1. For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. (2 Cor. 7:8-10) For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. (1 Thess. 2:13) Aim in Preaching

2. HEAVEN Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2) Keeping Our Eyes On the Goal

3. HEAVEN Pressing Toward the Goal Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 3:13-14)

4. HEAVEN For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Tim. 4:6-8) Fight, Finish, and Keep

5. CHURCH FACTIONALISMFACTIONALISM

6. Factionalism – Gal. 5:20 Chu rch NKJVKJVASVGreekDefinition JealousiesVarianceStrifeEris Strife, Discord, Contention; The expression of enmity Outbursts Of Wrath EmulationsJealousiesZelos To try to equal or excel another; envious, rivalry, jealousy Outbursts Of Wrath WrathWrathsThumos Anger, Wrath, Rage, Fits of rage; Outbursts of anger Selfish Ambitions StrifeFactionsEritheia Selfishness; selfish ambition (self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means—Aristotle) DissentionsSeditionsDivisions Dichostasia Dissention, Division; A standing apart Heresies PartiesHairesis A choosing, a choice; School, Party, Sect Hatred EnmitiesEchthra Enmity; The cause of enmity

7. Faction defined by W.E. Vine Denotes ambition, self-seeking, rivalry, self-will being an underlying idea in the word; party-making; seeking to win followers (Phil. 1:15; 2:3; Jas. 3:14-16; Rom. 2:8). Faction is the fruit of jealousy (2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20) Causing division, not necessarily “heretical” in the sense of holding false doctrine (Titus 3:10) Can be factious and never introduce false teaching Chu rch

8. Factionalism : Possible Causes of Jealousy Jealousy, Rivalry, Desire for pre-eminence Chu rch Another’s Ability Social Standing Dress, Looks Educational Level Wealth, Success General Behavior Personality Children Office in the Church

9. Factionalism : Possible Causes of Rivalry Jealousy, Rivalry, Desire for pre-eminence Chu rch Competition Ego: “My way is best.” Have to Win Desire for PowerControl Others Factionalism : Possible Causes of Rivalry Jealousy, Rivalry, Desire for pre-eminence Chu rch

10. The Factious Person At Work Chu rch Works behind the scenes Lines up followers for his cause Uses Gossip, Backbiting, Slander, Rumor, Hearsay Bullies his way; Intimidates; Threatens; Pouts Manipulates in order to control

11. Stopping the Factious Person Chu rch FactsConfrontExpose Remember… Press toward the mark… Phil. 3:14 Work to win souls to Christ, not some faction… John 17:20-21 Love the brethren… John 13:34-35 Grow in grace and knowledge… 2 Pet. 3:18 Create and maintain peace and harmony… Eph. 4:1-3

12. Overcoming Factionalism Church When a matter of judgment not settled to my satisfaction… For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. (Rom. 12:3) Matter of judgment not worth dividing the body over… Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble. (1 Cor. 8:13) Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. (Rom. 14:19)

13. Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil. 2:1-4) Have the Attitude of Christ in you… Phil. 2:5