09/19/2003 Sabbath Meeting Transcript

Tonight/today I would like to share a subject I have shared before, but I believe it is important enough to be heard by those of you who have not heard it.

It is dealing with a sin that is so often hidden within the walls of a home, or behind closed doors within a congregation

It is the sin of "Strife"

This world has much strife and war

Strife is everywhere in this day and age. On the television, on the radio, in the congregation, on forums, chat rooms, emails, newsgroups, and most often in the home

But it ought not be so among family members, nor among brethren

The following study is to examine what strife is, the causes of it and how to avoid it.

Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

These definitions fit well with the Hebrew meanings of the word. But what does scripture say that strife is?

We see one example of strife as far back as Abraham's day.

Genesis 13:6 - And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.

Genesis 13:7 - And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

There seemed to be some strife among the herdsmen as a result of this.

I'm sure they strove over who would get the better land, water, etc.

But what is great about this record is what Abraham did to resolve it:

Genesis 13:8 - And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.

Abraham took the initiative here. And desired above all things that there would be no strife among brethren, nor even among their herdsmen..even if it meant him taking the lesser part:

Genesis 13:9 - Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Genesis 13:10 - And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before YAHWEH destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of YAHWEH, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.

Genesis 13:11 - Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.

In this, I believe that Abraham was blessed. Yahshua said:

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of YAHWEH.

We should realize though, that with some men this is not possible. Let's examine the type of people that stir up strife:

Proverbs 15:18 - A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.

Proverbs 29:22 - An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.

Proverbs 30:33 - Surely the churning of milk bringeth forth butter, and the wringing of the nose bringeth forth blood: so the forcing of wrath bringeth forth strife.

Often times, they might feel justified their anger by calling it "righteous anger" such as when Yahushua overturned the tables of the moneychangers.

But I think that righteous anger is indeed a rare thing and it is often used as an excuse to be angry.

Proverbs 16:28 - A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends.

Proverbs 17:19 - He loveth transgression that loveth strife: and he that exalteth his gate seeketh destruction.

And thus make themselves look good

Proverbs 26:21 - As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire; so is a contentious man to kindle strife.

Proverbs 28:25 - He that is of a proud heart stirreth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in YAHWEH shall be made fat.

But in Yahweh's eyes, they are evil

Consider what it is like to live with strife:

Proverbs 17:1 - Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.

I have seen houses of peace, shalom and love.. yet they were very poor in worldly possessions

And I have seen houses of misery and strife where there was plenty of money

What can we do to avoid strife?

Proverbs 17:14 - The beginning of strife is as when one letteth out water: therefore leave off contention, before it be meddled with.

It is very very difficult to stop it once it starts.

Men have built dams hundreds of feet high to stop it

What can be done to stop strife?

The Hebrew word for "Leave off" in the above verse has to do with "forsaking"

Cease from speaking, perhaps walk away.. run if need be.

Also, when 2 persons are yelling at each other it is usually a sign that both think the other is not listening to them

A listening ear will help

Proverbs 20:3 - It is an honour for a man to cease from strife: but every fool will be meddling.

Any fool can strive

but a wise man with strong character will cease

Proverbs 16:32 - He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

Proverbs 25:28 - He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.

Self control / Temperance is a fruit of the Spirit

When we lack it, the enemy can come in and wreak destruction

Proverbs 11:12 - He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbour: but a man of understanding holdeth his peace.

If there is someone that we are despising for one reason or another.. .think about what kind of mercy we will be needing from Father Yahweh on the day of judgment, and it becomes easier to have mercy and longsuffering with others

Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 7:9 - Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone?

Matthew 5:9 - Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of YAHWEH.

Proverbs 26:17 - He that passeth by, and meddleth with strife belonging not to him, is like one that taketh a dog by the ears.

Proverbs 9:7 - He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot.

In the home, I believe a major cause of strife is lack of respect for Yahweh's authority:

1Peter 3:1 - Wives, likewise, [be] submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives,

1Peter 3:2 - when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.

1Peter 3:3 - Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--

1Peter 3:4 - rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of YAHWEH.

How many would win a fight with their boss at work?

Who can strive with Yahweh and overcome Him?

Perhaps some suppose that it is acceptable if the husband is not being obedient to the word

But we just read in 1Pet 3:1 that the husband is more likely to be one by righteous conduct than by his wife striving with him

Two wrongs do not make a right, and if she is to have the moral authority to correct him.. then she must be obedient to Yahweh herself

If a bad situation appears on the horizon as a result of a perceived bad decision by the husband, the wives can trust in Yahweh

1Peter 3:5 - For in this manner, in former times, the holy women who trusted in YAHWEH also adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands,

1Peter 3:6 - as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him master, whose daughters you are if you do good and are not afraid with any terror.

One might even believe she had good reason to question it. Wouldn't it be degrading for a man to tell his wife to say "I'm his sister?"

But as Peter/Kepha said, Sarah is a good example

Do not fear the consequences..trust in Yahweh

And we see that Yahweh delivered her

And their household was greatly blessed

In a home where the wife is humble & submissive, there is no strife

However, the husband has a responsibility to create the best environment for that to happen

The husband is responsible to Yahweh for loving his wife as Yahushua loves the assembly

Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as the Messiah also loved the assemblyand gave Himself for her,

Ephesians 5:26 - that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word,

Ephesians 5:27 - that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.

We cannot use our wives' behavior to excuse away the need to love them in this way. Yahushua loved us while we were yet sinners, did He not?

And not only did He love us, He loved us to the point of being tortured and giving His life for us

Yahweh help us

The men bear great responsibility.. and we should solemnly consider the words here

Yahweh promises to keep us from strife:

Psalms 31:20 - Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Interestingly, this word translated "pavilion" is "Sukkah" from which we get "Tabernacle"

Concerning the brethren, there are some who preach the truth just so that they can always win an argument or lift themselves up.

Paul noted these types of men in his day:

Philippians 1:15 - Some indeed preach the Messiah even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

Philippians 1:16 - The one preach the Messiah of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds:

Philippians 1:17 - But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the glad tidings.

Philippians 1:18 - What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, the Messiah is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice.

It ought not be so among us

But at least it is preached, regardless of the motivation. Yahushua warned of tares among the wheat.

But be not discouraged when we see the divisions. The divisions were there in Paul's day also:

1Corinthians 11:18 - For first of all, when ye come together in the assembly, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.

1Corinthians 11:19 - For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Philippians 2:3 - Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Perhaps there would be no strife at all among brethren!!

When Yahushua comes it will all end

The best that we can do is not participate in their quest, but to humble ourselves and walk away or at least say "Let us not strive, for we are brethren!!"

Romans 13:13 - Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Romans 13:14 - But put ye on Yahushua the Messiah, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

1Corinthians 3:2 - I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.

1Corinthians 3:3 - For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Those among us who bear His name or are wanting to bear His name must be very careful what choose to say to others.

All the world watches (and Yahweh too) to see the love for one another that Yahushuaa said would be evident among His disciples.

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Matthew 12:36 - But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Now when others see us in sin and strife, it is how they view Yahweh and His people.

Those who bear and proclaim His name must walk in righteousness!!

When we do not.. people will say "This is the people of Yahweh" and will associate His wonderful name with unrighteousness.

It ought not be so!!

We are talking about the Name of the most powerful being in the Universe!

We are in a time of searching, my brethren

It isn't quite like it was in the days of the apostles

They had the truth, and were trying to protect it

We lack the truth, and are desperately seeking to attain it

We can kill each other with our words in the process.. or we can bear with one another in love, considering one another better than ourselves, praying for one another, bearing one another's burdens

I pray that our searching for the truth can be without vain strife and animosity toward one another. Who owns all the truth?

Certainly not I.

Who has had all their sin revealed to them?

We are all growing. We must be longsuffering with one another

Matthew 7:1 - Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Matthew 7:2 - For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Matthew 7:3 - And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:4 - Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?

Matthew 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

The one we serve will lead us into all truth IF we are humble and depart from carnal strife!

But if we personally berate another for his lack of understanding in our own eyes then surely we are acting as if WE are the wise ones and the OTHER is the fool.

Is this humility?

When Yahushua spoke to certain disciple, he said:

John 21:15 - So when they had dined, Yahushua saith to Simon Kepha, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Rabbi; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:16 - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Rabbi; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:17 - He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Kepha was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Rabbi, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Yahushua saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

We are the sheep of His pasture. His sheep hear His voice. But a stranger's voice they will not hear.

If we have something to share from the Spirit of Yahweh how will it be presented?

His people are sheep, hungry for His word...needing to be fed. Not intimidated into submission with harsh words and idle threats and STRIFE.. this is a stranger's voice

How does Yahushua lead His sheep?

Isaiah 40:11 - He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Matthew 23:4 - For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

Will we..like Him..gather them with our arms gently lead them or will we smite them with our words?

Will we provoke the flesh by intimidating them with threats and condemnation or provoke them to love?

James 3:7 - For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.

James 3:8 - But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:9 - With it we bless YAHWEH our Father and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of YAHWEH.

James 3:10 - Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.

James 3:11 - Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening?

James 3:12 - Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

James 3:13 - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct [that] his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.

James 3:14 - But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.

James 3:15 - This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

James 3:16 - For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

James 3:17 - But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18 - Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

James 3:19 -

James 4:1 - Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?

But if we have Yahweh's wisdom, let it be shared in the meekness of wisdom

I encourage all the brothers and sisters to have discretion and understanding toward one another.

Proverbs 19:11 - The discretion of a man deferreth his anger; and it is his glory to pass over a transgression.

Psalms 145:8 - YAHWEH is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

Yahushua takes the beatings and spittings of the enemy for our sakes and then says "Father forgive them".

Do we receive one small ounce of disrespect from a brother and then lash out like we have been slain?

Are we forgetting "The weightier matters of the law?"

Matthew 23:23 - Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

These are characteristics of Yahushua and we must walk like He walked.

Ephesians 4:1 - I, therefore, the prisoner of Yahushua, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Ephesians 4:2 - with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Ephesians 4:3 - endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Are we loving our brother as Yahushua loved us? This was His commandment:

John 13:34 - A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

The world won't know that we are His disciples because of how well we know the Torah or how many college degrees we have in theology and doctrine

The world will know that we are His disciples by our love for one another. Will the innocent bystander find love among us?

If we lack this (and I speak for myself also)..we are all treading on very very dangerous ground!!

1John 3:10 - In this the children of YAHWEH and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of YAHWEH, nor is he who does not love his brother.

1John 4:20 - If someone says, "I love YAHWEH," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love YAHWEH whom he has not seen?

Matthew 5:44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

Matthew 5:45 - That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Matthew 5:46 - For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?

Matthew 5:47 - And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?

Matthew 5:48 - Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

And again if we cannot love our brother whom we have seen, how can we love Yahweh whom we have not seen?

Let's avoid the striving:

Titus 3:9 - But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

Colossians 3:12 - Put on therefore, as the elect of YAHWEH, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

Colossians 3:13 - Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as the Messiah forgave you, so also do ye.

Strife is a work of the FLESH. Not a fruit of the SPIRIT.

Galatians 5:19 - Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

Galatians 5:20 - idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

Galatians 5:21 - envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of YAHWEH.

Galatians 5:22 - But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

Galatians 5:23 - gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

I pray that all of us would begin to see the importance of having the fruits of the Spirit in every place.

At work, in forums, chat rooms and especially in our own homes.

Surely if we sow to the Spirit of the Spirit we'll reap LIFE (Forever!)

So let's sow to the Spirit!

Galatians 6:8 - For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

Galatians 6:10 - Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

It is Yahweh's Spirit that should speak through us...Yahweh's Spirit does not need our fleshly anger to accomplish conviction in the life of any person, whether it be an unbeliever, believer or a member of our own family

May Yahweh lead us all to the unity of faith that Yahushua prayed for

This will take longsuffering, kindness, humbleness, a spirit that is willing to be reproved, willing to hear and willing to make Shalom

May it be so among us, but let us remember where it all starts...

In our homes

Homes of strife become assemblies of strife, which affects everyone

But homes of peace will eventually bear assemblies of peace

May Yahweh convict our hearts bring us to the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.. uniting every one of us.. not in error, but in truth that leads to everlasting life.

And may Yahweh bless you and have mercy on us all!