Unity in the Church (2) “Let there be no divisions among you” NT Church (2017-2018)

Our Need for Unity Psalm 133, Behold how good and how pleasant it is John 17:20-21, the Lord’s prayer! 1 Corinthians 1:10 Philippians 2:1-2, the degree of unity Ephesians 4:1-6, we are working at it

We CANNOT achieve true unity at the expense of truth!

The Sin of Division

The Sin of Division Proverbs 6:16-19 – these seven things God hates… one who sows discord among brethren 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:1-3 – let there be no divisions among you… do not be carnal

The Sin of Division Galatians 5:20 – a work of the flesh – hatred, contentions, jealousies, selfish-ambitions, dissension, heresies, etc.

The Sin of Division We must mark or avoid those causing divisions Romans 16:17-18 – note those who cause divisions and offenses… and avoid them 2 John 9-11 – do not receive one bringing false doctrine into your house nor greet him… Titus 3:10-11 – reject a divisive man after 2 warnings Ephesians 5:11

The Problem of Division Sadly, many today endorse forms of division (“unity in diversity”, denominationalism, etc.) (cf. 2 John 11) It is incompatible with TRUE unity – consider the damage division causes – wars, broken families, mental anguish, etc. It shows disregard for God’s word – you CANNOT have division if all involved are obeying God’s word

The Problem of Division It often breeds (or is the product of) ignorance and indifference – some have not honestly studied a subject; others willfully choose to not study (lest they be exposed – cf. John 3:19-21) Some don’t want to work it out It tears churches and brethren apart – sometimes it results in splits.

The Problem of Division It can damage the Lord’s cause – the world sees when we are divided. Consider Romans 2:24 It WILL separate you from God when we are divided, SOMEONE is wrong! Unless we repent, there will be consequences – Galatians 5:21

How do we avoid division?

Avoiding division Knowledge – we need to study God’s word and apply it – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Hosea 4:6 Speak the same thing – seek to be like-minded, while respecting God’s word. 2 Timothy 2:15 1 Corinthians 1:10 To do this we need to be on the same path - Matthew 22:37, Colossians 3:1-2

Avoiding division Avoid foolish disputes – 1 Timothy 1:3-7, 2 Timothy 2:16, 2:23, Titus 3:9, etc. We are not talking about genuine discussion, but arguing about words that will not change anything, demanding our way, trivial pursuits, binding liberties (Romans 14), etc.

Avoiding division As the Lord’s church, resolve to ALL stand for the truth – including elders and teachers – Titus 1:9, 2 Timothy 4:2, Ephesians 5:11, Romans 16:17-18, etc. Nurture our relationship as the family of God – we are brethren. ACT LIKE IT! Nurture those relationships

Avoiding division Go to your brother when you have a concern – don’t go to everyone else, go with a genuine desire to work it out, don’t ignore the “leak in the dam”; go to seek clarification (often our differences are a matter of misunderstanding what one means) – Matthew 18:15-18

Avoiding division Have a proper attitude! Philippians 2:3-4, Ephesians 4:2, 32, etc. You can either be a cause for unity OR a cause for division. NEVER forget the “golden rule” Matthew 7:12 NEVER forget what love looks like – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

The future of the Lord’s church here depends upon TRUE unity

Are we as united as God would have us to be? NT Church (2017-2018)