Healing Our Conflict: Jesus, Our Great Physician Sermon Series

Listen or watch the sermon here. 

Download the sermon guide to print here.

In this sermon, Vincent Carpenter explores the challenging topic of conflict resolution through a Christian lens. Drawing from personal experiences and Scripture, he guides us on how to approach conflicts by first looking to Jesus then examining ourselves before addressing others. This discussion guide aims to help you reflect on and apply these teachings to your own life enhancing your ability to navigate conflicts with grace and wisdom.

This sermon emphasizes:

• Conflicts are inevitable but God can use them to reveal more about Himself and ourselves.
• We should look to Jesus first in conflicts as He knows how to bring real and lasting resolution.
• Self-examination is crucial before addressing others in a conflict.
• God sees us as valuable, not as victims in conflicts.
• Approaching others with care and forgiveness is key to resolving conflicts.

Key Scriptures:

• “Do not judge so that you will not be judged” Matthew 7:1
• “Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
• “You hypocrite first take the log out of your own eye and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye” Matthew 7:5
• “Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness” Psalm 37:3
• “If your brother sins go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you you have won your brother” Matthew 18:15

Table Questions:

These are questions based on the scripture and sermon to help you put the teaching into practice. They can be used in discipleship, Lifegroup, as a family or with whoever is around your table this summer:

1. How can we differentiate between judging others and addressing genuine concerns in a conflict?
2. In what ways might our own insecurities contribute to conflicts? How can we recognize and address these?
3. How can we practically “look to Jesus” when we’re in the midst of a heated conflict?
4. What are some challenges you face in examining yourself before addressing others in a conflict?
5. How might viewing yourself as valuable to God rather than as a victim change your approach to conflicts?
6. What does it mean to you to “care before you correct” in a conflict situation?
7. How can we balance forgiveness with the need for accountability in resolving conflicts?
8. What role does prayer play in your approach to conflict resolution? How might you incorporate it more?
9. How can we create a culture of healthy conflict resolution within our church community?
10. What’s one specific way you can apply the teachings from this sermon to a current or recent conflict in your life?