The Blacklist - Pt. 6 - Family Feuds Series

The Blacklist

Pt. 6 - Family Feuds

I. Introduction Lists are a part of life. Lists on paper. Lists on your phone. Lists are supposed to keep us ordered. Lists represent what we believe are important or at least what we don't want to forget or overlook. I think that is why this list we have been examining is so important. Most of us don't even know it exists. It is a list we need to know about so that we make sure that we avoid it at all costs . . . God's Blacklist! Solomon takes the time to put the list in writing so that we won't overlook it and realize just how important it is to know.

II. Text

Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

Solomon using strong language, dropping the "H" Bomb says that God hates six things and then adds a seventh thing that is detestable.

We dealt with proud eyes, lying, and heavy hands and a heart that devises wicked schemes. Eyes, tongue, hands, heart, feet and now family. Solomon states that God hates it when someone stirs up conflict in the community. This item on the list is one of the most painful to deal with because all of the others we can address on our own and make personal adjustments. However, this one requires us to involve others! If anyone should have been an expert on conflict in community and family, then it should have been Solomon. From his own history and experience of living in a Jerry Springer type dysfunctional family Solomon realizes that conflict is not God's chosen path for us.

We must give peace a chance!

Solomon is clear that to stay off The Blacklist we must give peace a chance. We have watched and learned that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. So, we feel compelled to squeak! We have been trained to fight for our rights. So, we get saved and fail to submit our right to always be right! Our heart change must also cause an attitude change!

Listen to what the New Testament says about how we should live with each other and see if this sounds like you!

Matthew 5:9 - We know this as blessed are the peacemakers. But listen to this version . . . “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family."

Luke 6:38 - "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked.

Romans 12:14-19 - Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody. Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

Galatians 5:15,19-21 - If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. (We always seem to focus on sexual immorality, idolatry, witchcraft, etc., but low and behold selfishness, fighting, jealousy, factions also make the list!)

Ephesians 4:2-3 - Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Try always to be led along together by the Holy Spirit and so be at peace with one another. (Be quick at mending fences!)

Hebrews 12:14-15 - Work at getting along with each other and with God. (No one said this would be easy - the reason some of us end up on The Blacklist is this one word - we want this to be easy.) Otherwise you’ll never get so much as a glimpse of God. (Stop and consider the profound implications and consequences of this statement.) Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity. Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.