Agree With Your Adversary Quickly

Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him … Matt. 5:25

…lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison.  Matt.5:2

• We are to agree with our adversary quickly.

An adversary is someone who stands in opposition to you with opposing views.

• Varying opinions are to be expressed, but without contention.

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: … contentions, … dissensions … those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Gal. 5:19-21

Contentious – causing an argument by contending for an opinion

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

A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike; Proverbs 27:15

Dissentions – arguments over disagreements in a group

We are to fight one thing … the devil’s lies to undermine our faith.

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life… 1 Timothy 6:12

Our fight is not with people. It is against the leaders and the powers and the spirits of darkness in this world … Eph. 6:12 NLV

15 This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. 16 For where there is envying and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:15-18

Why Quickly?

… lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Matthew 5:25

Progression – difference of opinion, clashes, dislike, distrust, settled bitterness and hatred.

• It goes to the judge

The first one to plead his cause seems right, until his neighbor comes and examines him. Prov. 18:17

You may think you have won your case in court, until your opponent speaks.  Pr. 18:17 CEV

• then to the officer

• then to prison

The cost of contention is far greater than the cost of peace.

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Rom. 12:17-18 ESV

• Realize God’s design is opposites cooperating together.

But God composed the body … that there should be no schism in the body …  1 Cor.12:24-25

Schism – a split or division that causes parties with. opposing ideas and opinions to attack and separate from each other.

• We need to agree and come to terms with others:

God’s Way to come to Terms: Value the Difference.

Man’s Way to come to Terms: Get as much as you can giving up as little as you can.

Spiritual Principles of Agreement:

 • After appeal, submit to your spiritual head

 • Honour others by coming to an agreement

 • Be agreeable – harmonize

Process to come to Terms

• Restate the other’s point of view
• Affirming their perspective and feelings
• Ask a question
• State your view without denying the other's view.
• Is there a third option that both can agree upon?