A Good Argument (Titus 3:3-11)
Gary McManus, 11/12/2017Part of the Words that Divide, Words that Unite series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
November 12, 2017 Titus 3:3-11
Sermons the Saints Suggested:
“Arguments/ Arguing”
But NOT because DCC is in one, PTL!
Argument: an exchange of diverging
or opposite views, typically a heated
or angry one.
synonyms:quarrel, disagreement, squabble,
fight, dispute, wrangle, clash, altercation,
feud, disputation, falling-out;
Almost all people
DO NOT KNOW HOW TO ARGUE.
Pastor knows how to argue!
There really are two sides to everything!
The Bible uses the word argument 15 time.
(See Luke 9:46, John 3:25).
The King James version uses the word
“controversy” a dozen times.
(also 1 Timothy 6:4, Titus 3:9)
--The Bible uses the word quarrel 43 times!
So, the BIBLE KNOWS!
SO why is arguing so difficult?
Because arguments are like football games
even if they are between just two people.
[Factoid: Presidential debates are NOT
debates.]
What people argue about
--we can argue about ideas
--we can argue about people
--we can argue about things
--and we can argue about cost
—not just money usually but
effort/requirements/changes/time
We begin with a basic difference or
competing differences: values.
Take food; you want flavor/taste or health?
Slavery in America before the Civil War.
Is slavery good for the economy?
Should slaves be free citizens?
[Two competing values.]
Notice; the Apostle states “have
nothing to do with FOOLISH arguments.”
Foolish (Greek) = worthless
Therefore, there still are arguments
WORTH having.
How to argue:
--schedule it if you need to
--stay on topic
--be fair --don’t hit below the belt
--use “I” statements
More from Jesus:
Things? Money? Usually not worth it.
--Jesus loves both parties (Matthew 18:15)
--We are in God’s family for our good
(1 Corinthians 14:12, Hebrews 2:12, 1 John 3:1)
--”speak the truth IN LOVE.” (Ephesians 4:15)
--(Matthew 5:14): Come to terms quickly. . .
--.ie. keep the relationship!
--Proverbs 15:1
Pilgrim side or English King side?
Amen.
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