2 Cor. 12:20, Gen. 37:1-11; Examine Yourselves for: Contentions (1)

One of the areas of sin Paul was concerned he would find in Corinth comes under the category of contentions.  Let us apply the outline developed in the last two posts to this problem.

  I.            God provides an opportunity.

World history is filled with contention.  Biblical history is filled with contention.  It would be helpful to consider a few of those situations so we have some understand what kinds of opportunities God provides.

·        Gen. 27: In the story of Jacob and Esau Jacob’s contentious attitude towards Esau came at a time when it seem God’s promise was being delayed or perhaps forfeited, as far as Jacob could see.

·        Gen. 37: Joseph’s brothers became contentious against him because they did not like God’s promise.  Think about that.  They envied Joseph.

·        2 Samuel 14: Absalom’s treachery was certainly tied to David’s sin.  But for Absalom his actions were fueled by pride and envy.  He was able to create contention in the nation by appealing to people’s dissatisfaction.

·        1 Kings 12: The division of Israel into two kingdoms was God’s doing, the result of idolatry.  But the human issue at the time, concerning Rehoboam’s refusal to accept the advice of the elders, involved pride and perhaps greed.  In the end we must say the King tried to go against God’s plan.

·        Mark 10:35-45: The disciples’ argument about who was the greatest was occasioned by pride and jealousy aimed at James and John who sought a higher position with Jesus.

·        Acts 6: The growth of Christ’s church resulted in the issue of feeding the widows.  It appears the contention was fueled by prejudices (Hebrew against Greek or Dispersion Jews).

·        1 Cor. 1-4: The division at Corinth was the result of the blessing of Christ.  He had provided them with wonderful teachers (Peter, Paul, Apollos).  But these blessings became the basis for competition among the people.

There are many more of these kinds of situations.  But notice how often contention rises among God’s people out of God’s the experience of God’s blessing or out of resistance to God’s plan.  And notice also the common thread of envy or jealousy.  Think about the subjects of your contentions, perhaps in your family or work or church.  Do you recognize these same commonalities?