Conflict Mediation - Christian Warfare

INTRODUCTION:

Review:

WHY?… We’re in a war, and we’ve been in a war!

TODAY: Conflict Resolution - Christian Warfare

Background on Paul’s response to the crisis:

2 Corinthians (II. Paul Responds to a New Crisis (10:1–13:14))

His opponents were Jewish Christians who put themselves forward as apostles of Christ. They highly prized eloquent speech, displays of authority, visions and revelations, and the performance of mighty works as the signs of a true apostle. They had earlier infiltrated the Corinthian church, and their criticisms of Paul prob. provided some of the “ammunition” used by the offender (i.e., the one who caused pain, 2:5; who did the wrong, 7:12) in his attack against Paul.

Sunday AM Reminders:

Summary: In conclusion, the passage from 2 Corinthians 10 offers profound insights into the nature of Christian warfare and our role within it.

As believers, we are called to engage in spiritual battles not with the weapons of the world, but with the powerful tools provided by God.

Our warfare involves demolishing arguments and strongholds, taking every thought captive to Christ, and responding to criticism with humility and faith. Through obedience and reliance on God's authority, we can overcome obstacles and support the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Christian warfare…

1. Christian warfare is not waged in the flesh (v. 3)

2. Christian warfare is waged with weapons that are powerful through God (vv. 4-5)

3. Christian warfare is taking every thought captive to Christ and dealing with disobedience (vv. 5b–6)

2 Corinthians 10:5–6 “5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.”

Obedience comes with detachment from the influence of the world/former ways.

4. Christian warfare is responding to criticism that prevents the Gospel from going forth (vv. 7-11)

5. Christian warfare is recognizing that growth is limited by weaknesses in the faith community (vv. 12-18)

Ministry in 2 Cor. 10 is described as Christian warfare using imagery of Siege warfare.

*See picture of Roman Siegecraft and works*

Talk It Over

In what ways do we see the influence of worldly standards and ideologies shaping our approach to spiritual battles? How can we discern and resist these influences?

Reflecting on the idea of "taking every thought captive to obey Christ," what practical steps can we take to align our thinking with God's truth and Word?

How can we navigate criticism in a way that honors God and furthers His Kingdom?

How can we maintain humility and reliance on God's power in the midst of spiritual battles and ministry endeavors?

How does the concept of spiritual warfare challenge our understanding of conflict resolution and engagement with the world around us?

Youth Reflection:

Jim Wilder: 3 Clusters of how our brain responds to enemy mode:

1) Stupid enemy mode (1 Sam. 20:33). Out of control.

2) Intelligent enemy mode. This mode shuts off our relational circuits (I.e. Airplane mode in relation to God). S

3) Simple enemy mode, which is low energy. What is behind racial problems. Disconnect. Distract.

Most common trigger for enemy mode in families is NOT LISTENING.

Matthew 18:15–20 “15 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.””