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Strife(contention)

/STRYF/

Summary

Contention, quarreling, and division among people, severely condemned in Scripture as contrary to Christian love and unity.

☩Biblical Examples

Scripture records many instances of strife: between Abraham's and Lot's herdsmen; Isaac's servants and the men of Gerar; Jephthah and his brothers; the disciples arguing who was greatest. Paul and Barnabas had a sharp contention over John Mark. The Corinthian church was plagued by divisions—some claiming allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos, others to Cephas.

Key verses:Genesis 13:6-7Genesis 26:20-22Judges 12:1-6Mark 9:34Luke 22:24Acts 15:38-391 Corinthians 1:11-12

☩Warnings Against Strife

Strife is listed among the works of the flesh alongside hatred, envyings, and wrath. 'Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.' Servants of Christ must not strive, but be gentle to all. In the early Church, those at enmity with brethren could not bring offerings at the altar until reconciled.

Key verses:Galatians 5:19-21James 3:14-16James 4:1-22 Timothy 2:23-24Romans 13:13Philippians 2:3, 14-15

☩The Good Striving

There is a proper Christian striving: to enter at the strait gate, to contend for the faith, to strive lawfully for the incorruptible crown, to labor and strive as Christ's servant. Paul invited others to strive together with him in prayers. In spiritual warfare, one may resist unto blood, striving against sin.

Key verses:Luke 13:241 Corinthians 9:25Colossians 1:29Romans 15:30Hebrews 12:4Philippians 1:27

Related Verses98 mentions

Proverbs· 27 verses

6:126:1610:1213:1015:18

Genesis· 7 verses

13:613:713:821:2526:20

1 Corinthians· 7 verses

1:111:123:33:46:1

Romans· 6 verses

2:812:1813:1314:2116:17

See Also

1/2
Cain Slaying Abel
Anger
Dissension
Dissension
Cain and Abel, 15th century
Envy
Jealousy
Jealousy

References

  1. 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Strife," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  2. 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Strife," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  3. 3.James Hastings (ed.), "Strife," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  4. 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Strife," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  5. 5.John McClintock and James Strong, "Strife," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
  6. 6.James Hastings (ed.), "Strife," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
  7. 7.James Hastings (ed.), "Strife," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).