Confessions 7/6/26

Main message: The sermon defines strife as bitter conflict that blocks God's blessings and lays out practical, grace-centered steps to overcome it — walking in love, humility, pursuing peace, controlling the tongue, relying on the Holy Spirit, and forgiving quickly — while encouraging believers to live out their finished identity in Christ.

Key points:

• Strife = bitter conflict/discord rooted in unresolved unforgiveness, pride, envy and self-seeking; it hinders spiritual life and blessings.
• Walk in love (1 Cor. 13:4–7) and choose love over offense to shut the door to strife.
• Practice humility (Phil. 2:3) because pride fuels strife and humility diffuses it.
• Seek and pursue peace (Rom. 12:18) and control your tongue — a soft answer turns away wrath (Prov. 15:1).
• Rely on the Holy Spirit for fruit like peace and self-control (Gal. 5:22–23); forgive quickly (Eph. 4:31–32).
• Speak and live from the finished work and identity in Christ (declaring healing, blessing, righteousness) and be a supply to others in need.

Scriptures mentioned: Ephesians 1:3, Psalm 91, Proverbs 17:14, James 3:16, Galatians 5:19–21, 2 Timothy 2:23–24, 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, Philippians 2:3, Romans 12:18, Proverbs 15:1, Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 4:31–32