2 Cor. 12:20; James 3:13-18, Examine Yourselves for Contentions (3)

Let us consider truth from God’s word about contentions so that our minds can be renewed; we need to think correctly about how to live righteously in a world full of contentious situations.

a.     Put off!

We should know that contentiousness is the product of our enemies: the world, the flesh and the devil.  According to Rom. 1:28-32, in the list of sins that characterize the sinful, God-denying world where we live, we find contentions.  In Gal. 5:20 in the list of the works of the flesh we find contentions.  And in James 3:13-16 we see that contentions are demonic!  This is never God’s idea.

Further the Bible tells us that using contentions to solve our differences is an approach that simply does not work.  Titus 3:9 says contentions … are unprofitable and useless.  And listen to James 1:19-20: the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

b.     Put on!

Consider truth from Scripture about a better approach in these opportunities.  How much better if we are filled with the Spirit, enjoying our relationship with Christ, filled with His word and praying fervently.  Look at what this produces in Gal. 5:22-23 and consider each of these in the context of our relationships with both the people of God and the people of the world: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Again, in place of the earthly, sensual and demonic wisdom, consider the wisdom from above which is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (James 3:17-18).  This says that while contentions do not produce the righteousness of God the peaceable wisdom from above does produce the fruit of righteousness.

Another great passage to help us in this area is the one found in Rom. 12:16-21.  Here are 6 amazing truths to meditate on.

·        12:16: Have the mind of Christ (e.g. Phil. 2:5-11).

·        12:17: Evil is never a reason for evil (i.e. no revenge).

·        12:18: Go to the greatest lengths possible for peace.

·        12:19: Let God be the judge.

·        12:20: Love your enemy.

·        12:21: Practice kindness towards those with whom you are tempted to be contentious.

Remember!  The command is not to do the best you can.  The command is, be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).  Immersion in the word of God (Rom. 8:5) and yieldedness to Christ (Rom. 12:1; Col. 3:16) are keys to the mind of Christ.