INTRODUCTION: History of some churches shows faction, division, anger, separation. It was
that way even in the first century—Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians. But that is not what
Jesus wanted.

I. PEACE – PEACE – PEACE — A key Bible concept. The word is used over and over, again and
again. John 14: 27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world
giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” See also
Rom. 5:1; 8:1, 6; 10:15; 12:18; 14:17, 19; 15:13; I Cor. 7:15; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 2:14-15; 4:1-3;
Phil. 4:7; Col. 3:15; John 14: 27

• Jesus made great statements about Peace—He preached the gospel of peace; He sent
peace; He brings peace. Jesus said blessed are the peacemakers, Matt. 5:9. He is the
PRINCE OF PEACE, Isa. 9:6

• I want it too. I want it to be said the folks in the Lord’s church, here, are PEACEFUL AND
LOVING. That they are gracious, kind and loving. Not divisive, hateful, spiteful, rude and
unkind (Don’t do it, don’t permit it, do not allow it.) We are warned against unreasonable
people, II Thess. 3:1-6; Matt. 7:6.

• Conflicts will come, but VERY FEW…if we remember to be PEACEMAKERS.

II. Resolving Conflict— We’ve got to first work on the vineyard…on the flock…on each of us.

• The first, the most important one in this church is JESUS, Matt. 6:33; Col. 1:18.

• The second most important person in this church is…? Who? Guess? Surprise—it is YOU (love neighbor as self, Matt. 19:19). Yes you…to get this right see that we seek God first, Matt. 6:33.

• If everyone in this church were just like me—what would this church be? Heb 10:25.

• Each member should examine him/herself, II Cor. 13:5; I Cor. 11:28.

• Love your brother or sister, John 15:12-13; I John 3:11-12.

• Remember, the Prince of Peace, Jesus, who is the most important person in the church,
said peace be unto you; blessed are the peacemakers —SETTLE IT.

III. When conflicts come, let’s handle them biblically• See Matt. 18:15-20 and Titus 3:9-10 and Rom. 16:17. When you have a problem with
another Christian, go to the person alone, if not resolved, then with two or three, then to
the elders-church. If that doesn’t work, then reject the divisive person(s), do not put up
with divisive, factious people! • Rebuke, when repents, forgive, Luke 17:3-4.• Paul and Barnabas disagreed, but continued working for the Lord, Acts 15:36-41.

CONCLUSION: Remember, JESUS PRAYED the night before he died THAT WE MIGHT ALL BE
ONE, John 17:17-23. The apostle Paul also demanded that we be united and that there be no
divisions among us, I Cor. 1:10-16. Paul begged us to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond
of peace, Eph. 4:3. REMEMBER Jesus is our Prince of Peace,” Isa 9:6. —Ivy Conner