits should be invoked in our relationships with each other?
How should we deal with disputes and misunderstandings especially when it
regards the ministry?
Today we will answer these questions as I encourage all of us to live peaceably
with everyone.
Live peaceably with everyone.
Let us go to the definitive verse that supports this admonition. Turn to Romans
12:18
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Let us immerse ourselves into this verse. Notice the commentary:
If it be possible - If it can be done. This expression implies that it could not
always be done. Still it should be an object of desire; and we should endeavor
to obtain it.
As much as lieth in you - This implies two things:
(1) We are to do our utmost endeavors to preserve peace, and to appease the
anger and malice of others.
(2) we are not to “begin” or to “originate” a quarrel.
So far as “we” are concerned, we are to seek peace. But then it does not always
depend on us. Others may oppose and persecute us; they will hate religion, and
may slander, revile, and otherwise injure us; or they may commence an assault on
our persons or property. For “their” assaults we are not answerable; but we are
answerable for our conduct toward them; and on no occasion, are we to commence a
warfare with them. It may not be “possible” to prevent their injuring and
opposing us; but it is possible not to begin a contention with them; and “when
they” have commenced a strife, to seek peace, and to evince a Christian spirit.
This command doubtless extends to everything connected with strife; and means
that we are not to “provoke” them to controversy, or to prolong it when it is
commenced; see Psalm 34:14; Matthew 5:9, Matthew 5:39-41; Hebrews 12:14. If all
Christians would follow this command, if they would never “provoke” to
controversy, if they would injure no man by slander or by unfair dealing, if
they would compel none to prosecute them in law by lack of punctuality in
payment of debts or honesty in business, if they would do nothing to irritate,
or to prolong a controversy when it is commenced, it would put an end to no
small part of the strife that exists in the world. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
Psalm 34:14
Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.
The verse says to "pursue it." What does that mean? Notice the commentary:
Depart from evil - From all evil; from vice and crime in every form.
And do good - Do good to all people, and in all the relations of life.
Seek peace - Strive to live in peace with all the world. Compare Romans 12:18,
our definitive verse.
And pursue it - Follow after it. Make it an object of desire, and put forth
constant efforts to live in peace with all human beings. There can be no doubt
that this is appropriate advice to one who wishes to lengthen out his days. We
have only to remember how many are cut down by indulging in a quarrelsome,
litigious, and contentious spirit - by seeking revenge - by quarrels, duels,
wars, and strife - to see the wisdom of this counsel.
If one is doing this, he will not allow any situation to escalate into an
argument that could result in the destruction of a relationship, especially
among brothers and sisters in the faith.
Matthew 5:9
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Why would a peacemaker be called a child of God? Notice the commentary:
Children of God - Those who resemble God, or who manifest a spirit like his. He
is the Author of peace [1 Corinthians 14:33]; and all those who endeavor to
promote peace are like him, and are worthy to be called his children. ~Barnes
Notes
Quoted verse for "Children of God":
And now that last two verses quoted in the commentary on Romans 12:18:
Matthew 5:39-41
39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee
on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
40 And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have
thy cloke also.
41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
Note: the "evil" here is speaking about a person rather than some
negative element. The word, "resist" is speaking, "Do not repel one outrage by
another." Doing so would make us as negative or evil as he.
Hebrews 12:14
12 Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out
of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the
Lord:
15 Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of
bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled;
16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel
of meat sold his birthright.
17 For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he
was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully
with tears.
Wow, without diligent striving for peace and holiness, one will not see the
Lord. Further, if we yield to anger, envy, and malice toward others, we open
ourselves to a root of bitterness. We must live peacefully with everyone.
Let us now look at other scripture linked to Romans 12:18
Romans 12:18
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
Romans 14:17-19
17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace,
and joy in the Holy Ghost [Spirit].
18 For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved
of men.
19 Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things
wherewith one may edify another.
We see clearly that we are to strive for peace and anything that edifies us and
others. The word, "edify" means to instruct or benefit, especially morally or
spiritually; to uplift. Another dictionary has it as "to build up morally or in
faith.
Proverbs 12:20
Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of
peace is joy.
In this verse, what is a counsellor of peace? A counselor is one who counsels
or advises others. In this case, we are to be counselers of peace. To be a
counselor of peace, one must be living a peaceful life. He must be one who
exudes peace and invokes it. God is saying that if we are counselors of peace,
we are full of joy in that process.
Mark 9:50
Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season
it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another.
"Have peace one with another." Clearly this is speaking to our character, our
actions and the way we enter into a situation where there is conflict,
disagreement or a misunderstanding.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind,
live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
Galatians 5:22-26
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and
lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one
another.
These five verses have several points for us to share:
1] Peace is a fruit of the Spirit of God.
2] We are to invoke the power of the Holy Spirit.
3] There is no law against peace or us acting in peace and striving after peace
in our daily encounters.
4] We have crucified the negative elements including those of anger and hatred
that are against peace and often destroy relationships.
5] If we live in the Spirit, that is, have the Holy Spirit in us, we must walk
in that Spirit, meaning that we must embrace and invoke the fruits of that Holy
Spirit including peace, gentleness, goodness and meekness.
6] Desire no negative elements or emotions. Do not allow envy, hatred,
bitterness or jealously to enter our hearts whereby we provoke one another in
debate and argument.
7] Edify one another. Lift them up. Lift them up out of anger.
Ephesians 4:1-6
1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the
vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with
longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your
calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Again, we have several points in these six scriptures:
1] God is imploring us with urgency to love the brethren and to respond to our calling.
2] Invoke lowliness, which is humility of mind. Having a humble mind is the best way to respond to the anger/attack of another.
3] Invoke meekness which is the opposite to anger and irritability of disposition.
4] Invoke longsuffering never permitting a trial or provocation to get to the end of your patience.
5] Endeavor to keep the unity between members of the faith. The word, "endeavor" here means to exert oneself to do or effect something; to make an effort; to strive. As a noun, endeavor is defined as, "a strenuous effort." The word, "strenuous" is defined as, "characterized by vigorous exertion, as action, efforts, life, etc." The definition goes on to say that it is a "vigorous, energetic, or zealously active."
6] Endeavoring to keep the bond of peace. For there to be a bond in any relationship, both individuals must be in full agreement with the element in question. In this case, that element is peace. Success will come when both act in peace at that moment of the argument, contention, or misunderstanding.
7] God even enumerates those common elements of bonding:
One hope, one Lord, one faith and one baptism. By the way, what is the meaning
of the word, "baptism" here? Firstfruits are baptized into the same salvation
process and all the elements thereof. We are bonded together with every element
of God the Father and the Lord, Jesus Christ. Therefore how could either or
both of these individuals allow anger in an argument. Indeed, how could they
allow the argument?
2 Timothy 2:22-23 [see
Lesson]
22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace,
with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes.
Notice that God is encouraging us to follow after a number of the fruits of the
Spirit but He says, "with them" meaning your fellow firstfruits in the faith.
In verse 23, what would be included in "foolish and unlearned questions"?
Clearly the verse is speaking to all thing under the heading of false doctrines
but would also include arguments based in a misunderstanding. As you can see,
we went into depth on this verse in our study of 2nd Timothy. Here are some
points I gleaned from that lesson on this concept of foolish and unlearned
questions:
1] "The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall
flee from that which is evil."
2] "The Greek word translated “unlearned,” is better rendered ignorant."
3] "Unadvised and unlearned questions are to be avoided."
4] "The causes of sin once discerned are to be resisted, shunned."
5] "Foolish questions raise contentions. It is a wonder to see what abundance of
ill fruit one branch of fond reasoning hath produced. Like a bone cast amongst
curs, an unlearned question will cause men to snarl, bite, and quarrel."
6] Greek, “undisciplined”; not tending to promote the discipline of faith and
morals (Proverbs 5:23)
7] The word “unlearned,” here, means “trifling; that which does not tend to
edification; stupid.”
James 3:16-18
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and
easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and
without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Call on the wisdom from God and invoke peace.
One final verse in our list of verses linked to Romans 12:18. This one speaks
to the ministry, as well as the entire congregation and all of mankind.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
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.
The admonishment to the congregation is to know their ministers and teachers.
You are to constantly prove that they are in close adherence to scripture. If
they are, you are to esteem them in love for the Work of God's sake. That is,
give praise to God for the ministry and the process of that preaching of truth
from the Word of God. Then, in verse 13 God adds that we are to be at peace
among ourselves. This would include the peace between the minister and the
congregation.
Let us now explore the practical application of what we have learned so far,
using the example of the minister. According to doctrine, God inspires the
sermon. The minister and the entire church are counting on the fact that the
same Spirit of God that inspires the sermon is in the firstfruit as he or she
listens to that preaching. By the power of the Holy Spirit, one is able to take
in and understand the sermon and later apply it to their lives. At the same
time, every firstfruit is human and is the product of everything he or she
knows, everything they have studied of spiritual matters and everything they
have heard all these years in the church. That makes each individual unique in
this regard. This means that there will be times when the firstfruit might be
confused or have a question on a point they heard. There could be instances of
the member thinking he heard the minister say something that did not, in his
estimation, conform to scripture or the doctrine of the church. When this
happens, what is that firstfruit to do in the name of peace, meekness, lowliness
and humility? He is to quietly approach that minister and have him explain that
point. In other words, he is to ask the minister, for example, "Did I hear you
to say thus and such?" That is, he is to ask the minister to state that point
again to make sure he [the member] heard him correctly.
Clearly the member should not approach the minister where other members could
hear the conversation. My stated admonition was to "quietly approach" the
minister. Ask him to go over that part of the sermon again. It would be
abundantly wrong of the member to go to that minister with accusation. It would
be wrong to put words into the mouth of the minister. Keep in mind that the
member might have misunderstood what the minister said. Let me use an absurd
example. Say a minister was giving a sermon and a member somehow thought the
minister stated that Satan would be given a second opportunity to repent of all
he had done since his rebellion against God. Such a statement would be absurd.
Indeed, it would be false teaching and not in adherence with God's Word. It
would be, as the Bible says, a damnable lie. Therefore, the first admonition
to the member would be to keep this to yourself until you get clarity. Second,
do not attack the minister with an accusation. Ask him privately and in all
meekness to clarify his belief and teaching on Satan's fate. In this case, the
true minister would state that Satan's fate is eternity in outer darkness [Jude
13; Matthew 8:12, 22:13, 25:30; GTA booklet, "Satan
- Ultimate Fate and our letter, "What is the Ultimate Fate of Satan?]
If the firstfruit is acting in peace, he will accept this true statement and
clarification of the minister. It would be wrong for the member to somehow hold
the minister to the statement he "thought" the minister uttered in the sermon.
In fact, unless there was an audio or video tape of that statement or one or
more additional witnesses also stating he made that statement about Satan, there
is no way for the minister to respond or defend himself. Indeed, the member
would be biblical compelled to take the statement he said in the here and now.
It might even be appropriate here to invoke a Matthew 18 process with witness [step
2 of the process] so it could be established before witnesses what the
minister knows about the fate of Satan.
In all such misunderstandings with ministers or fellow members, go in peace to
that member for clarification. Do not go to him in anger, bitterness and/or
accusation.
Notice some other scriptures:
Philippians 2:14
Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
2 Timothy 2:14 [see
Lesson]
Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they
strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Titus 3:1-2 [see
Lesson]
1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey
magistrates, to be ready to every good work,
2 To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness
unto all men.
Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Proverbs 16:32
He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his
spirit than he that taketh a city.
Proverbs 18:1-2
1 Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with
all wisdom.
2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover
itself.
2 Timothy 2:16 [see
Lesson]
But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more
ungodliness.
Titus 3:9 [see
Lesson]
But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings
about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.
1 Timothy 3:2-3 [see
Lesson]
2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of
good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a
brawler, not covetous;
2 Corinthians 10:4-5
4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the
pulling down of strong holds;) 5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing
that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ;
2 Timothy 4:2 [see
Lesson]
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort
with all longsuffering and doctrine.
Proverbs 29:22
An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.
Proverbs 30:33
Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose
bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.
Philippians 2:13-18
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure.
14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in
the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the
world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that
I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy,
and rejoice with you all.
18 For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
Proverbs 13:10
Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Here are more scriptures that I entitle, “Tips regarding arguing.”
Proverbs 3:30
Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm.
Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.
Proverbs 15:18
A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth
strife.
Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous studieth to answer: but the mouth of the wicked
poureth out evil things.
Proverbs 19:11
The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a
transgression.
Proverbs 20:3
It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be
meddling.
Proverbs 26:17
He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one
that taketh a dog by the ears.
James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
1 John 3:18
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and
in truth.
Ecclesiastes 7:9
Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.
2 Timothy 2:23-24
23 But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender
strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt
to teach, patient,
Colossians 3:7-9
7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them.
8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy
communication out of your mouth.
9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his
deeds;
Let us close with some quotes on arguments:
"Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute."
"Silence is never more golden than when a quarrel is brewing."
"Arguing isn't communication, it's noise."
"Behind every argument is someone's ignorance."
"People's minds are changed through observation and not through argument." ~Will Rogers
"We are not won by arguments that we can analyze, but by tone and temper; by the manner, which is the man himself."
“Why do people always assume that volume will succeed when logic won’t?"
“It is clear that the individual who persecutes a man, his brother, because he is not of the same opinion, is a monster.”
“You cannot reason people out of a position that they did not reason themselves into.”
“Arguments cannot be answered by personal abuse; there is no logic in slander, and falsehood, in the long run, defeats itself.”
"Say what you mean, but don't say it mean."
"How many a dispute could have been deflated into a single paragraph if the disputants had dared to define their terms."
So go now and live peacefully with everyone.