1.  Introduction ~ conflict happens so easily!

     1.1.  the next thing you know you’re used the enemy 1 Tim 4:1 

2.  Context ~ our text addresses conflict in the Church Matt 5:23-26 

     2.1.  Jesus is Ruler over all Eph 1:22-23  Matt 5:23 

     2.2.  Jesus was speaking about anger Matt 5:22 now He applies it

             2.2.1.  “∴” (ἐὰν οὖν) [ěǎnˋ ūn] literally “if then” Matt 5:23 

3.  The Altar ~ imagery is now employed Matt 5:23  Lev 1:2–5 

4.  In The Wrong ~ Jesus addresses our offenses Matt 5:23-25 

     4.1.  we’re being told to take the initiative to make it right Rom 12:8 

5.  Kingdom Living ~ is in the background Matt 5:20  2 Cor 5:21 

     5.1.  when we trust in Jesus God saves us Phil 3:8-9  1 John 3:15 

6.  First Things First ~ is a good rule to follow when it comes to God

     6.1.  “making things right” is simply “what we do” Mark 11:25 

7.  No Delays ~ is easy to say but tougher to actually do

     7.1.  this is a universal problem Rom 3:10-12  Luke 14:26-27 

8.  The True Issue ~ is not human conflict & human laws & judges

     8.1.  there is One who has complaint against us Matt 9:13 

             8.1.1.  Jesus expands it in legal terms Matt 5:25-26  Matt 25:46 

9.  Application ~ it’s often easier to reconcile w/God than w/ people 

     9.1.  our relationship w/God is affected by our conflicts 1 John 4:20  

             9.1.1.  if we’ve been wronged-we must forgive Col 3:12-14 

             9.1.2.  if we’re wrong-we seek to make it right Matt 5:23-24 

     9.2.  this is impossible for us to do apart from Jesus John 15:5 

 

For Contemplation:

Am I willing to make things right when I am wrong?

 

Homiletical Idea:

Our relationship with others impacts our relationship with God.

 

For Prayer:

Father, reveal to me when I am in the wrong.