May 12, 2013

“MEDIATING CONFLICT TO MAINTAIN UNITY AND JOY”

Philippians 4:2-9

GOAL:  The student learns how to mediate conflict and maintain unity and a Godly spirit in the church.

INDICATOR:  The student having learned how to mediate conflict follows the guide lines given by Paul in the text.

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

1.     Write this statement on the board:  We will agree to disagree!  What comes to mind when you see this?  STATEMENT:  Church Unity is more important than the issue.

2.     Read verses 2 and 3.
a) Paul describes a situation in these verses.  What is the problem?  Note:  Read commentary on page 105.

b) What solution is proposed?  Note:  Read “Deal with it” in the commentary on the top of page 106.

c) What does Paul ask his “loyal yoke fellow to do?

d) Read “In the Middle” on top of page 107 in the commentary.  What type of reputation does the writer advise us to “seek” to help?

e) Have you had someone to mediate a conflict or have you been a mediator of a conflict?  If so, tell about it.

f) What does it mean to have one’s name written in the Book of Life?  (See: Revelations 20:11-15)

3.     Read and discuss verses 4 through 7.

a)     How can a Believer “rejoice” in the Lord always?”

b)    Explain what the writer means in verse 5 according to the context of the letter.

c)     What is the instruction and what is the promise in verses 4 through 7?

4.     Read verses 8 and 9.  Complete the handout sheet as a class (watch your time).

5.     Close with prayer.